Hobart and William Smith Colleges is accepting applications for admission into the
Master of Arts, Higher Educational Leadership program. Our two-year Master's in Higher Education Leadership (MHEL) program will prepare you to challenge the current state of higher education and lead the change needed to support the next generation of college students. Courses encourage you to analyze and critique the history and policy of higher education, identify ways to build community for all students, and investigate and develop leadership and innovation techniques. Admission is now open for the 2026-2027 academic year for both Graduate Assistantships and admission! The program boasts a wide array of Graduate Assistantships which include tuition remission in the HWS MHEL program and an annual $20,000 stipend. GAs are also eligible for regional professional development opportunities and can apply for financial assistance for a national conference during their final year in the MHEL program. Priority consideration for this position will be given to applications received by March 1, 2026.
The Assistant Debate Coach (Graduate Assistant) works with the accomplished HWS Debate Team, chaperoning and guiding students during their weekend tournaments in the US and abroad. They assist the Director of Debate in the conduct of two weekly practices for the team's undergraduate members, hold office hours, and offer support for events and tournaments hosted at HWS-including the HWS IV and the world-renowned HWS Round Robin.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Assist in the planning and execution of two weekly debate practices.
- Drive, chaperone, and counsel students during their tournaments, ~4-5 weekends per semester.
- Lead and mentor students at all levels of debate experience, assisting the Director of Debate in teaching the fundamentals of the British Parliamentary format.
- Hold weekly office hours, offering one-on-one mentorship to students.
- Work with the team's student-led Executive Board to manage travel logistics and planning for debate-related events.
About HWS
A liberal arts and sciences institution, Hobart and William Smith is known for consistent success in preparing students for meaningful lives and fulfilling careers through an outcomes-based focus on their futures. Our nationally ranked faculty are accessible teachers and scholars known for the impact of their research and distinguished by the depth of their mentorship. World challenges are studied in the classroom where critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills are honed. In the field, knowledge turns into discovery. In office hours, plans are carefully crafted to tie interests and talents to an academic path that motivates beyond graduation.
Our location in the heart of the Finger Lakes allows faculty, staff and students to live and work collaboratively on the banks of a resource-rich lake. Student-athletes play for 30 varsity teams boasting 24 national titles, including the 2023 and 2024 NCAA DIII Men's Ice Hockey Championships. With three graduate programs, students can build on their undergraduate degree with a Master of Arts in Higher Education Leadership, Master of Arts in Teaching, or a Master of Science in Management. Together, the experiences and mentorship at HWS prepare students to lead lives of consequence.
Other Information:
This is a part-time, temporary, non-benefits eligible position. This position description is not all-inclusive as other tasks or responsibilities may be assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree required
- Minimum of one year of leadership experience, preferably in a related area
- Strong in-person communication skills and ability to connect easily with all groups of people
- Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse population and enjoy engaging with people
- Student-centered with a collaborative, team-oriented approach
- Detail-oriented and organized
- Brings positive energy and a sense of humor to the role
- Ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with individuals from different cultures or backgrounds
Terms of Employment:
- Must maintain a cumulative GPA of a 3.00
- Employment begins August 1, 2026, and ends May 31, 2027
All Graduate Assistantships must be accepted into the Master of Arts in Higher Education Leadership at Hobart and William Smith Colleges as full-time students, as Graduate Assistantships have a maximum term of two consecutive years. Maintaining good academic standing, contributing in the classroom setting, managing their time effectively and balancing their schoolwork along with their GA duties is a priority for all parties.
Application Instructions
The Colleges are an equal employment opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination and harassment in their programs and activities against employees or applicants based on race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, citizenship, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, familial status, domestic violence victim status, caregiver status, military status, including past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, social class, or any other category or characteristic protected by applicable law.
