TBR | The College System of Tennessee

SPEECH & DEBATE ASSISTANT COACH & TRAVEL SPECIALIST

Number of Openings:                       1

Employee Classification:                  Non-Exempt

Institution:                                       Cleveland State Community College

Department:                                     Humanities

Campus Location:                            Cleveland, TN

Salary Range:                                  $15.00 hr

Position Status:                               Part-Time Temporary / *Not to exceed 29 hours/week

Cleveland State Community College is a comprehensive, two-year post-secondary institution, located in Cleveland, Tennessee. Cleveland State is committed to providing open access and quality education to all students. A Tennessee Board of Regents institution, Cleveland State is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). At Cleveland State, our mission is to build strong minds, careers and communities through exceptional teaching and learning, workforce development and service. We wish to hire individuals with similar values who can help us accomplish those goals.

Special Instructions to Applicants: 

To be considered for a position at Cleveland State, you must complete an online application. Your skills, abilities, qualifications, and years of experience will be evaluated solely based on the information provided in your application. Any work experience not included will not be considered for meeting the minimum requirements or determining compensation for the position.

Please note the following: 

• Attaching a resume does not substitute for completion of the application form.
• Part-time work experience is calculated at 50% of full-time experience. 

JOB SUMMARY

The Speech & Debate Assistant Coach & Travel Specialist provides support in all aspects of the Speech & Debate program.  The position's primary focus will be support of the debate program, including coaching, recruitment, and travel planning. This role involves assisting with training, developing strategies, analyzing performance, providing feedback to students, and researching all aspects of travel with 25 students and staff. Additionally, this position may help with organizing tournaments and ensuring a positive team environment.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Coaching and Training (30%)

• Assist with training sessions and practices, focusing on areas like argumentation, delivery, and research.
• Provide individualized feedback and guidance to students to help them improve their debating skills.
• Develop and implement training programs for different debate formats.
• Help students prepare for and participate in tournaments and competitions - local and at other universities/colleges.

Recruitment (15%)

• Identify and recruit new students to join the debate program.
• Participate in recruitment events and activities.

Administrative Tasks (20%)

• Cash and travel requests/claims.
• Maintain personnel, financial, statistical and other important records.

• Transportation coordinator and driver.
• Assisting with the organization and management of tournaments and competitions.
• Helping with budget management and fundraising efforts.
• Maintaining records and documentation related to the program.
• Coordinating with other coaches, staff, and faculty.

Student Development (15%)

• Fostering a positive and inclusive team environment.
• Mentoring and supporting students in their academic and personal growth.
• Helping students develop essential communication and critical thinking skills.

Other Duties (20%)

• Travel to and judge in tournaments and competitions - local and at other universities/colleges, including University of Tennessee, University of Alabama, Middle Tennessee State, Walters State, and a variety of others.
• Scout and analyze opposing teams.
• Stay up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques in debate.
• Potential to coach specific debate events or positions.

EQUIPMENT

• Activities also involve work with personal computers and peripheral devices, as well as basic office machines.
• Additionally, candidate must be a licensed driver and able to operate rental vehicles.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Experience of being a part of a Speech & Debate team – student or coach.
• Knowledge of NPDA, IPDA, and other debating styles/rules.
• Knowledge of researching and booking travel for groups of 12 or more, including hotel, vehicles, and food.
• Ability to work effectively with broad groups of students and colleagues.
• Familiarity with active learning techniques and inclusive pedagogy.
• Knowledge of the mission and role of community colleges in higher education.
• Ability to cooperate as a team member with other school colleagues and administration to meet key initiatives.

• Strong organizational skills necessary to meet deadlines and to satisfy the requirements of the position.

• Detail oriented and ability to work under time sensitive deadlines; ability to multitask, prioritize and follow through on a variety of concurrent projects.

• Ability to communicate concisely and effectively, both verbally and in writing.

JOB STANDARDS/QUALIFICATIONS

• Associates Degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 3 years of prior experience in competitive debate, coaching, and/or teaching.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to motivate and mentor students by fostering a positive and engaging learning environment where students feel empowered to learn, participate, and grow by providing constructive feedback, building positive relationships, setting clear expectations, and implementing other positive teaching/coaching strategies.
• Knowledge of debate theory and practice.
• Prompt attendance at all practices, tournaments, community service events, award ceremonies, etc.

JOB LOCATION

This temporary position is an on-site role located in the Student Center- Office of Financial Aid, located on the main campus of Cleveland State Community College in Cleveland, TN is the primary workplace.

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Applicants may be subject to a background check and credit check.

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If you are interested, click on the link to apply. 

Applications can be assured full consideration if submitted by September 18, 2025. 

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Human Resources Office
Telephone: 423-478-6203; FAX: 423-478-6257
Email: humanresources@clevelandstatecc.edu

Website: www.clevelandstatecc.edu

The following link will direct you to a reporting section of the college’s website:  How Do I Report