"Cheerleading Head Coach (Part-time, Non-Benefited) 1 Position - Worcester State University"

General Statement of Duties

The Head Cheer Coach is responsible for organizing and directing all aspects of the Club Cheerleading Team in collaboration with the Club Cheerleading Team officers. The Head Cheer Coach is cognizant of, and responsible for adhering to, all rules, regulations, and policies of Worcester State University, the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership Development (OSILD), and those organizations with which the University club sport programs are affiliated. The Club Cheerleading Team is considered a club activity and receives supervision and support from the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership Development and the Division of Student Affairs. This part-time position includes an anticipated schedule of 10-12 hours per week during the season/academic year, not to exceed 18 hours per week without advanced approval. Previous year's practices have been scheduled for Sunday/Tuesday/Thursday evenings 6-9:30pm. The Club Cheerleading Team is a Division 3 team and has previously competed in the All-Girl Intermediate D3 division at NCA. All students who try out for the Club Cheerleading Team are eligible to participate; the team may host try-outs to determine a final roster for a competition squad.

Responsibilities

1. Ensure a high-quality experience for team members focused on skill development and proficiency, exemplary public presentation, and a supportive team environment
2. Plan, prepare, and oversee all aspects of practices including conditioning, stunting, jumping, tumbling, and dance
3. Explain and demonstrate principles, techniques, and methods of regulating movement of the body to achieve proficiency in movement
4. Work with Cheer Team officers and OSILD to secure on- and off-campus facilities for practices and other events as needed
5. Develop a schedule of competitions with Cheer Team officers to provide a positive and competitive experience for athletes and provide support for registration and travel plans as needed
6. Collaborate with Cheer Team officers to coordinate fundraising opportunities for the program when appropriate and attend fundraising events as requested by the team
7. Support Cheer Team officers in building a recruitment plan to identify student athletes that will create and sustain a successful, competitive athletic program
8. Assist team captains to organize and conduct tryouts for the team selection process, utilizing objective rubrics to evaluate students during tryouts
9. Provide team supervision at all practices, competitions, events, and fundraising events both on and off campus
10. Ensure safety of athletes and monitor environmental conditions while upholding and maintaining proper health and safety policies and procedures as required by the University
11. Work with OSILD staff to ensure that all athletes have completed required paperwork and have an updated physical on file before allowing their participation
12. Coach, counsel, and provide direction in a positive manner to help ensure athletes realize their full potential
13. Promote academic success and social/emotional well-being as key components of team success and work in consultation with OSILD to support the personal growth and development of team members
14. Ensure all team members are respected and supported, paying particular attention to the needs of underrepresented students, and ensuring equity, diversity, and inclusion are actively sought and incorporated into the program
15. Communicate with the OSILD staff as needed on issues associated with the club or any of its participants; these issues may include travel, injuries, equipment, and administrative tasks and responsibilities
16. Prepare reports and recommendations relative to the program as needed by the Cheer Team and/or OSILD
17. Complete a monthly anticipated work schedule and submit at the start of each month and adhere to the approved weekly schedule
18. Develop positive rapport with Student Involvement staff and the Worcester State University community

Job Requirements

Required Qualifications

1. Previous coaching experience, preferably in a college or university setting, with at least one year of experience
2. Knowledge of best practices and current techniques of coaching, competitive cheerleading, and rules and regulations of the sport and related competitions
3. Active Cheer Coach membership with USA Cheer or ability to activate upon hiring
4. Evidence of a positive attitude and the ability to get along well with others
5. Energy, enthusiasm, and mobility to actively coach physical sports
6. Demonstrate a commitment to the developmental education of students
7. Strong commitment and ability to motivate, teach, and counsel academically and athletically qualified student athletes
8. Strong communication and interpersonal skills
9. Strong planning, organizational, and time management skills
10. Flexibility of time necessary to make commitment to varying time needs of the position
11. First Aid, CPR, and AED certification, or willingness to attain such certification(s) upon hire
12. Familiarity with USA Cheer/AACCA safety standards
13. Experience as a competitive Cheerleader and/or Cheer Coach at the college level preferred
14. Successful completion of standard background checks, including but not limited to education verification, driving, national criminal background checks, and child abuse clearance
15. As part of the University's approach for the health and safety of our campus community, proof of COVID-19 vaccination (including booster) is required upon hire

Additional Information

Worcester State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer which seeks to reflect the diversity of its community. This is a part-time, non-benefited, hourly position.