Cheerleading Skills Coach

POSITION SUMMARY 
This position is responsible for developing athletes’ technical skills in stunting and tumbling across all levels within the Spiritleader Program. The Skills Coach serves as a technical specialist and leader, working in collaboration with the Head Cheer Coach and other program coaches to enhance athlete performance, safety, and progression. This role includes leading a dedicated weekly skills practice focused on progression, technique refinement, and confidence building in both stunting and tumbling. The Skills Coach must be confident in spotting and coaching all levels of skills, from foundational through elite, and play a key role in preparing athletes for successful integration into routines and competition performance. In alignment with Student Life programs, the Skills Coach contributes to the overall mission of Orange Lutheran High School by fostering Christian leadership, character development, and a positive, growth-centered environment.

Reports to: Head Cheer Coach

Supervises: None

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Partnership, Coordination, and Collaboration

• Partner and collaborate with the Head Coach and program staff to align skills training with team goals and competition readiness
• Communicate athlete progress, readiness, and safety considerations to the coaching staff
• Support overall program development through technical expertise in stunting and tumbling

Leadership

• Model Christian values and demonstrate the love of Christ in all interactions with athletes, families, and staff
• Foster a positive, disciplined, and encouraging environment focused on growth and accountability
• Communicate effectively and professionally with athletes and coaching staff
• Support team culture, unity, and adherence to program expectations

Coaching (Primary Responsibility)

• Plan and lead a weekly 1.5–2 hour skills practice every Wednesday morning on campus, focused on stunting and tumbling development
• Teach, progress, and refine skills across all levels, including:
  • Basic Fundamentals: rolls, handstands, cartwheels, basic stunt positions
  • Intermediate: back handsprings, tucks, extensions, transitions, single-leg stunts
  • Advanced/Elite: fulls, rewinds, release moves, inversion entries, high-level tumbling passes
• Provide confident, consistent spotting for all levels of stunting and tumbling, ensuring athlete safety at all times
• Evaluate athlete skill levels and implement appropriate progressions and modifications
• Emphasize proper technique, body awareness, timing, and execution
• Implement conditioning and drills to support safe skill progression and injury prevention
• Assist in preparing athletes for the integration of skills into routines and competition performances 

Safety & Risk Management

• Ensure the safety of all athletes during training through proper spotting, progression, and supervision
• Maintain awareness of athlete readiness and prevent unsafe skill attempts
• Follow all safety protocols, certifications, and governing body guidelines
• Monitor training environment to ensure appropriate use of equipment and space

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• All other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the competencies, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education 

• High School education required

Experience

• Experience as a cheerleading/STUNT coach for 1-3 years or related experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties listed

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, CLEARANCES

• Valid Fingerprint, CPR, TB, and First Aid Certifications
• Ministry Safe Clearance
• Valid California driver's license
• NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching Certificate
• NFHS Concussion in Sports Certificate
• NFHS Heat Illness Prevention Certificate
• NFHS Sudden Cardiac Arrest Certificate
• Current AACCA Certification within 1 month of the higher date

KEY COMPETENCIES

Knowledge

• Knowledge of how to lead and critique evaluations
• Knowledge of the rules, principles, techniques, and safety procedures of Cheerleading

Skills & Abilities

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following abilities:

• Communicate Skills
  • Share information and ideas clearly and effectively with a diverse group of students and adults
  • Proficient in the use of communication technology
  • Excellent phone etiquette
  • Excellent written communication skills
• Interpersonal Skills
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, and co-workers
  • Able to work effectively as part of a team
• Leadership/Organizational Skills
  • Pay tremendous attention to details
  • Strong leadership abilities, including an encouraging, motivating presence to help with conflict management, team building, mentoring and coaching, goal-setting, and prioritization
  • Present a professional appearance and demeanor when representing Orange Lutheran
  • Strong organizational skills; uses time efficiently; close attention to detail, and excellent follow-through
  • Able to manage multiple priorities and projects and meet deadlines
  • Able to work independently and take initiative
  • Able to work in a busy atmosphere with frequent interruptions
• Attendance/Punctuality/Dependability
  • Able to work occasional weekend and evening hours
  • Able to be present for all try-out dates
  • Able to be at practice times determined for the school year and summer

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Centered in God’s grace – views his/her life and ministry from a center of God’s love and forgiveness
• Exhibit the highest level of Christian integrity - his/her life reflects Christ-like morals, behavior, attitude, and leadership.
• Is able to articulate his/her Christian faith
• Active member of a Christian church; Missouri Synod preferred
• Support the Mission and Statement of Faith of Orange Lutheran High School

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• The employee is frequently required to stand for extended periods, speak clearly, hear accurately, and move about the campus, gymnasium, or athletic field
• The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects or controls, and smell 
• The employee must occasionally lift, push, or pull up to 20 lbs, and bend, stoop, sit on the floor, climb stairs, squat, kneel, jump, twist, or bend
• Specific vision abilities include near and far vision within the normal range, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
• Sufficient agility and strength to effectively demonstrate Cheer techniques

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job
• The typical work environment is split between a climate-controlled high school gym, dance studio, and outdoors on the football field, with exposure to varying temperatures and climatic conditions
• The typical noise level is quiet to moderate, but may occasionally be loud