Executive Director Search

The National Association for Urban Debate Leagues (“NAUDL”), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for students in urban schools by encouraging debate as an effective means of scholastic achievement, is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as the NAUDL’s Executive Director, following the untimely death of its previous Executive Director in late 2009. By building, strengthening and networking Urban Debate Leagues (“UDLs”), the NAUDL expands opportunities for urban youth in pursuit of its simple and compelling mission to “facilitate participation in organized debate activities for as many urban students as possible.”

The NAUDL offers an outstanding opportunity for a leader who has the capacity to raise resources, forge a powerful alliance among education reformers and the organization’s existing supporters, and nurture the growth of urban debate as a means for tremendous scholastic achievement in cities across the nation. The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience and acumen in organizational development and leadership, a passion for social justice and education reform to benefit urban youth, and superior communication skills. The next NAUDL Executive Director will have the opportunity and responsibility to promote and brand the NAUDL as an essential and valuable player in advancing the urban debate agenda, while respecting and collaborating with leaders in both the education community and the universe of fervent debate veterans, coaches and admirers to bring the substantial benefits of urban debate to students in America’s cities.

The NAUDL Board of Directors has engaged the national, executive search firm, Isaacson, Miller, to help the Board and the NAUDL Search Committee with this important search. A description of the NAUDL and the challenges and opportunities that await its next Executive Director is attached. Applications, nominations and inquiries should be sent to the following electronic mailbox: 3996@imsearch.com. All inquiries will be held in strict confidence.

For more information, please see the Invitation to Apply (PDF).