Company Description

Augsburg University has maintained a strong academic reputation defined by excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies since 1869. A safe and welcoming campus in the heart of Minneapolis, Augsburg offers undergraduate and graduate degrees to nearly 3,200 diverse students.

Augsburg’s mission is to educate students to be informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders. The Augsburg experience is supported by an engaged community that is committed to intentional diversity in its life and work. An Augsburg education is defined by excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies, guided by the faith and values of the Lutheran church, and shaped by its urban and global settings.

The Minnesota Urban Debate League (MNUDL) is a program of Augsburg University which provides resources and programming to support competitive academic debate in Twin Cities high schools and middle schools.

The mission of MNUDL is to empower students through competitive academic debate to become engaged learners, critical thinkers, and active global citizens who are effective advocates for themselves and their communities. Currently, MNUDL serves more than 1,000 students at 40 partner schools and has seen sustained growth in student participation since its inception in 2004.

Augsburg invites individuals who share our mission and commitment to intentional diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging to join our community. In particular, Augsburg invites BIPOC, LGBTQIA , individuals with disabilities, women, veterans and those from underrepresented or marginalized backgrounds are encouraged to apply. 

Job Description

The Program Coordinator is a key member of our program team. They join our Program Director and Program Manager in the daily management of the Minnesota Urban Debate League and the 40 partner schools.

Primary Responsibilities:'

• Recruit, train and support teacher-coaches and community coaches; can include making short pitches at faculty or department meetings, networking with teachers, and broad spectrum outreach.
• Provide teacher support and professional development through technical assistance site visits at practices.
• Provide support to a portfolio of schools across our programs: MSHSL Debate (primarily policy debate), Middle School Policy Debate, Spanish Debate (middle and high school), East African Debate (middle and high school), and Financial Literacy Leadership Debates (high school girls and gender non-binary students.)
•  Team lead on one community leadership program: Spanish, East African, or Financial Literacy Leadership Debates.
• Assist in the planning, preparation, and directing of MNUDL debate tournaments and workshops (can include tabbing, judge training, and volunteer management); will eventually direct tournaments on their own with support.
• Assist in creating written curriculum and material for teachers and students.
• Motivate all members of our school communities to embrace debate and the school’s debate team; meet with school administration in addition to teachers.
• Work with other team members regarding tournament and program logistics (volunteers, tournament and judge fees, busing, food, etc.
• Assist with data reports through Salesforce database as needed.
• Support summer debate institute through teaching students, providing professional development to junior staff, or assisting with camp logistics.

Additional Responsibilities

• Assist with events, outreach, board relationships, development and marketing as needed.
• Provide logistic support as needed (busing, tournament logistics, food)
• Additional duties as apparent or assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• One to three years of coaching and/or teaching experience in an urban education setting; teaching degree may substitute for 2 years of experience.
• Must have reliable transportation and ability to transport equipment and supplies to off-campus locations on a frequent basis.
• Ability to lead/teach and mentor others while maintaining confidentiality and patience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred 
• Direct experience working with teachers, curriculum, and public school districts preferred.
• Policy debate experience, including coaching, volunteering and experience running debate tournaments or comparable events preferred.
• An enthusiasm for building bridges between and among key stakeholders; strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative working style.
• Knowledge of Computer software: Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite required.
• A flexible, can-do attitude with great problem solving and analytical skills; willing to jump in and do what needs to be done.
•  Ability to work effectively with a diverse team; and work independently with little supervision.
• Project management experience - the ability to accurately manage multiple programs with frequent interruptions; requiring an organized workflow, attentiveness to detail, and precision.
• Connections with one of our Community Leadership programs preferred: Bilingual in Spanish, experience and/or knowledge of the East African community, or Financial Literacy knowledge.
• Superior written and oral skills; the ability to understand and quickly convey with clarity, crispness, and elegance the mission of the MNUDL to a wide variety of audiences within urban education, public relations, and the community. 
• Direct experience managing data reports; Salesforce and Tabroom experience preferred.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• The work environment is dynamic. It can include working in the office, preparing materials and curriculum to spending time in the afternoon and evenings at debate practices providing support to coaches and teachers. 
• This position will also include work time in the evenings and weekends both attending and running debate tournaments for both middle and high schools. 
• Regular computer and phone use.
• Carrying supplies (paper, printers, computer, t-shirts, food etc.) for tournaments and teams from your car to school locations. Infrequent carrying of up to 25-30 pounds.

Additional Information

Benefits at Augsburg

Augsburg University offers a competitive and comprehensive total rewards program including: 

• Medical, dental and vision coverage

• A generous 403(b) matching program with an employer contributions of up to 8% upon eligibility

• Up to 100% tuition remission for employees, spouses and dependents, and participation in the Tuition Exchange program with colleges and universities throughout the US

• Generous paid time-off, including 14 paid holidays, 12 sick days, 2 community service days, and vacation of up to 22 days per year immediately upon hire

• Employer-paid STD, LTD and life insurance

• Enhanced Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees

Augsburg’s Statement regarding COVID-19 Vaccinations

For the safety of our students, employees and the community in which we live and work, Augsburg requires all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19. For individuals who are unable to be vaccinated due to religious or medical reasons, Augsburg offers exemptions and accommodations.

Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Statement

Augsburg is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, or any other protected class.

Augsburg University is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all applicants and employees regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, national origin, familial status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status or public assistance status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. 

If you need a reasonable accommodation to complete our application process, please contact our Human Resources Department at phone number: 612-330-1058 or email: hr@augsburg.edu.