Cheerleading Head Coach

About Berkeley

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We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

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Departmental Overview

The Student Union is the campus living room, the driving force behind a thriving, connected, and empowered student experience at UC Berkeley. As the central hub of campus life, we unite essential services, student leadership, and dynamic programs to foster a strong sense of community and success. Our expansive and diverse portfolio, including student-run enterprises, resource centers, and innovative initiatives, ensures that students have access to the tools, spaces, and support they need to thrive.

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Position Summary

The Cal Cheerleading Head Coach develops, promotes and supports the operational and strategic aspects of the Cal Cheerleading Team, which is a non-stunting program. This includes coordinating auditions; planning, scheduling, and running team practices and meetings; coordinating team uniforms, and choreographing routines to be performed at games/events.

Leads the Cal Cheerleading team program for students. Responsible for the day-to-day running of the program; works closely with the Director of Spirit on strategy and advocacy for student needs, and the execution of the administration of the Cal Cheer program. Applies campus, department, and NCAA policies and procedures to resolve a variety of issues.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: June 5, 2026. For full consideration, please apply on or before the first review date.

Responsibilities

• 15% Applies policies and procedures to plan, organize, and coordinate the Cal Cheerleading program. In conjunction with the Director of Spirit, establishes goals, agendas, attire, and schedules/timelines for the squad.
• 30% Directs performances at home and away football, basketball, and volleyball games and other special events as necessary. Determines and oversees performance music, formations, and routines.
• 30% Schedules and directs regular team practices, including warm-up and cool-down. Choreographs routines for the squad and instructs the squad on how to perform the routines; coaches and choreographs tumbling routines as applicable.
• 5% Proposes purchases for the Cheer team including uniforms, event and game day expenses, etc.
• 5% Evaluates the performance of Cheer team members and designs instructional opportunities to improve technical and strategic execution.
• 5% Coordinates try-outs for the Cheer Team, assists in the selection process, manages squad member status, and takes disciplinary action as necessary. Assesses participants' skills and assigns team or activity positions.
• 5% Schedules and directs regular team meetings to provide feedback on performance and to share information.
• 5% Other duties as assigned, including professional development.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training
• Specialized knowledge of cheerleading, particularly experience leading and/or participating in collegiate cheer teams or similar. Must have tumbling experience and certification.
• Effective interpersonal, motivational and team leadership skills to work effectively with participants.
• Ability to demonstrate creativity, sound judgment and decision-making; be an effective problem solver and effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
• Leadership skills to mentor and develop Cheer team members.
• Current knowledge of applicable rules and standards of the affiliated collegiate league (ACC), regional conference and National Governing Body and at all times avoid any and all violations of these rules and standards.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills in the English language.
• Proficient in the use of basic computer applications.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Must maintain current knowledge of applicable rules and standards of the ACC Conference, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), as well as other associations and agencies to which the Berkeley campus of the University of California adheres, and, at all times avoid any and all violations of these rules and standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working with age level specific to an activity is preferred.

Licenses / Certifications

• Certification to instruct Cheerleading including USA Cheer tumbling and spotting certification.
• Maintains CPR / AED and First Aid certification.
• Safety Certifications through USA Cheer, including tumbling safety.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted annual salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $22,000 - $24,000.

• This is an 1-year, part-time (16 hours/week) contract position that is not eligible for UC benefits.
• This is an exempt, monthly-paid position.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.