Head Coach, Competitive Dance

Gannon University; Erie (Erie County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Gannon University in Erie, PA, is seeking a full-time NCAA Division II Competitive Dance Coach to recruit, develop, and direct all aspects of the team. The program competes nationally and at championships, with emphasis on academic and athletic excellence.

The successful candidate will oversee scheduling, budgeting, coaching staff, choreograph routines, and mentor student‑athletes, ensuring compliance with NDA and university policies while promoting the program and campus engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; master's preferred.
• Successful collegiate-level coaching experience is required.
• Excellent communication and ability to teach dance technique and skills.

Responsibilities

• Recruit academically strong student-athletes who are competitive.
• Schedule competitions, practices, and travel logistics.
• Manage program budget, expenses and purchases of uniforms/equipment.
• Choreograph performances and provide routine support.
• Teach advanced pom, jazz, and hip-hop techniques.
• Comply with NDA and university policies; passes NCAA modules annually.
• Supervise staff, volunteers, and student workers.
• Monitor academic progress of team members.

Skills

Coaching

Team leadership

Communication

Dance technique

Choreography

Budget oversight

Driver's license

Safety training

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

This is a full-time 12 month position and is responsible for coaching, managing and directing all aspects of the Gannon University Competitive Dance team. The program competes at the intercollegiate II level and attends the NCA & NDA Collegiate Championship.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Recruits quality academic students who are also competitive student-athletes.
2. Schedules all competitive events and competitive facilities.
3. Schedules all practices and practice facilities.
4. Coordinates advanced scheduling, with budget approval, for all transportation, hotel, and meal requirements for away contests.
5. Completes all expense reports for all expenses associated with home and away contests.
6. Purchases, issues, maintains, and collects all team uniforms and equipment.
7. Oversees program budget and all related activities.
8. Teaches advanced level technical skills in a variety of categories: pom, jazz, and hip hop.
9. Choreographs any performances and provides choreography support for competitive routines.
10. Monitors and supports all student‑athletes in their academic pursuits.
11. Monitors, educates, and advises all student‑athletes concerning expectations in the classroom, during competitions and practices, and within campus and community living.
12. Advises administration of any significant accomplishments (athletic, academic, civic) obtained by any member of the team.
13. Identifies, hires, and supervises full‑time staff, volunteer(s), manager(s), and/or student assistant(s).
14. Participates in an annual review of the season with the Athletic Administration.
15. Learns, understands, and complies with all rules and regulations set forth by NDA and Gannon University.
16. Passes the NCAA educational modules on an annual basis.
17. Develops and implements camps and clinics.
18. Works collaboratively to develop and implement initiatives that support the program – alumni engagement, development, and promotional.
19. Performs other duties related as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree is required; a Master’s degree is preferred.
• Experience: Successful collegiate‑level coaching experience is required.
• Skills: Must have excellent communication skills and technical knowledge of the sport‑specific skills identified above for dance, combined with the ability to effectively teach and coach them.
• Licenses and Certifications: A valid driver’s license in good standing with no suspended motor‑vehicle record for five years prior to hire. Must successfully complete the USA Gymnastics safety course. AED / CPR / First Aid certified.
• University Mission: Must be able to support and promote the University’s Mission.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three to five years of collegiate coaching experience.

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 September through April.