INDIAN DEBATING LEAGUE
JOB DESCRIPTION
- Position : Operations Manager
- Department : Tournament & Training Operations
- Location : India (Remote with travel requirements)
- Employment Type : Full-Time
- Compensation : Ranges upwards from ₹45,000 per month onwards + Performance Bonus
ABOUT INDIAN DEBATING LEAGUE
The Indian Debating League is India's largest school debating platform, empowering learners aged 8–17 years to develop a point of view and express themselves with confidence and clarity. Over the years, IDL has engaged 90,800+ students across 13 countries and has been recognized by GESF Dubai, Inc42, and Singapore EdTech. Students trained under IDL have earned accolades at Princeton, LSE, Oxford Union, Stanford Invitational, and Harvard, guided by some of the world’s best coaches. As the Official Hosts for the Cambridge School and Oxford Union Debates for International Rounds, the Indian Debating League (IDL) is committed to nurturing India's brightest minds on regional, national, and global issues. Overview for your reference - https : / / youtu.be / 7CbEw3WcP_Q
POSITION OVERVIEW
We are seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Operations Manager to lead the end-to-end execution of our debating tournaments & training. This role sits at the intersection of strategic planning, stakeholder management, and operational excellence. The ideal candidate will be responsible for designing tournaments, driving participant engagement, ensuring flawless event delivery, and maintaining strong relationships with all stakeholders in the debating ecosystem.
This is a high-impact role requiring someone who thrives in fast-paced environments, can juggle multiple priorities, and is passionate about creating transformative educational experiences for young debaters across India.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Strategic Planning & Structuring (30% of role)
Design and implement innovative tournament formats that enhance participant experience and competitive integrityDevelop comprehensive tournament schedules with clear timelines, milestones, and contingency plansNegotiate and execute Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with educational institutions, corporate partners, and tournament sponsorsConduct resource planning and allocation for critical tournament components including judge panels, tabulation teams, and venue logisticsBuild and maintain operational frameworks, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and readiness checklistsAssess operational risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure tournament preparedness2. Outreach & Engagement Strategy (25% of role)
Design and execute data-driven outreach campaigns targeting schools across different cities and grade levelsAnalyze participation trends and demographic data to optimize recruitment strategiesOversee team formation processes, ensuring balanced representation and competitive equityManage multi-channel communication strategies (email, social media, WhatsApp, phone) to maintain engagementDevelop and streamline onboarding processes for new participants, including orientation materials and registration workflowsBuild relationships with debate coaches, teachers, and institutional coordinatorsTrack and report on engagement metrics and conversion rates3. Tournament Leadership (25% of role)
Serve as the operational command center during tournament execution, ensuring all moving parts function cohesivelyImplement and monitor tech-enabled infrastructure including registration systems, tabulation software, and live result platformsProvide real-time problem-solving for issues ranging from scheduling conflicts to participant concernsCoordinate cross-functional teams including judges, volunteers, technical staff, and content creatorsEnsure adjudicator briefings are conducted effectively and judges are properly assigned to roundsMonitor tournament timelines and make dynamic adjustments to maintain schedule integrity4. On-Ground Experience Management (15% of role)
Own the physical participant journey from registration desk to trophy ceremonyImplement safety protocols and emergency response proceduresCoordinate hospitality arrangements including food, refreshments, and comfort facilitiesEnsure brand visibility through proper placement of banners, signage, and promotional materialsManage venue logistics including room allocations, audio-visual setups, and accessibility provisionsTroubleshoot on-ground issues with speed and professionalism5. Impact Closure & Stakeholder Stewardship (5% of role)
Manage post-tournament processes including equity reviews, appeals, and result finalizationCoordinate timely communication of results, rankings, and recognition to all participantsOversee certification and recognition journeys including trophy distribution, certificates, and digital badgesMaintain engagement with partners through follow-up meetings, impact reports, and feedback sessionsDocument lessons learned and best practices for continuous improvementREQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Experience :
Bachelor's degree in Management, Business Administration, Event Management, Education, or related field preferred but not required1-3 years of experience in operations, event management, project coordination, or related rolesExperience managing large-scale events with 100+ participants preferredCore Competencies :
Exceptional organizational skills with ability to manage multiple concurrent projectsStrong problem-solving abilities and comfort with ambiguityData literacy and experience with analytics tools for decision-makingExcellent written and verbal communication skills in English and HindiProficiency in project management tools, spreadsheets, and presentation softwarePersonal Attributes :
Self-starter with entrepreneurial mindset and ownership mentalityCalm under pressure with ability to make quick decisions in tournament environmentsPassionate about education, debate, and youth developmentWilling to travel extensively across India for tournament executionCOMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Monthly Salary : Ranges upwards from ₹45,000 per month onwardsPerformance Bonus : Annual bonus based on tournament success metrics, participant satisfaction scores, and operational KPIsProfessional Development : Access to debate judging training, event management courses, and leadership workshopsTravel : All tournament-related travel, accommodation, and meals coveredImpact : Direct contribution to shaping the intellectual development of thousands of young IndiansAPPLICATION PROCESS
Interested candidates should submit :
Updated CV / Resume highlighting relevant experienceCover letter (maximum 500 words) explaining your fit for this role and passion for debate / educationBrief response (200 words) to the scenario : "A school pulls out of a tournament 48 hours before the event. How do you handle this situation?"Please send applications to : hello@augli.ai
Subject Line : "Operations Manager Application - [Your Name]"
Indian Debating League is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
