The Debate Across the Curriculum (DAC) Part-Time Facilitator is responsible for planning, coordinating, and facilitating Debate Across the Curriculum activities that support student learning and engagement across academic disciplines. This position works closely with the DAC Director and team to organize and implement debate programming, develop and revise instructional resources for faculty and students, and ensure the successful scheduling and execution of debates across campus. The Facilitator also assists with the collection, organization, and management of program data to support assessment, reporting, and continuous program improvement.  

The ideal candidate combines strong debate experience, exceptional communication and public speaking abilities, outstanding organizational skills, and a commitment to promoting civil discourse and evidence-based argumentation in educational settings.  

This is a non-benefited position not to exceed 1,000 hours in a calendar year.

About the National Academy 

The National Academy of Free Expression and Pluralism at the University of Denver will have as its stated mission to focus students, faculty and staff on the values of free expression, civil discourse, and pluralism, in community with a diverse set of some of the country's most prominent scholars and practitioners. Curricular and co-curricular experiences on free expression and pluralism will be part of every student’s experience; grants will be provided to support internal and external research projects dedicated to free expression; and visiting faculty and speakers will be given a platform to share their experiences and expertise. Over time, the National Academy will expand its reach beyond the university community, with a focus on turning theory and thinking into action by launching a Scholars-in-Residence program to host leading thinkers/researchers, convening an Annual Summit on Pluralism, developing an essential K-12 civil discourse pedagogy, and offering civil discourse training to the corporate community—among other initiatives. 

The facilitator should embody both strong alignment with the University’s values of inclusion, innovation, excellence, integrity, and education, as well as a commitment to efficient and collaborative work. 

Essential Functions 

In addition to following the University of Denver’s policies and procedures, principal responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• Plan, coordinate, and facilitate Debate Across the Curriculum (DAC) debates across campus. 

• Develop and maintain semester and annual schedules for DAC debates in collaboration with faculty and campus partners. 

• Coordinate logistics for debate events, including communication with instructors, students, and relevant stakeholders. 

• Collaborate with the DAC Director and team to create, revise, and maintain instructional materials, guides, and other resources for faculty and students. 

• Provide support and guidance to faculty and students regarding DAC debate formats, expectations, and best practices. 

• Collect, organize, maintain, and prepare program data for analysis, assessment, and reporting purposes. 

• Manage electronic records, databases, and spreadsheets related to debate activities and program outcomes. 

• Monitor and track participation, scheduling, and program metrics to support continuous improvement efforts. 

• Represent the DAC program professionally during campus events, meetings, and presentations. 

• Perform other duties related to the successful operation and growth of the DAC program as assigned.   

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Demonstrated experience and success in intercollegiate debate, preferably British Parliamentary debate. 

• Knowledge of debate theory, argumentation, critical thinking, and public discourse practices. 

• Exceptional verbal communication and public speaking skills. 

• Ability to facilitate discussions and debates with confidence, professionalism, and impartiality. 

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with faculty, students, and colleagues from diverse academic backgrounds. 

• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills. 

• Strong scheduling and project coordination abilities with attention to detail. 

Required Qualifications 

• A record of experience and success in intercollegiate debate, preferably British Parliamentary debate. 

• Exceptional communication skills, most notably in public speaking 

• Exceptional organizational skills, most notably in scheduling and database management 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including data organization, tracking, and reporting functions. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Familiarity (and preferably experience) in facilitating DAC debates.