2026 Director of Debates

IS THIS FOR ME?
As an organisation that began its life as a debating society, the USU is seeking an energetic, enthusiastic and driven person to supervise and organise the day-to-day running of the Debates Committee and its programs.

This is an excellent opportunity to develop your organisational, leadership and management skills. The Director of Debates (DOD) leads the work of the USU Debates Committee. Specifically, the DOD is responsible for overseeing the tournament registration process, the schools training days and tournaments, the management of the in-house training program for novices, and ensuring that the debates community works cohesively to further the aims of the USU within and outside the University context.

If you have ideas about ways to involve more people in, and improve, the USU's Debating Committee then this is your chance to put them into action.

This role will require commitment from the DOD of (approximately) 12 months, beginning in November 2025. This will include some out of semester work, such as over the Summer AND Winter Vacation.

It is strongly recommended that no holidays be planned to coincide with the appointment period. Any potential holidays or exchange programs should be discussed with the Programs Event Coordinator before you commit to them.
Description Of The Role
Please review the full Role Description for this role here for further details of the scope and requirements of this role.

HONORARIUM
The Debates Director is eligible for an honorarium of $5,000. This honorarium payment is contingent on the Director successfully fulfilling their responsibilities which includes two (2) semesterly Reports and adhering to a Budget. The DOD is also required to submit a report to the Debates Committee each month.

INTERVIEW PROCESS
Short-listed Applicants must be available for an interview of approximately 20 minutes duration on Wednesday, 17th September or Thursday, 18th September 2025 between the hours of 9am and 4pm. Please indicate your availabilities on the Application Form when applying.

The recommendation of the selection panel will be taken to board for ratification in September. The successful applicant will receive notification of the panel's decision as soon as possible after that date.

SUCCESSFULL APPLICANTS
Successful applicants will be required to be available for the
compulsory USU induction week commencing early
November 2025 onwards for the coordination and implementation of the Debates events calendar.
Ongoing mentoring and training will continue throughout the year.

SELECTION CRITERIA
Essential Availability Criteria

• Current University of Sydney Student
• An active USU Membership. Membership is free - sign up here
• Able to commit to at least 5 hours per week worked in the USU office to coordinate the Debates program (From November 2025 onwards)
• Available for an interview of approximately 20 minutes duration on Wednesday, 17th September or Thursday, 18th September 2025 between the hours of 9am and 4pm
• Attend the compulsory USU induction

Essential Competency Criteria

• Demonstrated knowledge of and participation in the USU Debating program
• Demonstrated knowledge of the USU and its activities
• Ability to work with a broad range of people from diverse backgrounds
• Demonstrated ability to plan and organise events
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work autonomously and as a member of a team
• Proven ability to work to set deadlines and to effectively prioritise and manage time and resource
• Demonstrated knowledge of the University, and its associated bodies
• Ability to adhere to an allocated budget
• Ability to take instruction and guidance from the Programs Event Coordinator
• Ability to be flexible in regard to hours worked
• Willingness to work within Work Health & Safety and Equal Employment Opportunity principles

Desirable Competency Criteria

• Demonstrated participation in the USU's C&S and the USU's committees
• Demonstrated experience in marketing and promotional activities
• A Current NSW Provisional or above Driver's Licence
• Intermediate or better Microsoft Office skills

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: MONDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2025 at 10:00AM
How To Apply
Applications are open to all currently enrolled students with an active USU Membership.

Out of consideration to other applicants, we cannot guarantee that applications received after the closing time will be considered, so we strongly suggest you give yourself ample time to submit your application electronically.

If you are also interested in applying for 2026 Debates Committee, please indicate in question 12 below.
It is recommended to contact Programs Event Coordinator, Madeline Maronese, by emailing prior to the application closing date to go over any issues, ideas or questions and ensure your application is as good as you can make it.

• Scroll down to complete the application form
• Attach a Cover Letter (maximum of 2 pages, in MS Word or PDF format only) addressing the selection criteria, referring to the Role Description, detailing why you wish to be the Director of Debates and what you can offer the role
• Attach your resume (maximum 2 pages, in MS Word or PDF format only)
• Optional supporting material which provides an outline of your ideas for the Debates Committee in 2026 (maximum of 2 pages, in MS Word or PDF format only)

You are advised to complete your application with the awareness that the Events take place on and in venues which have significant environmental and heritage considerations in place.

Your application material will be kept on file and not returned to you. If we have your material on file we may refer to it and/or consider you for other roles. Please indicate if you would prefer that we not keep your material on file. Please supply no original material.
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