Program Associate

Programming Officer

Washington Urban Debate League

Washington Urban Debate League (WUDL) is looking for a new staff member to start for the 2025-2026 academic year to support new and existing debate programs and help expand the league’s human capacity to keep up with expected growth.

About WUDL:

Washington Urban Debate League is a D.C. based non-profit organization that supports policy debate programs at publicly funded schools as a high impact educational intervention to supplement traditional pedagogy. We’re a young, dynamic, fast-growing organization ready to adapt to an evolving educational landscape. We look to serve more than 800 students at more than 80 mostly Title 1 schools in the coming academic year.

The Job:

This position would report to the Executive Director, and work closely in collaboration with our small team of 4.5 current staff members, the board, and other key stakeholders. Given the nature of working for a small non-profit, that means having core responsibilities, but occasional all-hands on deck to support the league’s core functions, big events, etc.

Responsibilities:

40% School Support

Evangelize debate to and support the growth and functions of a portfolio of schools, including:

• Training Coaches and provide Technical Assistance on site
• Supporting coaches to recruit and engage new students
• Occasional support and travel with WUDL’s Travel Team, 5-7 weekends each school year.

40% Capacity Building

Building the league’s human capital through sustainable, diverse methods, including:

• New volunteer recruitment
• Expanding partnerships with other nonprofits, corporations, and other stakeholders
• Creating training tools to increase efficiency and expand skillbuilding
• Working with the WUDL PTA, Advisory Board, and other informal bodies

20% Tournament Administration

Work with WUDL staff to run Saturday tournaments, 7-9 Saturdays each school year, including:

• Pre-tournament logistical prep for food, facilities, trophies, etc.
• Pre-tournament communication with key stakeholders
• Day of tournament administration and post tournament clean up
• You won’t be expected to administer tournaments right away, but being the senior staff member running them sooner rather than later is expected.

Desired Criteria:

• Required: High School Diploma / Equivalent credentials
  • Appreciated: College / advanced degrees
• Required: Full Time Availability
  • Will need to work a number of nights and weekends (planned ahead of time)
• Required: Passion for education and youth development
• Required: Experience with competitive debate
  • Appreciated Experience competing in and / or coaching policy debate
  • Appreciated: Familiarity with Urban Debate Leagues
• Required: Experience teaching and/or coaching middle and/or high school students
• Required: Self starter, able to think entrepreneurially and creatively
• Required: Ability to work independently for a virtual organization and complete tasks and projects
• Required: Collaborative approach to a range of workstyles towards communal goals
• Required: Strong organization skills, professionalism, and punctual
• Required: Strong Relationship Building skills, confident and comfortable in social and professional settings with a range of stakeholders, including students, teachers, parents, school administrators, and supporters

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

• In Person: Need to be able to attend in person events at D.C. area schools. This isn’t negotiable.
• Virtual Organization: WUDL does not have an office. All staff work remotely.
• Work environment is dynamic. It can include working at home or a coffee shop, preparing materials and curriculum to spending time in the afternoon and evenings at debate practices and attending tournaments locally or regionally.
• Physical demands include working at a computer, speaking in front of a classroom, but also carrying supplies (paper, printers, computer, t-shirts, food etc.) for tournaments and teams from your car to school locations.

Compensation:

The salary band for this position is flexible, $45,000 – $50,000 annually. It includes generous benefits, including health insurance fully paid for by the league, flexible and extensive time off, and the opportunity for a retirement package after 1st year.

To Apply:

Candidates should submit a cover letter and resume in a single PDF to David Trigaux at david.trigaux@wudl.org

Washington Urban Debate League is an equal opportunity employer. We serve a diverse array of students and families from all walks of life, and prioritize inclusion in the workplace. We encourage applications from candidates from traditionally marginalized and under-represented groups.