Head Cheerleading Coach

Head Cheerleading Coach

Working Title: Head Cheerleading Coach

State Role Title: Administrative and Professional Faculty

Position Type: Administrative & Professional (Non-teaching Faculty)

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Exempt: Not Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: Intercollegiate Athletics

Department: 300029 - Cheerleaders

Pay Band: N/A

Pay Rate: Commensurate with Experience

Beginning Review Date: 05/31/2026

James Madison University, a member of the NCAA Division I Sun Belt Conference, seeks a Head Cheerleading Coach to provide strategic leadership and day-to-day management of the University's Cheerleading and Mascot programs. This position provides program-wide leadership, ensuring a safe, engaging, and competitive spirit program, overseeing all aspects of program culture, competitive performance, risk management, recruiting, administration, and student-athlete support. The Head Cheerleading Coach will foster a safe, welcoming, and highly visible program that enhances the student-athlete experience, elevates game-day atmosphere, and positively represents the university at the conference and national levels.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Leadership & Culture

• Provide vision, leadership, oversight, and accountability for the cheerleading and mascot programs aligned with departmental and institutional values.
• Establish and enforce program standards related to conduct, sportsmanship, academic integrity, and team culture.
• Serve as the primary representative for the spirit program in coordination with athletics administration, campus, and conference.
• Create an inclusive and positive environment that supports the well-being and success of all participants.

Coaching, Performance & Competition

• Direct all cheerleading activities for football, men's and women's basketball, and designated Olympic sports.
• Design and implement safe, progressive training plans for all-girl and co-ed cheerleading and mascot participants.
• Oversee game-day performance planning to support fan engagement, traditions, and home-field advantage.
• Teach and evaluate skill readiness and approve stunting and tumbling progressions in accordance with USA Cheer and Varsity safety guidelines.

Safety, Risk Management & Compliance

• Serve as the program's primary safety and risk management lead.
• Ensure compliance with USA Cheer National Safety Standards and maintain required certifications.
• Enforce Emergency Action Plans for practices, games, appearances, and competitions.
• Collaborate with Integrated Health and Sports Performance staff to support a holistic student-athlete experience.
• Operate the program in compliance with institutional, conference, and applicable NCAA and Title IX policies.

Recruiting & Roster Management

• Develop and execute a year-round recruiting strategy at the local, regional, and national levels.
• Build recruiting relationships with regional high schools, all-star programs, and club gyms commonly feeding Sun Belt institutions.
• Coordinate all tryout and selection processes, including materials, judging, and evaluations.
• Support prospective student-athletes through the admissions and onboarding process in collaboration with athletics administration.
• Manage roster size and composition consistent with institutional needs and resources.

Administration & Operations

• Manage the program within the assigned budget, including travel, equipment, and apparel.
• Coordinate scheduling, travel logistics, and team calendars using Teamworks and other systems.
• Maintain oversight of equipment inventory and apparel in coordination with Athletics Equipment Services.
• Supervise, evaluate, and mentor assistant coach and support staff.
• Coordinate camps, clinics, and fundraising activities in support of the program.

Student-Athlete Development

• Support academic success by monitoring academic progress and attendance expectations with the Office of Student-Athlete Services.
• Conduct regular evaluations and goal-setting discussions focused on performance, leadership, and personal development.
• Promote leadership development, wellness, personal growth, and prepare student-athletes as representatives of the university.

External Engagement & Visibility

• Collaborate with Athletics Marketing, Fan Engagement, and Creative Services to enhance game-day atmosphere and brand consistency.
• Coordinate mascot and spirit squad appearances for athletics, university, community, and donor engagement events.
• Support alumni engagement activities tied to the spirit program.
• Maintain appropriate social media presence consistent with athletics department guidelines.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum 3-5 years of collegiate cheerleading coaching experience or equivalent high-level coaching experience.
• Knowledge of all-girl and co-ed cheerleading, stunting, and tumbling techniques.
• Current USA Cheer Safety Certification (or ability to obtain upon hire).
• CPR/AED and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain upon hire).
• Demonstrated experience in budgeting, scheduling, and team administration.
• Demonstrated experience in program fundraising, alumni relations, or external engagement.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and travel extensively.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree.
• Prior Division I (FBS) head coaching experience.
• Experience executing youth camps/clinics.
• Experience working within a comprehensive athletics department.

Conditions of Employment: Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.

To apply, please visit: https://jobs.jmu.edu/jobs/head-cheerleading-coach-harrisonburg-virginia-united-states