The Cheer Team Head Coach is responsible for the development of individual and team talent, overseeing cheer instruction, and supervising activities related to weekly rehearsals and performances as scheduled. The Coach is also responsible for ensuring the team receives choreography/instruction for any new routines. In addition, the Coach should promote the Cheer Team on campus, especially at athletic events, while encouraging the members to publicize the team in new and creative ways in order to expand membership.
The function of the Cheerleading Team is to provide a visible, positive presence to promote school spirit at Bentley home athletic events, competitions, as well as on/off campus organization programs. The incumbent in this position is expected to foster a connection with the team, the athletic teams, and the greater Bentley community. The Head Coach is responsible for tryouts, pre-season training, all games, practices, and workouts during football and basketball seasons, including post-season play, if applicable, competitions and any necessary team travel. This position also reinforces and helps manage risk and potential injury of any student participants.
Essential Duties
Coordinate weekly rehearsals and oversee all cheerleading practices and performances.
Conduct practices in a professional and organized manner.
Communicate regularly with membership and team leadership to ensure success of the team.
Provide for choreography needs of the team, either through direct choreography or by coordinating and obtaining outside choreography.
Support the recruitment and publicity efforts of the team.
Create, instruct, and implement routines and stunts.
Develop guidelines for dress and routines that are consistent with Bentley's mission.
Other Duties
Manages the student participants by reinforcing commitment to academic standards while participating in an extracurricular team.
Ensures the balance between needs of the team and time away from campus for practices and competitions.
Minimum Qualifications
High School Diploma, Bachelor's Degree preferred.
Minimum 2-3 years of experience in coaching/instructing and/or competing in cheer at a level comparable with a university club sport program.
Previous experience working with a higher education undergraduate population or adolescent/young adult individuals, as in a school, camp, or related setting.
Experience coaching cheer and supporting the skill development of individuals and teams.
Experience with and knowledge of instruction and choreography – must be able to create and teach this to participants of all skill levels. Must also be able to instruct proper safety and stunting skills as specified by AACCA Safety Guidelines.
Must hold and maintain a valid, unrestricted United States driver’s license, with an insurable driving history as determined by Bentley’s insurance carrier
First Aid certification and CPR training is required. UCA will also require coach certifications/memberships.
Work Environment
The Cheer Team Head Coach should be present at all practices and performances of Cheer Team. This includes attendance at athletic events both inside and outside, which impacts sound levels of the environment.
Position must be able to navigate and negotiate high energy situations (like competitions) while maintaining calm, organized and collected for appropriate professional responses.
Work approximately 10 hours per week (more time allocated for travel to and from away games/competitions as needed) between the months of September and May.
Travel for practices and competitions is required. This may include weekend performances and travel to out-of-town performances. The Cheer Team performs at most Bentley Basketball and Football home games and sometimes at off campus events.
Should the Cheer Team decide to attend a camp, this will also be a requirement of attendance of the coach (this could occur over the summer months).
The Coach works collaboratively with the Assistant Coach and e-board members.
Must work within the space and scheduling limitations of the Bentley campus/athletics and be flexible if changes to the schedule occur.
Must have knowledge of and the ability to create and teach complex choreography to participants at all levels of skill.
Physical Demands
The coach should be able to perform cheer instruction/choreography. Should be in good physical condition with ability to perform as instructor.
Position requires a high level of physical ability, including how to advise students appropriately about stunting, tumbling and any other gymnastic abilities, while maintaining safety standards.
Bentley University requires references checks and may conduct other pre-employment screening.
DIVERSITY STATEMENT
Bentley University strives to create a campus community that welcomes the exchange of ideas, and fosters a culture that values differences and views them as a strength in our community.
Bentley University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, building strength through diversity. The University is committed to building a community of talented students, faculty and staff who reflect the diversity of global business. We strongly encourage applications from persons from underrepresented groups, individuals with disabilities, covered veterans and those with diverse experiences and backgrounds.
