Head Cheer Coach

Posted June 5, 2026

Head Cheer Coach

Athletics, University of Charleston

Position Summary:

The Head Cheer Coach provides oversight of all aspects of a collegiate cheer program. Primary responsibilities include recruiting prospective student athletes and supervising and managing volunteers and student workers. The Head Coach will also plan, implement, and evaluate the performance and development of student athletes both on and off the field and court. Additional duties include coordinating marketing and promotional initiatives, overseeing equipment maintenance, preparing game and competition strategies, coordinating team travel, developing and reconciling program budgets, and organizing and conducting summer camps. The Head Cheer Coach is expected to maintain full compliance with all policies, rules, and regulations established by the University of Charleston, the Mountain East Conference (MEC), and the NCAA.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Provide hands-on coaching activities during team practices, individual workouts, and strength training and conditioning activities throughout the academic year (including non-championship and championship segments).
• Develop and implement daily practices (3-4 days per week) focusing on general conditioning, stunting, tumbling, team tactics, and other performance elements.
• Conduct individual training sessions with athletes at least once a week, which include practicing specific related skills matched to their on-court/sideline positions.
• Create on-field and court simulations of different cheers depending on what is occurring in the game/match.
• Spend time in each practice session developing mental toughness and extreme focus and improving team synergy for on-court/field performance.
• Ensure the cheer team performs at all home football and basketball contests and NCAA-sponsored championships.
• Review specific tactics and strategies with all student-athletes related to NCAA II and Atlantic Region Competitions.
• Review proper on and off-field/court etiquette.
• Recruit student-athletes that align with the University’s mission and values, and meet the required standards set by the Department of Admissions.
• Regularly visit High School and Junior College contests.
• Reach out to recruiting services in the United States and abroad.
• Effectively manage athletic scholarships and obtain assigned roster numbers and net revenue values that have been set for the cheer program.
• Provide academic, personal, and professional mentoring to student-athletes.
• Participate in the athletic department’s G.R.A.S.P program and provide required bi-weekly data to the Assistant. Athletic Director for Recruitment and Retention. Encourage team members to attend professional development workshops and networking events on and off campus.
• Provide an environment where student-athletes learn the value of citizenship, integrity, appreciation for cultural diversity, and respect and responsibility for self and others.
• Develop and implement the team’s competition, training, and practice schedules with the Athletic Department’s Facility Director.
  • Create a travel schedule that includes participating in the MEC Basketball Tournament and other related post-season contests.
  • Coordinate practice and conditioning times with the Athletics Department’s Facilities Director.
• Provide oversight related to all administrative functions for the Cheer Team
  • Comply with all UC, Mountain East Conference, and NCAA II policies.
  • Provide oversight and accountability for all expenditures related to the cheer program.
  • Utilize the UC portal to monitor expenses and reconcile all receipts.
  • Prepare check requests, purchase orders, and advance requests.
  • Procure and manage inventory of uniforms, equipment, and supplies.
  • Generate additional funds for the cheer program.

• Hire, train, and supervise Assistant Coaches, including volunteers and student staff, including but not limited to Manager(s) and other bench personnel.
  • Create opportunities for advancement in the field of intercollegiate athletics.
  • Provide regular performance feedback to assistant coaches, managers, and student workers.
• Plan and conduct cheer camps and clinics for elementary, middle, and high school players, but not limited to:
  • Hire and train all camp personnel, including liability training for each employee.
  • Utilize the Teamworks portal for submitting compliance paperwork related to camp attendance policies and regulations.

• General Responsibilities:
  • Use discretion and professionalism in communicating details of the university’s operations outside the office, ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and security of all personal and financial student information.
  • Follow all policies related to FERPA, Title IX, Title VII, and HIPPA regulations.
  • Adhere to the policies and procedures set forth in the University’s Employee Handbook and the athletic department’s Coach’s Manual.
  • Seek out organizations that might provide insight and a networking resource for continued professional development.
  • Develop and implement strategies to maximize the synergies amongst the various athletic programs that UC sponsors.
  • Other duties as assigned by the Vice President and Director of Athletics.

Qualifications:

• Applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree; a master’s degree is preferred for all head coaching positions at the University of Charleston.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a qualified individual has been hired.

Interested applicants should submit a letter of application, resume, and contact information for three professional references.

Jenna Theden, Assistant Athletic Director for Academic Support:

jennabrown@ucwv.edu

The University of Charleston is an Equal Opportunity Employer