Programming and / or Volunteerism Associate(s)

Washington Urban Debate League (WUDL) is looking to hire a full time, and / or several part time (10-30 hr/wk) team members for the coming school year. We’ll start with a 9 month (August 1st 2026 - April 2027) contract, with extension and/or expansion of hours highly likely for successful candidates.

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 serve more than 1,000 students annually at more than 90, mostly Title 1 schools in the coming academic year.

The Job:

This position would report to the Programming Manager and work closely in collaboration with our small team of 6 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 occasionally all-hands on deck to support the league’s core functions, big events, etc. Our workplace is very entrepreneurial, with goals and not a ton of structure - you’ll have a lot of freedom to execute projects, and the accompanying accountability that comes with that.

Responsibilities:

40% Capacity Building

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

• New volunteer recruitment (Judges and Coaches)
• Expanding partnerships with other nonprofits, corporations, and other stakeholders
• Improving the volunteer experience and retention of volunteers
• Working with the WUDL PTA, Advisory Board, and other informal bodies

40% Programming Support

Support Coaches and Debaters through direct technical assistance, including:

• Directly coaching debate program(s) at high priority partner schools
• School visits to train coaches and launch new programs
• Support workshops, scrimmages, Public Debates, and other irregular events
• Travel Team support, including serving as a chaperone / coach on trips

20% Tournament Support

Work with WUDL staff to support volunteer elements of tournaments, 5-6 remaining this semester.

• Pre-tournament logistics with volunteers
• Pre-tournament communication with key stakeholders
• Day of tournament welcoming and trainings during breakfast and lunch.

There is potential for this position to lead to a full-time position - WUDL will likely be hiring for a full-time position starting in the fall that will include Volunteer Management as one of its primary tasks, though the exact portfolio is to be determined.

This person would also be eligible and encouraged to work at the Matthew Harris-Ornstein Summer Debate Institute, our summer program.

Desired Criteria:

• Required: High School Diploma / Equivalent credentials
  • Appreciated: College / advanced degrees
• Required: Part 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: 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 organizational skills, professionalism, and punctuality
• Required: Strong Relationship Building skills, confidence and comfort 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, computers, t-shirts, food etc.) for tournaments and teams from your car to school locations.

Compensation:

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.

We'd love to transition this person to a full time role in future years - this would be a great job for someone in school.

We are also going to post a full time role shortly.

English - proficient, required

Spanish or Amharic - appreciated