Head Cheer Coach (Stipend)

Simi Valley Unified School District; Simi Valley, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 3,200 - 4,200; Part time

Job summary

Simi Valley Unified School District is seeking a Head Cheer Coach (stipend) to plan, direct, and support the high school's cheer program under an administrator. The role is a seasonal stipend position lasting through the competitive season.

The coach will provide safe, skill-appropriate training, ensure adherence to CIF regulations and district policies, supervise staff, coordinate practices and events, maintain records, and communicate with students and families to promote academic

Qualifications

• Cheerleading techniques, stunting progressions, choreography, and safety practices.
• CIF regulations, NFHS Spirit Rules, governing cheer safety and interscholastic competition.
• District and program procedures related to student supervision and athletic operations.
• Required coaching competency areas defined in 5 CCR 5593 (injury care, coaching techniques, sport rules, youth psychology).

Responsibilities

• Oversees practices, choreography, conditioning, performances, and events.
• Ensures compliance with district policies, safety standards, and CIF regulations.
• Communicates with students, families, staff, and administrators.
• Builds and sustains a positive, student-centered team culture.
• Supervises assistant coaches and supports staff.
• Coordinates safety, rules, and supervision during activities.

Skills

Cheerleading techniques

Stunting progressions

Safety practices

Communication

Leadership

Organisational skills

Team building

Job description

To establish a list of eligible candidates that will be used to fill current and future vacancies.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Completed applications must be submitted no later than TBD.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications stated in the job posting in order to move forward in the recruitment process. The recruitment process is subject to change as needs dictate. All communication regarding this process will be delivered via email.

The information included in the Work Experience section of the application will determine whether applicants meet minimum qualifications. Please make sure you include ALL current and previous employment in the Work Experience section of the application and complete ALL fields.

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

Purpose Statement

Under the direction of an assigned administrator, the Head Cheer Coach is responsible for planning, directing, and supporting the school’s cheer program. The Coach implements safe, skill appropriate training; ensures adherence to behavior and safety standards; and maintains full compliance with District policies, State requirements, and CIF regulations, which govern competitive cheer at the high school level. The Coach fosters a positive, inclusive, sportsmanlike environment. This is a stipend compensated, seasonal position and is not part of the permanent classified service.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Head Cheer Coach (Stipend) is responsible for the overall leadership, direction, and compliance of the cheer program. This role holds primary accountability for program design, including routines, performances, and team activities; selection and supervision of student participants; and adherence to CIF spirit rules, competition guidelines, and district requirements. The Head Cheer Coach supervises Assistant Coaches and Support Coaching Staff and serves as the primary point of contact for site administration. This classification is distinguished from supporting roles by exercising full program authority and maintaining responsibility for student safety, performance standards, and compliance with all applicable requirements.

Compensation

• Stipend per the District coaching salary schedule: $3,159 - $4,210, based on demonstrated coaching experience. The stipend is paid in one installment upon completion of the season.

• Oversees all aspects of the cheer program, including practices, choreography, conditioning, performances, and events.
• Ensures all activities comply with District policies, safety standards, and CIF regulations, including cheer safety, stunt progression, and required supervision.
• Communicates effectively with students, families, staff, and administrators.
• Builds and sustains a positive, student-centered team culture.
• Models best practices and guides assistant coaches to maintain alignment with CIF, District, and program safety and instructional standards.
• Establishes and enforces team rules, attendance expectations, and safety guidelines.
• Provides active supervision of student-athletes at all practices, games, events, and competitions.
• Promotes academic accountability, sportsmanship, leadership, and personal development.
• Coordinates practice schedules, facility use, equipment needs, and event logistics.
• Maintains program documentation, including student clearances, training certificates, injury/incident reports, and required compliance records.
• Collaborates with the athletic director and site administration to maintain consistency and compliance within CIF-regulated operations.
• Ensures fundraising and team activities follow District, site, and ASB financial procedures.
• Uses social media responsibly and professionally in alignment with District guidelines, to support program communication and promotion.
• Ensures equitable access for all eligible student-athletes.
• Ensures proper care, maintenance, and safe use of mats, equipment, and training materials.

Other Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position.

Required at Time of Application (Screening Requirement)

Applicants must upload all required certificates at the time of application. Incomplete applications will not move forward.

Required uploaded documents include:

1. NFHS Certifications (via NFHS Learn, https://nfhslearn.com/) for:

• Fundamentals of Coaching
• Concussion in Sports
• Heat Illness Prevention
• Sudden Cardia Arrest

Required statewide for interscholastic coaches and widely used across CIF programs.

2. Additional Required Documents

• Any materials required by the District’s online application platform (e.g., resume, references)

Pre Employment Requirement

Valid First Aid, CPR certification, and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certifications are required. The coach must possess a current First Aid and CPR certification that meets American Red Cross (ARC) or American Heart Association (AHA) standards, or equivalent training aligned with ARC/AHA guidelines including an in-person, hands‑on CPR skills assessment completed prior to the first day of coaching duties.

• Required under Cal. Educ. Code 49413 (training must be based on ARC/AHA equivalent standards).
• ARC guidance states that online only CPR without hands on skills testing does not meet certification requirements.
• AED certification shall be obtained and maintained in compliance with AB 310

Knowledge of:

• Cheerleading techniques, stunting progressions, choreography, and safety practices.
• CIF regulations, NFHS Spirit Rules, which govern cheer safety and interscholastic competition.
• District and program procedures related to student supervision and athletic operations.
• Required coaching competency areas defined in 5 CCR 5593 (injury care, coaching techniques, sport rules, youth psychology).

Ability to:

• Teach cheer skills safely and progressively.
• Communicate effectively with students, families, and staff.
• Demonstrate professionalism, leadership, and strong organisational skills.
• Supervise students and enforce required safety and conduct standards.
• Build an inclusive and positive team environment.

Physical Abilities

• Ability to demonstrate cheer movements, spot athletes safely, and supervise physical routines.
• Requires standing, bending, lifting, and continuous movement during practices and events.

Working Conditions

• Seasonal stipend position; requires availability for evenings, weekends, and intersession/off-season activities/events.
• Work performed indoors and outdoors in varied conditions.

Employment Clearances (post-offer)

• Live scan/fingerprint background clearance
• TB clearance
• Completion of District-mandated trainings and coach onboarding requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience as a cheer coach or assistant coach.
• Experience supervising student groups or leading athletic activities.
• Certification in cheer safety, spirit coaching, or related training.
• Activity Supervisor Clearance Certificate (ASCC) if applicable.

Selection Priority (Education Code)

In accordance with California Education Code 44919(b), temporary athletic coaching assignments must first be offered to qualified certificated teachers currently employed by the District. If no certificated employee accepts the assignment, the District may consider non-certificated (walk‑on/classified) applicants who meet all requirements.

Compensation

• Stipend per District coaching salary schedule