Spirit Squad Coordinator & Head Cheer & Dance Coach

Inside Higher Ed; Valparaiso (IN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional university in Valparaiso, Indiana is seeking a Spirit Squad Coordinator and Head Cheer & Dance Coach. This role involves overseeing cheer, dance, and mascot programs while enhancing student experience. Candidates must have a bachelor's degree and experience in cheer/dance leadership. This full-time position emphasizes collaboration and school spirit, offering a dynamic environment for personal and student development.

Qualifications

• Collegiate cheer and dance participation and coaching experience.
• Ability to plan and lead practices.
• Commitment to fostering a positive learning environment.
• Ability to plan and lead practices, travel and performances.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced team environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Willingness to work extended days, weekends and holidays; some travel required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and elevate cheer, dance, and mascot programs.
• Recruit and retain high-caliber student participants.
• Plan and execute summer spirit camps.
• Plan and execute summer spirit camps in partnership with campus departments.
• Serve as a visible ambassador for spirit squads at athletic, campus, and community events.
• Ensure program compliance with university and safety regulations.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and disciplined team culture.
• Support student-athletes through mentorship and leadership development.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Organizational skills

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Spirit Squad Coordinator & Head Cheer & Dance Coach

The Spirit Squad Coordinator and Head Cheer and Dance Coach will lead Valparaiso University cheer, dance, and mascot programs while supporting the university’s mission and values through a dynamic, student-centered approach. This position is split evenly between two core areas:

• Spirit Squad Leadership (50%) – Oversee and elevate all aspects of the cheer, dance, and mascot programs, including recruiting, retention, instruction, programming, scheduling, and performance management.


• Additional Strategic Responsibilities (50%) – Based on qualifications, the successful candidate will assume key operational duties in one or more of the following areas: student recruitment and enrollment, student success and mentorship, club sport administration, event operations, and/or athletic facility support.

This role requires a proactive and adaptable individual who thrives in collaborative environments and is passionate about enhancing the student experience and cultivating school spirit both on and off campus.

Major Responsibilities

• Spirit Squad Leadership – 50%
  
  
  
  • Direct and manage the university cheer, dance, and mascot programs.
  
  
  • Recruit and retain high-caliber student participants.
  
  
  • Organize practices, performances, and travel schedules.
  
  
  • Plan and execute summer spirit camps in partnership with campus departments.
  
  
  • Serve as a visible ambassador for spirit squads at athletic, campus, and community events.
  
  
  • Ensure program compliance with university and safety regulations.
  
  
  • Foster a positive, inclusive, and disciplined team culture.
  
  
  • Support student-athletes through mentorship and leadership development.
  
  
  
  


• Additional Strategic Duties – 50% (Assigned based on qualifications and institutional need in one or more of the following areas)
  
  
  
  • Student Recruitment: Serve as admissions counselor, assist with admissions events, tours, and outreach efforts.
  
  
  • Student Success: Coordinate programming or serve in a role focused on academic support and/or personal development.
  
  
  • Club Sports Operations: Support the administration, scheduling, and oversight of elite club sport programs.
  
  
  • Event Management: Assist with the planning and execution of athletic and university events.
  
  
  • Facilities Maintenance Camp; Support: Contribute to operations within athletic facilities.
  
  
  
  

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution


• Collegiate cheer and dance participation and coaching experience


• Excellent communication, leadership and organizational skills with the ability to handle administrative tasks


• Ability to plan and lead practices, occasional travel and performances


• Ability to take initiative, work collaboratively in a fast-paced team environment, and manage multiple priorities


• Commitment to fostering a positive and supportive learning environment, student development and the university mission


• Ability to work extended days, weekends and holidays. Limited travel required.

Other Qualifications

• Experience working in the college recruitment process


• Experience as a spirit coordinator and head coach at the collegiate level

All offers of employment with Valparaiso University are contingent upon the clear results of a thorough background check. Background checks may include criminal history, motor vehicle reports, prior employment verification, and personal/professional references. If applicable to the position, they will also include credit history. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates for employment.

To Be Considered For This Position, You Must Upload

• Cover letter


• Resume


• List of 3 professional references


• Answer all application questions

Please Address The Cover Letter To

Erica Jessen

Asst Ath Dir for Marketing & Ticket Operations

Valparaiso University

Job Location: Valparaiso, Indiana, United States

Position Type: Full-Time/Regular

Seniority level

• Entry level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Other

Industries

• Online Audio and Video Media