Harvard-Westlake is seeking to hire a debate coach to join our coaching faculty and continue the tradition of competitive debate. Harvard-Westlake supports a nationally recognized debate program consisting of three teams: Middle School Public Debate Program (MSPDP), World Schools Debate, and Lincoln-Douglas Debate. Over 60 students participate across all programs, and interest continues to grow. In addition, Harvard-Westlake Summer includes a robust, seven week debate camp which supports the academic year program.

We are looking for an innovative and dynamic person to serve as a debate coach. This role will support all aspects of our competitive debate program: coaching, program development, and program administration. The coaching responsibility is expected to be with our Lincoln-Douglas teams (novice and varsity), but it could include MSPDP and World Schools if the successful candidate prefers those styles of debate. A significant portion of this role will consist of managing the administrative and business operations of this large program. We want someone passionate about mentoring and supporting teenage students complemented with strong organizational and administrative abilities.

This is a full-time position that will begin in August 2024 and reports to the Director of the Kutler Center for Interdisciplinary Studies and Independent Research. It will require work on both our upper school campus and middle school campus, and the successful candidate will be responsible for their transportation between campuses.

The successful candidate will:

• Enjoy working with teenage students (grades 7-12) students, faculty, and staff to lead a competitive debate and speech program.

• Have experience in coaching competitive debate on the national circuit with a preference for Lincoln-Douglas style of debate. Previous experience as a debate or speech competitor is a plus.

• Be able to travel overnight with students multiple times per year to national debate competitions (expected to be at least two times per month between September and April)

• Have strong management skills and a deliberate approach to developing a diverse and inclusive environment with students, faculty, and staff.

• Help to identify a talented pool of assistant part time coaches to support the debate and speech programs

• Be comfortable and confident with all administrative aspects of running a large competitive program with extensive travel including, among other things, travel arrangements, billing, payments, hiring, and supervision.

• Exhibit a collaborative style able to work with students, coaches, other faculty, and school administration.

• Have excellent time management skills

• Participate in professional development activities, workshops, and training when possible.

Harvard-Westlake School

We are an independent school consisting of two campuses located in Los Angeles, California. We have approximately 1,600 curious, thoughtful, and inspiring students enrolled in grades seven through twelve. We are committed to creating a community of belonging and actively strive to be a diverse and inclusive community. We do not discriminate on any basis. We seek candidates who demonstrate sensitivity, knowledge, and understanding of the diverse backgrounds of community members; have the ability to work flexibly, independently, and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment with individuals from a diverse set of backgrounds; and have the capacity to serve as a model of openness, generosity, and acceptance.

What we’re looking for:

• A background in education with prior coaching experience on a national circuit.

• Prior experience in leading a high school debate program.

• Organizational and administrative skills.

• Strong communication skills and ability to communicate with multiple audiences: students, parents, colleagues, etc.

• A bachelor's degree in communications, philosophy, or related field. Masters degree preferred.

Compensation: Anticipated base compensation is $67,000 - $85,000 depending on experience.

Great benefits we offer:

• Top-tier medical, dental, and vision coverage with zero to low premium contributions for you and eligible dependents

• 403(b) Retirement with a 10% match and immediate vesting

• Cafeteria allowance – lunch is on us!

• Professional development support including continuing education.

• Personal Growth Grants

• Relocation Assistance

• Employee Affinity and Resource Groups

• Mental wellness resources and workshops

• Partially subsidized employee housing (subject to availability)

• Tickets to local sporting and entertainment events

• Discount at the school bookstore (get your HW swag!)