Job Description

Position Summary

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The Director of Forensics serves as the academic and administrative leader of Whitworth's nationally competitive forensics program. As administrative faculty with the courtesy rank of assistant professor, the Director provides high-quality instruction, mentors students pursuing excellence in speech and debate, and oversees all operational aspects of a comprehensive intercollegiate forensics program. This role blends teaching, coaching, program management, recruitment, and mission-aligned student development.



Applications will be reviewed as they are received, for full consideration, apply by January 9, 2026.

Core Responsibilities

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Student Instruction & Coaching | 60%Teach COM 245H (Applied Speech: Forensics) and COM 445H (Advanced Applied Speech: Forensics) each fall and spring semester. Design and lead a dynamic, developmentally appropriate training program that supports skill-building, competitive readiness, and the holistic growth of student-participants. Travel with and coach the team at tournaments and competitions, modeling professionalism, sportsmanship, and Whitworth's commitment to mind-and-heart education. Teach up to six additional credits per academic year in the Director's disciplinary area (e.g., Communication, Philosophy, Political Science), as assigned by the Dean.

Recruitment & Outreach | 20%Develop and implement an intentional recruitment strategy focused on identifying and engaging high-school and community-college forensics students. Build collaborative relationships with coaches, schools, and community partners to enhance visibility and grow the program pipeline.

Program Administration | 15%Manage program budgets in alignment with Whitworth policies and stewardship expectations. Plan and coordinate all team travel and scheduling for tournaments, practices, and related activities. Represent Whitworth in the Northwest Forensics Conference and other regional and national intercollegiate forensics organizations. Partner with Institutional Advancement to design and implement fundraising initiatives that support program sustainability and student opportunities.

Other Responsibilities | 5%Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Dean of the College of Arts, Sciences, & Education.

Qualifications and Core Competencies

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Terminal degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., Communication, Philosophy, Political Science); ABD candidates will be considered, with the expectation of degree completion by July 1, 2026. Evidence of effective undergraduate teaching (classroom, lab, coaching context). Experience managing budgets, coordinating travel, or administering a competitive program. Ability to plan and lead a comprehensive practice structure that prepares students for regional and national competition. Demonstrated ability to recruit and retain forensics students. Experience helping students translate forensics skills into academic, civic, or professional pathways. Strong communication, organization, and time-management skills. Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, advancement teams, and external partners. Demonstrated initiative in building partnerships with high schools, community colleges, or regional forensics networks. Proficiency with digital research tools, coaching videos, asynchronous practice platforms, or other instructional technology.

Preferred

Success coaching in one or more competitive event areas at the collegiate level. Experience managing an intercollegiate forensics program, including budgeting, travel coordination, or tournament planning. Familiarity with national forensics circuits and governing organizations (e.g., AFA, NPDA, NFA, PKD). Experience hosting tournaments or coordinating tournament logistics. Proficiency with tournament management tools (e.g., Tabroom).

Other Details

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Schedule

Full-time (.75 FTE) | 9 months |


Position will start working the last week of August and work through the third week of May.



Whitworth University is a Christian liberal arts university. Our shared mission is to provide our diverse students with an education of mind and heart, equipping them to honor God, follow Christ, and serve humanity. We seek candidates who are willing to engage with the university's mission and integrate their Christian faith into their work.



Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, faith statement, and contact information for at least three professional references. A background check and sexual misconduct check will be required of the successful candidate.



Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain valid work authorization throughout the duration of employment, including those on OPT. Whitworth University does not offer visa sponsorship for this position.



You are on this webpage because a position at Whitworth sparked your curiosity. If you find yourself questioning hitting the apply button because you might not meet 100% of the qualifications, we think you should do it! When you click apply and submit an application, your application is reviewed by a committee of real, living, and breathing human beings who want to understand your background, experience and skills to find ways you relate to the key competencies needed for success in the position.




Whitworth complies with all federal, state, and local nondiscrimination laws that are applicable to religious nonprofit institutions and does not engage in unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, sex, or disability. With our Christ-centered commitment to building a diverse and inclusive community, the university encourages applications from populations underrepresented at Whitworth including members of racial/ethnic communities, women, and persons with disabilities.

Online applications are stored on a secure site. Only authorized employees and hiring authorities have access to the information submitted.

It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.



At Whitworth University, we are committed to supporting the well-being of our faculty and staff by offering an extensive benefits package. Eligible employees can enjoy a variety of benefits, including:

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage Employer-matched retirement plans Tuition remission programs available for employees, their spouses, and dependents Life insurance and long-term disability coverage Accrued vacation and sick leave based on full-time equivalency (FTE) Access to an Employee Assistance Program Resources for Christian vocation and calling No cost access to the University Recreation Center (UREC) and the Megan E. Thompson Aquatic Center 17 paid holidays throughout the year
To discover more about these offerings, please visit our benefits page.