Program Manager, Urban Debate League

Augsburg University has maintained a strong academic reputation defined by excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies since 1869. A 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.

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

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.)

Qualifications

Minimum

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required. 
• Three (3) years of coaching and/or teaching experience; teaching degree may substitute for two (2) years of experience.
• Bilingual in Spanish is required.

Preferred

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in education, nonprofit management, public administration, or a related field.
• Experience working in urban education, youth development, nonprofit organizations, or K-12 school settings.
• Experience coaching policy debate or leading educational programs and developing curriculum or training.
• Experience supervising staff, volunteers, or student employees and managing program data, budgets, or grants.
• Experience with Salesforce or similar CRM/database systems.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Must have reliable transportation and ability to transport equipment and supplies to off-campus locations on a frequent basis.
• Knowledge of Computer software: Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite required; Salesforce preferred.
• Knowledge and/or experience in urban education required.
• Strong interpersonal skills, a collaborative working style, and an enthusiasm for building bridges between and among key stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in an inclusive work environment.
• Ability to be attentive to details, be accurate, be precise.
• Ability to lead/teach and mentor others.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment; and work independently with little supervision.
• Ability to reason/analyze; maintain confidentiality; and demonstrate patience, understanding.
• Project management experience - the ability to manage multiple programs, with an organized workflow, with frequent interruptions.

Additional Information

Application Requirements

To be considered for this position please include the following in your application:

• Resume (required)
• Cover letter (required)

Compensation & Benefits at Augsburg

• The compensation range is $55,000 - $60,000 annually, DOQ. 

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
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees

Equal Opportunity 

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: View phone number on us.fitly.work or email: View email address on us.fitly.work.