Speech and Debate Coach  ( Part Time, 0.25 FTE regularly)

Location: Bishop O’Dowd High School
Reports to Shannon Vanderpol, Associate Principal for Community Life
Contract Term: Debate Season - September 2025 through  April 2026
Salary - $40 - $50 DOE 

Bishop O’Dowd High School Mission: Bishop O’Dowd High School is a Catholic college-preparatory community, guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ, that educates its diverse student body to build a more just, joyful and sustainable world.

Bishop O'Dowd High School Charism

Finding God In All Things Calls Us to:
Community in Diversity
Strength of Character
Academic Excellence
Kinship With Creation
Social Justice
Joy 

SPEECH AND DEBATE COACH JOB SUMMARY

The Speech and Debate Coach has advanced knowledge of high school parliamentary debate, knowledge of National Speech & Debate Association competitive debate, experience coaching novice and advanced levels of debate, interest in coaching speech events, and a willingness to supervise debaters and travel.
 

SPEECH AND DEBATE COACH ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Select, organize, and publish a competition calendar and practice calendar.
• Be available to coach after school and on weekends for tournaments. 
• Provide regular individual and group instruction in preparation for tournament competition.
• Establish performance requirements, enforce academic requirements, and verify each student’s eligibility to participate in speech and debate events.
• Maintain an active chapter of the NSDA and enter student data into the NSDA website on a regular basis.
• Maintain membership in the Golden Gate Speech Association and the California High School Speech Association.
• Organize and implement debate trips in accordance with school policy and regulations.
• Travel with the team to tournaments locally and regionally, including overnight travel.
• Communicate with key constituents including parents, students, and school leadership.
• Maintain the integrity and reputation of Bishop O’Dowd High School and model integrity and commitment.
• Ensure the safety of students by adhering to both team and general school rules and regulations while on campus and while traveling.
• Manage team budget.
• Drive school vans or rental vehicles to transport students to debate tournaments 

SPEECH AND DEBATE COACH BEHAVIORAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the Catholic mission and philosophy of the school.
• Exercise sound judgment within defined procedures and regulations.
• Be self-motivated and driven to seek ways to improve the program and implement best practices.
• Be a team-player who is willing to collaborate and support Bishop O’Dowd colleagues when needed.
• Work with pride as a member of the Bishop O’Dowd community.
• Act as a role model to students and peers.
• Show respect towards all members of the immediate and extended school communities.
• Possess a positive attitude and a passion for helping debaters reach their potential.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Additionally, all personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, salary requirements and three references through our online recruitment portal.
https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=a3be2c9a-b3f4-4b3e-aa40-d11a3fd3f9d6&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=573260&lang=en_US 

Pre-employment background screening is required for all positions.

For more information on Bishop O’Dowd High School, please see our website at: http://bishopodowd.org.

Bishop O’Dowd High School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its employment policies and procedures. It follows the Diocese of Oakland's policies prohibiting illegal harassment, retaliation or discrimination. However, as a Roman Catholic high school with a stated mission, goals and objectives that clearly reflect the teachings and educational philosophy of the Diocese of Oakland, Bishop O’Dowd High School reserves the right to require all current and prospective employees to commit to carry out their duties and responsibilities in a manner that clearly and unconditionally demonstrates support of and respect for the school’s mission and Catholic identity. Persons who in good conscience are unable to agree to this commitment should not seek or accept employment at Bishop O’Dowd High School.

SPEECH AND DEBATE COACH REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree or higher
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Proven ability to report to work on a regular and punctual basis.
• Demonstrated successful experience coaching High School parliamentary debate teams

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to operate a laptop (including keyboard and mouse)
• Work requires visual acuity.
• Must be able to focus on highly detailed tasks for long periods of time
• Must be able to sit and stand for extended periods of time
• Must be able to lift 25 lbs in confined places.

About Bishop O'Dowd High School

Founded in 1951, Bishop O'Dowd High School is a Catholic college preparatory high school serving 1,250 diverse students in grades 9-12 who come from all parts of the East Bay and beyond. Informed by Catholic values, the mission of O'Dowd is to educate and inspire its students to build a more just, joyful, and sustainable world. For more information, visit the school's website at www.bishopodowd.org.

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