Program Manager, Urban Debate League

Summary of Position 

The Program Manager is responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations and implementation of the Minnesota Urban Debate League's (MNUDL) partner school programs. Working closely with the Program Director, this position collaborates with educators, coaches, students, and community partners to strengthen program delivery, foster meaningful partnerships, and ensure operational excellence across the League's network of more than 60 schools. Fluency in Spanish is required. This position includes daytime, evening, and weekend hours. 

Primary Responsibilities

Program Management 

• Lead the implementation and daily management of the Spanish Debate Program, including program planning, curriculum implementation, coach recruitment, training, supervision, and budget oversight.

• Manage a portfolio of middle school debate programs by building strong partnerships with schools, supporting teacher and community coaches, and providing technical assistance to ensure high-quality program delivery.

• Promote student participation and engagement by collaborating with school administrators, educators, families, and community partners to strengthen and expand debate programming

Curriculum and Program Development

• Partner with the Program Director to develop, implement, and continuously improve curriculum, instructional resources, and social emotional learning (SEL) support for middle and high school debate programs.

• Collaborate with internal and external partners to develop evidence-based instructional materials and ensure curriculum aligns with program goals and national debate topics.

• Analyze program and SEL data to inform continuous improvement strategies and enhance student outcomes.

Events, Training, and Community Engagement

• Plan, coordinate, and lead debate tournaments, workshops, coach trainings, and student events, including volunteer coordination, judge training, and event logistics.

• Develop and deliver professional development opportunities for coaches and educators to support effective program implementation.

• Represent MNUDL by cultivating strong relationships with schools, community organizations, and partner institutions.

Data, Grants, and Program Administration

• Oversee program data management, reporting, and Salesforce practices to support student participation, recruitment, retention, and program evaluation.

• Monitor grant deliverables and budgets, prepare program reports, and collaborate with the Development team to ensure compliance with funding requirements.

• Supervise student employees and volunteer programs, providing leadership, training, and support to ensure effective program operations.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support departmental events, community outreach, board engagement, development initiatives, and marketing efforts as needed.

• Participate in departmental, University, and community meetings, committees, and special initiatives as assigned.

• Perform other duties as apparent or assigned by the supervisor.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Typical work environment is an office. Sedentary work for long periods of time. 

• Regular computer,  phone and monitor use. 

• 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.  

• Physical demands include working at the computer but also carting supplies (paper, printers, computer, t-shirts, food etc.)