Cheer Head Coach/Program Head

Title: Cheer Head Coach/Program Head

Department/Location: Athletics, St. Louis

Position Type: Seasonal, Fall and Winter

Summary 

The Head Cheer Coach serves as the Head Coach of the Varsity Program. This role will have a working relationship with the coaching staff, the Athletics Director, and the Associate Athletics Director.

Who We Are 

At our award-winning Early Childhood through grade 12 Principia School in St. Louis, Missouri, and top-ranked Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, Principia faculty and staff make up a close-knit community of educators, coaches, and professionals taking a distinct approach to education—blending academic excellence with Christian Science-based character education. Principia’s team of over 500 employees supports not only Principia School and Principia College, but also a worldwide network of alumni and friends. 

Principia employees are part of an engaging academic community preparing students to be tomorrow’s leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. We strive to create a collaborative and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong and are valued. 

Primary Responsibilities

• Leads and mentors assistant coaches across the sport program
• Promotes and upholds Principia’s Mission and Values, integrating character education and spiritual growth into all team activities
• Plans, prepares, and coaches practices and games
• Practice is typically Monday - Friday, 4pm - 6pm
• Designs and implements varsity practice plans during the in-season period
• Provides coaching and support to all athletes in the program, both during and outside of the formal season
• Supports and cheers at various fall and/or winter sporting events - football, basketball
• Develops and grows the program to increase participation and competitiveness
• Interviews, evaluates, and assists in hiring potential assistant coaches
• Collaborates with the Athletic Department to coordinate team travel for away games and events
• Contributes to the planning and scheduling of games, practices, and team events in coordination with the Athletic Director and Associate Athletic Director
• Attends Head Coaches' Meetings and Coaches' Professional Development Workshops

Core Competencies

• Continuous Learning & Expertise: Demonstrates mastery in your area of responsibility and seeks opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Accountability & Results Orientation: Manages time and priorities effectively, meets commitments, and consistently delivers high-quality outcomes.
• Problem Solving & Judgment: Approaches challenges thoughtfully, considers multiple perspectives, and makes sound, timely decisions that support institutional goals.
• Proactivity & Ownership: Takes initiative, anticipates needs, and drives projects forward with minimal supervision while taking responsibility for outcomes.
• Excellence & Attention to Detail: Produces accurate, polished, and high-quality work; continuously looks for ways to improve systems, processes, and results.
• Service Orientation: Builds positive, supportive relationships and responds promptly and professionally to the needs of students, colleagues, and other stakeholders.
• Collaboration & Collegiality: Works cooperatively across departments and teams; values input from others and contributes to a positive, respectful environment.
• Communication: Shares information clearly and concisely; listens carefully to others and adjusts communication style for different audiences and situations.
• Inclusion & Belonging: Demonstrates respect for all people; values diverse perspectives and fosters a culture of inclusion, belonging, and mutual respect.

Minimum Qualifications

• Student of Christian Science preferred
• Bachelor’s degree
• 5 years of coaching experience 
• Work toward professional development through attending clinics and/or convention; participate on committees; pursue an advanced degree
• Supportive of Principia’s guiding statements as articulated here https://www.principia.edu/about/guiding-statements 

The statements above describe the general nature and level of work but are not a complete list of responsibilities and are subject to change at the discretion of Principia. 

Equal Opportunity

Principia, a mission-driven institution, believes every person has the right to an equitable and respectful educational environment and workplace. Principia does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender (identity or expression), sexual orientation, family status, disability, age, or military or veteran status.

In hiring, admissions, and related decisions, Principia—as an institution with a religious mission—gives preference, where appropriate, to Christian Scientists.