Assistant Coach - Speech and Debate; PT

Position: Assistant Coach - Speech and Debate (PT)
General Job Brief

Arizona Christian University seeks a dynamic Speech and Debate Assistant Coach and Recruiter to launch our competitive debate program. This position requires strategic recruitment efforts during winter and spring of 2026 to launch a speech and debate team with 10-15 students in the fall of 2026. The ideal candidate will be passionate about mentoring students, advancing rigorous intellectual engagement, and promoting ACU's mission in the broader community.

The emphasis of this role will be to engage widely in Arizona homeschool network and existing high school debate programs to recruit an incoming class of 10+ students committed to the inaugural speech and debate program at ACU.

This role also requires a comprehensive understanding of and commitment to the unique Christian mission and vision of ACU to Transform Culture with Truth, and the ability to advance that mission and vision through the performance of its duties, including person-to-person mentorship and discipleship.

Duties, Tasks, Responsibilities

Coaching & Program Development

* Develop a long-term strategic plan to elevate the team's competitive profile and attract top talent

* Foster an environment that emphasizes integrity, teamwork, and biblical leadership

Student Recruitment

* Identify, recruit, and engage prospective students with a demonstrated interest in debate, public speaking, or related academic pursuits

* Represent ACU at regional and national debate tournaments, high schools, and relevant academic conferences

* Collaborate with admissions and marketing to craft messaging that highlights the intellectual and spiritual benefits of ACU's debate program

Program Leadership & Administration

* Track student enrollment, participation, and retention

* Manage program budget and resources

* Cultivate relationships with alumni, donors, and supporters to enhance program visibility and sustainability

Other Duties and Responsibilities

* Completing other duties and tasks with utmost integrity and professionalism, as directed, and not necessarily mentioned in this description, will be expected.

* Commitment to the University's faith statement, mission, and purposes; and an active Christian faith.

* Comfort and familiarity with the practice of praying with and for others, including students, faculty, and fellow University staff.

* The ability to meaningfully support and encourage students, faculty, and staff from a biblical worldview perspective, using relevant and applicable references from the Old and New Testaments and orthodox Christian writings.

Education and Experience and required knowledge

Bachelor's degree required, advanced degree preferred

Demonstrated experience in debate coaching, competitive public speaking, or related areas

Proven success in student recruitment, outreach, or admissions preferred

Fair Labor Standards Act

This position is part-time, exempt for overtime pay provisions as

provided by the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and any applicable state laws.