Head Coach, Competitive Cheer

Gannon University; Erie (Erie County); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Gannon University is seeking a Head Competitive Cheer Coach for a full-time, 12-month position. This role will involve coaching, managing, and directing all aspects of the university's Competitive Cheer & Dance program, which competes at the intercollegiate II level.

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree, excellent communication skills, and experience in cheer or dance at a collegiate level or higher. The coach will be responsible for recruiting, scheduling events, and overseeing program budgets while promoting the university’s mission.

Qualifications

• Must support and promote Gannon University's Mission.
• Experience coaching at collegiate or high school level.
• Strong understanding of USA Cheer safety rules.

Responsibilities

• Coach and direct all aspects of the competitive cheer program.
• Recruit competitive student-athletes.
• Schedule competitive events and practices.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Technical knowledge of cheer and dance

Ability to teach cheer and dance skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Valid driver’s license

Job description

The Head Competitive Cheer Coach position is a full-time, 12‑month role responsible for coaching, managing, and directing all aspects of the Gannon University Competitive Cheer & Dance program. The team competes at the intercollegiate II level and attends the NCA & NDA Collegiate National Championships annually.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Recruits quality academic students who are also competitive student‑athletes.
• Schedules all competitive events and competitive facilities.
• Schedules all practices and practice facilities.
• Coordinates advanced scheduling, with budget approval, for all transportation, hotel, and meal requirements for away contests.
• Completes all expense reports for all expenses associated with home and away contests.
• Purchases, issues, maintains, and collects all team uniforms and equipment.
• Oversees program budget and all related activities.
• Teaches advanced level stunting, baskets, tumbling, and pyramids safely and with proper technique.
• Monitors and supports all student‑athletes in their academic pursuits.
• Monitors, educates, and advises all student‑athletes concerning expectations in the classroom, during competitions and practices, and within campus and community living.
• Advises administration of any significant accomplishments (athletic, academic, civic) obtained by any member of the team.
• Identifies, hires, and supervises full‑time staff, volunteer(s), manager(s), and/or student assistant(s).
• Participates in an annual review of the season with the Athletic Administration.
• Learns, understands, and complies with all USA Cheer safety rules and Gannon University regulations.
• Passes the NCAA educational modules on an annual basis.
• Develops and implements camps and clinics.
• Works collaboratively to develop and implement initiatives that support the program – alumni engagement, development, and promotional.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education: A bachelor’s degree; working knowledge of USA Cheer safety rules and an understanding of the philosophy behind them.

Licensure: A valid driver’s license with a good driving history is required.

Skills: Must have excellent communication skills and technical knowledge of the sport‑specific skills identified above, combined with the ability to effectively teach and coach them.

University Mission: Must be able to support and promote the University’s Mission.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: Cheer or dance experience at the collegiate level; preferably with competitive experience at NCA & NDA Nationals. Team coaching experience at the high school level or higher. Experience participating on or coaching programs that have a collaborative approach to their cheer and dance programs. Experience and expertise in both cheer and dance.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must be able to meet the physical demands associated with a busy athletic team schedule. Work is performed indoors and outdoors in a busy University setting. The work schedule will vary with heavier emphasis August through April.