HS Mock Trial Sponsor - Centennial

The Ankeny Community School District (CSD) enjoys a reputation as one of the premier school districts in Iowa and the midwest, with students, staff and parents unified in their efforts to excel in academics, athletics, the arts and activities. Located in the heart of Iowa, Ankeny is just 6 miles from the capital city of Des Moines The District serves over 12,500 PK-12 students. Ankeny CSD is the 6th largest school district in the state of Iowa, growing an average of 300 students per school year. The district offers a competitive salary and benefit packages.

JDE: 6.22E

Mock Trial Sponsor

Purpose Statement:

The Mock Trial sponsor will work with attorney coaches and volunteers to supervise all students who are participating in Mock Trial. The position includes supervising students at and attending scrimmages set by the sponsor and attorney coach, going to the regional tournament held in Des Moines the first week of March, and supervising and attending state, final, and national tournaments in late March and May should the teams qualify. The Mock Trial Sponsor is responsible for registering for tournaments, working with the attorney coaches and volunteers to schedule practices and scrimmages, supervising practices and scrimmages, and organizing fundraisers as needed to help offset students’ costs for the program should a team qualify for the state and/or national tournament. It is the role of the Mock Trial sponsor to communicate with students, parents and guardians, and school officials about practices, scrimmages, and tournaments.

Job Title: Mock Trial Sponsor

Employment Term: Work year established by the Superintendent

Reports To: Building Principal and Activities Director

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Timeline of Season

Middle School Calendar:

• August 29th through December 8th
• Weekly meetings set by the Mock Trial Sponsor and the Attorney Coaches.
• Dates and times subject to change: Tuesdays and Fridays from 3:45-5:30 and Sundays from 3:00-5:00, for example, with additional dates for scrimmages.
• Competition dates: Regional competition - early November, State competition - late November/early December.
• End of season celebration/banquet: Early December

High School Calendar:

• Mid December - End of March (unless the team qualifies for the National competition which takes place in May)
• Weekly meetings set by the Mock Trial Sponsor and the Attorney Coaches. Typically, coaches meet with teams twice during the week for two hours and on Sundays.
• Competition dates: Regional competition - early March, State competition - end of March, National competition (if they qualify) mid-May
• End of season celebration/banquet as decided by the teams.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Previous experience or affiliation with mock trial, preferred.
• Strong knowledge of techniques and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead, instruct, and supervise students and a staff.
• Ability to work under pressure and remain calm.
• Proficient in organization, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Essential Functions:

• Works with attorney coaches and volunteers to facilitate students' understanding of witness statements, court procedure, and the legal system in order to present both the plaintiff and defense sides in a court of law.
• Assist with gathering necessary equipment and materials for trials, including but not limited to blow-up exhibits, demonstratives, time keeper cards, timers, clipboards, nametags, easels, pens, and appropriate courtroom attire.
• Ensure students academic eligibility and coordinate with attorney-coaches and parents as needed to address attendance concerns, academic concerns, or any other concerns related to a student's participation in mock trial
• Supervise students during practices and competitions.
• Schedule activities for the purpose of making necessary arrangements for practices and competitions.
• Assisting in the selection process of participants for various teams.
• Work with parents and volunteers to execute fundraisers as needed.
• Organize, promote, and host scrimmages.
• Maintain positive relationships with local judges, attorneys and other school coaches to build a Mock Trial culture.
• Organize trips to tournaments, make copies of the case, and register teams for competition.
• Perform other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient functioning of the club.

Goals of the Club

• Develop students’ life skills, such as critical thinking, reading, effective public speaking, and advocacy.
• Heighten students’ appreciation for the principle of equal justice for all.
• Promote students’ awareness of current legal issues.
• Promote the exchange of ideas among students.

Working Environment

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors

The usual and customary methods of performing the position functions require the following physical demands: significant lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing, reaching, driving, standing and walking. Working conditions may include extreme temperatures and humidity. Hazards may include exposure to communicable diseases. This position requires one to maintain emotional control under stress. Successful candidates are subject to post-offer pre-employment physical.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working independently under broad organizational guidelines to achieve unit objectives. Utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform the job’s functions. There is a continual opportunity to significantly impact the organization’s services.

Terms of Employment

Work year established by the Superintendent; Salary according to schedule adopted annually.

Clearances

Background Clearance

Evaluation

Job performance will be evaluated annually, as per district policies and procedures

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

Date: 8/11/2023

Ankeny Community School District is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is the policy of the District to provide equal employment opportunities and not to illegally discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, age or marital status in its employment and personnel practices. The job categories where the representative groups are underrepresented.