Graduate Assistant, Spirit Teams

Leo Saint University Incorporated; Saint Leo (FL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

FREE Tuition - Employee, Spouse, and Dependents

Comprehensive Group Health Plan

403b Retirement Plan

Discounted On-Campus Dining Meal Plans

Job summary

A leading university in Florida is seeking a Graduate Assistant for Student Spirit Groups to assist in managing dance, cheer, and mascot teams. You will coach and support team members in skill development and performance routines while fostering a positive atmosphere. The ideal candidate will have a relevant degree and experience in cheer or dance, along with strong leadership and communication skills. This role includes flexible hours for team events, making it an engaging opportunity within the university's vibrant community.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of collegiate and/or professional dance, cheer, pom, or mascot experience.
• Certification in CPR, first aid, concussion, or willingness to obtain certifications.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Assist in coaching cheer, pom, dance, and mascot teams in skill development.
• Lead practices and skill-building drills to enhance team members' performance.
• Provide individual coaching and feedback to team members to support their growth.

Skills

Team Player

Strong work ethic

Excellent organizational skills

Strong customer service skills

Choreography experience

Strong Technology and Marketing skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in sports management, physical education, dance, or a related field

Job description

## Job Description SummaryThe Graduate Assistant of Student Spirit Groups is responsible for assisting the Director and Assistant of Student Spirit Groups in the daily operations, training, and management of the university’s dance, cheer, pom, and mascot teams. This position will work with the Head and Assistant Coaches of Student Spirit Groups to create engaging routines, foster team spirit, support athletic events, and maintain a positive, high-energy atmosphere representing Saint Leo University's brand and core values. The Graduate Assistant of the Spirit Teams reports directly to the Director of Student Spirit Groups.## Job DescriptionDUTIES AND TASKS:* Prioritize the recruitment and retention of Spirit Team members.* Assist in coaching cheer, pom, dance, and mascot teams in skill development, performance routines, and physical conditioning.* Lead practices and skill-building drills to enhance team members' performance.* Help develop new choreography for routines and halftime performances, ensuring they align with the university’s branding and athletic goals.* Provide individual coaching and feedback to team members to support their growth and improvement.* Assist with planning and organizing tryouts for new team members.* Assist in coordinating the teams’ participation in university events, sporting games, pep rallies, and other promotional campus activities.* Support teams in preparation for major performances, ensuring they are well-rehearsed and ready for game day.* Help coordinate mascot performances, ensuring they align with game-day energy and engagement.* Serve as a positive mentor to all spirit team members, promoting teamwork, academic excellence, sportsmanship, and the university’s values.* Maintain clear communication with team members, their families, and relevant campus departments within the guidelines provided by the Director.* Assist in developing and implementing team-building activities and practices to foster a strong team culture.* Provide administrative support as needed for team activities, including scheduling practices, events, and meetings.* Participate in recruitment efforts, including attending high school and community college events, and assisting with auditions and tryouts for new team members.* Help create promotional material to recruit new members and retain existing team members.* Assist in developing training programs to improve team members' physical fitness, strength, flexibility, and endurance.* Ensure all team members are following appropriate fitness regimens and safety protocols to avoid injury during practice or performance.* Ensure all spirit team activities are conducted in compliance with university policies, safety regulations, and best practices for student-athletes.* Monitor and maintain safe practice environments to minimize risks of injury.* Stay updated on current trends and regulations within the cheer, dance, pom, and mascot disciplines.* Assist with tracking budgets, managing team gear and uniforms, and organizing transportation for away games/events.* Maintain records for practices, performances, and events attended by the teams.* Collaborate with other departments (i.e. Athletics, Communications) to enhance spirit team visibility and involvement on campus.* Take on additional responsibilities as needed for the success of the Spirit program.REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:* Bachelor’s degree in sports management, physical education, dance, or a related field (preferred).* Must be an ethical person with strong values of integrity and confidentiality* Excellent customer service and communication skills* Must be able to physically coach, instruct, and demonstrate dance and cheer team members on dance fundamentals, collegiate-level skills, game-day presence, sportsmanship, and leadership.* Team Player* Strong work ethic* Strong knowledge of cheerleading, dance, pom, and mascot performance techniques.* Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills.* Ability to work collaboratively with diverse student groups and staff members.* Certification in CPR, first aid, concussion, or willingness to obtain certifications* Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to support team events and activities.* Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate and inspire students.* Clean driving record and capable of driving University VansKnowledge:* Basic dance and cheer knowledge on a collegiate levelSkills:* Strong administrative communication skills* Strong customer service skills* Choreography experience* Strong Technology and Marketing skillsAbilities:* Ability to lift/move furniture weighing over 50lbs, and support heavy objects (i.e., stunts, tumbling mats, etc.) and demonstrate physical activities as required during coaching.* Ability to remain patient and calm when mediating, providing feedback, and in other facets of the role.* Ability to stand, walk, and engage in physical activity for extended periods during practices and events.* Capable of working in outdoor and indoor environments during varying weather conditions.* Ability to coach and lead a team or student group* Ability to operate a motor vehicle/vanMinimum Qualifications:* Bachelor’s degree in sports management, physical education, dance, or a related field (preferred).* At least 1 year of collegiate and/or professional dance, cheer, pom, or mascot experience).What it’s Like to Work Here: Ask our employees and the one word they’d use to describe working at Saint Leo University is “Community.” Our team members all share the Saint Leo core values, positive attitudes, and problem-solving abilities, enabling them to provide excellent student centered service. Our mission is educating and preparing students for life and leadership in a challenging world. Thank you for your interest in joining the Saint Leo PRIDE!We are committed to providing our employees with the support they need. At Saint Leo, we offer an array of medical, dental, and vision packages as well as several add-on perks to make your benefits package truly customizable to you and your family needs. Available benefits based on employment status (Full Time vs Part Time).* FREE Tuition - Employee, Spouse, and Dependents\** Tuition Exchange Opportunity - Dependent of Employees\** Generous Paid Leave - Sick, Vacation, and Holidays* Comprehensive Group Health Plan (Medical, Dental, and Vision)* Group Medical Plan includes Teledoc, Surgery Plus, Wellness Incentive Program and more!* 100% Employer-Funded Health Reimbursement Account* 100% Employer-Paid Short Term Disability Insurance* 100% Employer-Funded Employee Assistance Program (healthcare and dependent options)* Employer-provided life insurance* Discounted On-Campus Dining Meal Plans* Nationwide Pet Insurance* Flexible Spending Accounts* 403b Retirement Plan* Wellness Center\*Eligibility based on meeting required service period# Top WorkplaceEach year from 2012 to 2016, Saint Leo University was named one of Tampa Bay’s Top Workplaces by the *Tampa Bay Times*.# One of the Top-Ranked Universities in FloridaOne of the top-ranked universities in Florida, Saint Leo is a Catholic, liberal arts school serving learners of all faiths.### We are traditional, but we are cutting edgeEstablished in 1889 by the Order of Saint Benedict of Florida, the university seeks balanced growth in mind, body and spirit for all members of our community. Saint Leo has grown from a peaceful campus in the rolling hills of Central Florida to an institution of international consequence—ranked one of the best regional universities in the South by *U.S. News & World Report*Our Tampa-area campus remains committed as ever to student-centered liberal arts education, and is strengthened by the global reach of our regionally accredited online programs and Education Centers in seven states across the U.S., including