Head Coach Cheerleading

Daemen University is a dynamic, independent, liberal arts institution committed to excellence in student centered learning. The University places special emphasis on preparing students for excellence in professional life, civic engagement, and on instilling and understanding that learning is an exciting lifelong journey. Students are encouraged to be creative, innovative, ethically minded leaders for an ever-changing, diverse, and interconnected world.

The Mission of Daemen University is to prepare students for life and leadership in an increasingly diverse and complex world through the integration of education and professional preparation. Daemen University is going beyond instrumental needs to foster the development of individuals who are dedicated to the health and well-being of local and global communities.

Purpose of Role

Under general supervision, the part-time Head Coach- Cheerleading recruits student athletes, schedules practice and home game performances for home competitions and contributes to the educational mission of the University by offering education, direction and instruction in sideline cheer. This position is responsible for leading, training and mentoring a squad of cheerleaders to support athletic events and promote school spirit during the men's and women's basketball seasons. This also includes incorporating the mascot- Willie the Wildcat into routines as the program develops school spirit.

About This Opportunity

Joining our Athletics team, the Head Coach Cheerleading will be responsible for the following:

• Assistant Coaches and/or volunteer coaches
• Contributes to the educational mission of the University by coordinating the instruction of student-athletes in sideline cheer training and game or special event performances.
• Design and implement engaging and effective practices and routines to engage fans with school spirit.
• Develop and maintain a positive, inclusive safe environment for cheerleaders
• Recruits students for the cheerleading program.
• Instructs methods and strategies and coaches student-athletes in the sport/activity.
• Plan and execute practices, game performances and engagement in Daemen University special events.
• Include school mascot in practice/rehearsals and performances when appropriate
• Communicate with team members.
• Evaluate cheerleader performance and provide constructive feedback and guidance.
• Coordinates and oversees all varsity squad fundraising initiatives.
• Responsible for the transport and supervision of student-athletes if off campus game performance or practices.
• Supervises assistant coaching staff and staff performance appraisals
• Participate in program specific and department-wide fundraising initiatives.
• Works with Vice President of Athletics regarding specific sport budget to ensure fiscal responsibility for all aspects of program including any type of facility rental.
• Operates the program under the rules and regulations of the University, the NCAA, ECC and/or the NEC; understanding that a coach can be suspended for a period of time without pay or terminated if found to be involved in significant or repetitive violations of regulations.
• Responsible for providing all material relevant to the team (rosters with hometowns, high schools, etc. and schedules) in a timely manner before the beginning of the season, to the athletic communications office (sports information).

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree
• Previous experience as a sideline or competitive cheerleader and/or coach
• Strong background in dance
• Excellent leadership and motivational skills
• Ability to work with team members of varying skill levels
• Strong organization and time-management abilities
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills
• Extensive knowledge of cheerleading techniques, rules and safety procedures
• Certified in CPR and First Aid; AED
• Commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive environment for all participants.
• Passionate about developing cheerleaders and promoting school spirit.

Daemen University strongly encourages all campus community members to get vaccinated for COVID-19, including a booster vaccine.