Head Coach/Program Director - Spirit Squad

About the Job

 

Position Summary:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to overseeing all aspects of the University of Minnesota Spirit Squad which is comprised of Cheer, Hockey Cheer, Dance, and Mascot teams. Provide effective leadership that instills a positive team culture and experience for all individuals within the program while also maintaining an effective unit with highly functioning operational aspects including budget management, scheduling, communication, alumni/donor engagement, fundraising, etc. Credentials should reflect proven success with Spirit Squad related experience. 

Responsible for the management of all full-time and part-time staff within the Spirit Squad including team coaches and support staff. Efficiently communicate and establish the vision and priorities for the program in alignment with Athletics Department administration while providing day-to-day oversight and accountability. Oversee schedules for practices, appearances, gameday support, events, competition, and all other expectations of the program. 

Evaluate and recruit qualified student-athletes to the University of Minnesota who possess the necessary skills to perform at a nationally competitive level, are qualified academically as strong candidates for a meaningful academic experience and graduation from the University of Minnesota, and who are positive ambassadors that represent the University in a first-class fashion. 

Lead in monitoring the academic performance of all team members to help them achieve their full potential in a meaningful degree. Provide opportunities for student-athletes to develop life and leadership skills during their time as a member of the Spirit Squad.  Assist in advancing the department's mission, vision, and strategic plan including its commitment to equity and diversity. Demonstrates a commitment to: Being Accurate; Being Accountable; Being Empathetic; Being Inclusive and Being Innovative.  United Are We! 

Establish and maintain effective relationships within the Athletic Department, the campus community, metro and outstate Minnesota communities; as well as alumni, donors, parents, and supporters that are directly involved with the program. Participates and is fully engaged with departmental and campus fundraising activities as asked. Proactively identifies and leads fundraising opportunities, with support from the sport administrator, to support Spirit Squad enhancement funds. 

Represent in a positive fashion the University and the Athletic Department in private and public forums.  Represent the Spirit Squad in fulfilling contacts with or requests from, the news media, including appearances on radio and television, speaking engagements and the like.  Commit to adhering to all rules and regulations of the Department and the University, as well as all applicable expectations from the Big Ten Conference, NCAA, and Spirit Squad related national associations/organizations (UCA/UDA, USA Cheer/Dance, etc.). Stay current with evolving NCAA legislation and program specific rules and regulations. Ensure Spirit Squad attendance at all Department and University required training. 

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About the Job

 

Position Summary:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to overseeing all aspects of the University of Minnesota Spirit Squad which is comprised of Cheer, Hockey Cheer, Dance, and Mascot teams. Provide effective leadership that instills a positive team culture and experience for all individuals within the program while also maintaining an effective unit with highly functioning operational aspects including budget management, scheduling, communication, alumni/donor engagement, fundraising, etc. Credentials should reflect proven success with Spirit Squad related experience. 

Responsible for the management of all full-time and part-time staff within the Spirit Squad including team coaches and support staff. Efficiently communicate and establish the vision and priorities for the program in alignment with Athletics Department administration while providing day-to-day oversight and accountability. Oversee schedules for practices, appearances, gameday support, events, competition, and all other expectations of the program. 

Evaluate and recruit qualified student-athletes to the University of Minnesota who possess the necessary skills to perform at a nationally competitive level, are qualified academically as strong candidates for a meaningful academic experience and graduation from the University of Minnesota, and who are positive ambassadors that represent the University in a first-class fashion. 

Lead in monitoring the academic performance of all team members to help them achieve their full potential in a meaningful degree. Provide opportunities for student-athletes to develop life and leadership skills during their time as a member of the Spirit Squad.  Assist in advancing the department's mission, vision, and strategic plan including its commitment to equity and diversity. Demonstrates a commitment to: Being Accurate; Being Accountable; Being Empathetic; Being Inclusive and Being Innovative.  United Are We! 

Establish and maintain effective relationships within the Athletic Department, the campus community, metro and outstate Minnesota communities; as well as alumni, donors, parents, and supporters that are directly involved with the program. Participates and is fully engaged with departmental and campus fundraising activities as asked. Proactively identifies and leads fundraising opportunities, with support from the sport administrator, to support Spirit Squad enhancement funds. 

Represent in a positive fashion the University and the Athletic Department in private and public forums.  Represent the Spirit Squad in fulfilling contacts with or requests from, the news media, including appearances on radio and television, speaking engagements and the like.  Commit to adhering to all rules and regulations of the Department and the University, as well as all applicable expectations from the Big Ten Conference, NCAA, and Spirit Squad related national associations/organizations (UCA/UDA, USA Cheer/Dance, etc.). Stay current with evolving NCAA legislation and program specific rules and regulations. Ensure Spirit Squad attendance at all Department and University required training. 

Essential Functions:

40% of time 

• Provide vision and strategy for all coaching personnel, including roster management and recruiting, for all teams within the University of Minnesota Spirit Squad. 
• Foster an environment within the Spirit Squad that creates a positive experience and team culture for all team members. 
• Ensure that all team members receive proper coaching, mentorship, and support to prepare them to represent the University of Minnesota across all events and performances appropriately.
• Effectively manage all full-time employees, part-time employees, and student workers to create an enjoyable workplace environment.

40% of time

• Oversee day-to-day operational responsibilities of the program including budget planning and management, facility scheduling, event planning, appearances, communication, travel, and all other logistics to operate an efficient Spirit Squad program.
• Proactively collaborate with all necessary internal & external stakeholders to ensure that all expectations of the Spirit Squad program are fulfilled.

20% of time

• Effectively prepare Spirit Squad for all performances and events to support the mission of the University and expectations of the Athletic Department.
• Implement and enhance Spirit Squad events that create positive engagement with the local community, drive fundraising revenue, and growincrease exposure for the Spirit Squad program.
• Represent the program in fulfilling contacts with or requests from the news media, campus stakeholders, and community members.

Qualifications

 

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Minimum of three years Spirit Squad related experience 

Preferred:

• Previous supervisory experience 
• Previous event operations/project management experience
• Master’s degree
• Spirit Squad related experience at the DI Level 
• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead large teams with overlapping expectations and priorities

About the Department

 

With more than 140 years of tradition, Gopher Athletics is one of the oldest and most decorated athletics departments in the country. Minnesota was a charter member of the Big Ten Conference – our teams have won more than 200 conference titles to go with 26 national titles – and is currently home to 22 programs, the fourth-most in the league. There are more than 600 student-athletes and nearly 300 full-time employees in our athletics department. That community has built Minnesota into a nation’s top- ranked public school with respect to student athlete academic performance in each of the past four years, a span of time during which the Gophers have won 13 conference team titles and a collection of individual conference and national crowns. Housed in the historic Dinkytown neighborhood on the northern edge of the University campus, Gopher Athletics is succeeding against a backdrop unique in college athletics, nestled at the heart of a bustling, modern metro area. We are proud of our decorated history, but we are prepared to achieve even greater success in the years to come. Ski-U-Mah!

Pay and Benefits

 

Pay Range: $65,000 - $100,000 depending on education/qualifications/experience 

Time Appointment: 75%-100% Appointment 

Position Type:  Faculty and P&A Staff 

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services 
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

How To Apply

 

Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

 

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

 

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, social media check, and motor vehicle records check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

 

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).

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