Head Coach, Competitive Dance Team

The mission of The University of Bridgeport is to promote academic excellence, personal responsibility, and commitment to service. Distinctive curricula in an international, culturally diverse supportive learning environment prepare graduates for life and leadership in an increasingly interconnected world.

Position Description Summary/Purpose:

The Head Coach of Competitive Dance is responsible for launching and leading the University of Bridgeport’s competitive dance program. This position will recruit, develop, and coach a student dance team to represent the university at athletic events and regional or national competitions beginning in the 2027 season. The coach will establish the team culture, training program, choreography, and recruiting pipeline.

Essential Job Functions/Primary Responsibilities:

(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Program Development

• Establish the University of Bridgeport Competitive Dance Team program and strategic plan.

• Develop team policies, practice schedules, and training programs.

• Choreograph routines or coordinate choreography for performances and competitions.

• Coordinate auditions and selection of team members.

• Actively recruit prospective student-athletes for the dance team locally, regionally, and nationally.

• Build relationships with high school dance programs, studios, and competition teams.

• Collaborate with admissions and athletics recruiting staff.

• Coaching & Training

• Conduct regular practices and conditioning sessions.

• Develop team techniques in jazz, hip-hop, pom, and other competitive styles.

• Prepare routines for competitions, game-day performances, and university events.

• Coordinate participation in collegiate dance competitions (UDA, NDA, etc.).

• Manage game-day performances at university athletic events.

• Oversee travel and logistics for competitions.

• Conducts all work in a safe manner and all work safety practices are followed.

Other Functions: 

• Ensure compliance with university, conference, and NCAA/athletic department policies.

• Work with athletics marketing for promotions and community engagement.

• Manage program budget and equipment needs.

• Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates.

• Continues professional development and training; keeps current with trends.

• Assists other department staff as needed to promote a team effort.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill:

• Student Development

• Promote academic success, leadership, and positive team culture.

• Supervise student leadership positions (captains, officers).

• Demonstrated commitment to developing and fostering best practices and policies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and build an environment in which all members of the University community are treated with respect and dignity.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Dance, Performing Arts, Sports Management or another related field.   Master’s degree preferred.

• 1-3 years of experience coaching or directing competitive dance teams (college, studio, or elite high school level)

• Demonstrated success in choreography and competition performance (reginal/national level preferred)

• Ability to recruit and retain talent

• Experience working with student athletes in an educational or youth development setting

• Experience managing team operations (tryouts, scheduling, travel, budgeting)

• Familiarity with competition rules, scoring systems and judging criteria

Physical and Mental Requirements:

Work Environment

Physical Activity

Lifting Requirements 

Vision requirements (Especially relevant if driving is required by the job)

_X_     Close vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 inches or less)

_X_     Distance vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 feet or more)

_X_     Color vision (i.e. ability to identify and distinguish colors)

_X_     Peripheral vision (i.e. ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or

            left and right while the eyes are fixed on a given point)

_X_     Depth perception (i.e. three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and

            spatial relationships)

___      No special vision requirements

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between The University of Bridgeport and employee. It is used as a guide for personnel actions and is subject to change by the University as the needs of the University and requirements of the job change.)

The University of Bridgeport provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. The University of Bridgeport complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.