Head Cheer and Dance Coach

Mount Marty University invites applications for the position of a full-time, exempt Head Cheer and Dance Coach. This position provides leadership and oversight for both competitive Cheer and Dance programs, with responsibility for coaching, recruiting and retaining student-athletes, practice planning, competition scheduling, and budget management. The Head Coach will lead programs aligned with the mission and core values of Mount Marty University and will foster a strong student-athlete culture grounded in the NAIA Champions of Character initiative. This role requires active engagement in fundraising, community outreach, and program promotion to enhance the visibility and success of MMU Athletics.

Overview:

The Head Cheer and Dance Coach is responsible for the overall leadership, development, and strategic direction of both the competitive Cheer and Dance programs. This role is tasked with recruiting elite student-athletes, managing scholarship budgets, and fostering a culture rooted in the NAIA Champions of Character core values. The Head Coach ensures that both programs provide a high-energy sideline presence for MMU Athletics while maintaining a national-level competitive standard.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Coaching & Competitive Excellence Instruction & Strategy:

Design and implement comprehensive practice plans for both disciplines, focusing on technical skill progression, tumbling, stunting, and diverse dance styles (Jazz, Pom, Hip-Hop).

Safety Standards:

Adhere to all USA Cheer/AACCA safety risk management guidelines to ensure the welfare of all participants.

Routine Design:

Oversee or personally execute high-caliber choreography for game days and

NAIA/GPAC

competitions.

Performance Evaluation:

Review team performance and scouting data to continuously improve coaching methods and routine difficulty.

Strategic Recruitment & Retention Roster Growth:

Meet specific annual recruitment targets to maintain a healthy and competitive roster size for both squads.

Eligibility Management:

Utilize the Play NAIA system and "Short List" to track and ensure the eligibility of all incoming and returning student-athletes.

Financial Aid:

Manage the athletic scholarship budget, making strategic awards that balance talent, academic merit, and program needs.

Administration & Compliance Budgetary Oversight:

Maintain and oversee the annual operating budgets for both programs, including fundraising accounts. Create and execute yearly fundraising plans to help enhance opportunities for the Cheer and Dance programs.

Compliance:

Maintain strict adherence to all NAIA, GPAC, and University rules and regulations.

Event Logistics:

Coordinate all travel arrangements, equipment procurement (uniforms, pom-poms, mats), and facility scheduling.

Public Relations:

Partner with the Sports Information Director (SID) for media releases, social media promotion, and community outreach.

Student-Athlete Development Academic Support:

Monitor the academic progress of student-athletes, providing intervention or resources as needed to ensure graduation.

Character Mentorship:

Complete the mandatory NAIA Character-Driven Coaching certification and model servant leadership on and off the field.

Qualifications:

Education:

Bachelor's degree required

Experience:

2+ years of coaching at the collegiate or high-level varsity/all-star level (preferred)

Certifications:

Current USA Cheer/AACCA Safety Risk Management Certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days) and

CPR/First Aid Certification Driver's License:

Valid Driver's License Skills:

Proficiency in recruitment software and Google Workspace, along with strong public speaking, fundraising abilities, organizational and communication skills

Physical Requirements:

Ability to demonstrate skills (leaps, turns, stunting motions) as needed for instruction. Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays for competitions and athletic events.

To Apply:

Apply online at www.mountmarty.edu under "Careers at Mount Marty" and submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references with contact information. Mount Marty University is an EEO employer.

About MMU:

Located on a beautifully maintained 80-acre campus along the bluffs of the Missouri River, Mount Marty's hallmark is outstanding teaching, small class size, and a strong commitment to the liberal arts in the Catholic, Benedictine tradition. The University has been noted regionally for its strong science programs. The campus is minutes away from Lewis & Clark Lake, one of South Dakota's most popular recreation areas, and is within driving distance of the Twin Cities and Omaha.