Head Cheer Coach - SKMS (2026-2027 School Year)

Harrisonburg City Public Schools•Harrisonburg, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Harrisonburg City Public Schools is seeking a Head Cheer Coach for the SKMS (2026-2027 School Year). The Head Coach is responsible for planning, directing, and leading an education-based athletic program that seeks to develop athletes of empathy and integrity, carrying out the philosophy of the athletic department. This role involves assisting in program development and working with students/athletes to provide life lessons that positively impact their physical, social, and emotional well-being.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Must meet the coaching requirements of the State High School League and/or the State Department of Education. (VHSL Coaches Education, CPR, First Aid, Child Abuse Recognition)
Maintain certification in CPR and First Aid.
Other qualifications as required by HCPS, HHS, or VHSL.
Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Ability to interpret a variety of information furnished in written, oral, diagram, and schedule form.
Ability to identify and define problems, collect and analyze data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Maintains appropriate confidentiality.
Promotes a harassment-free environment.
Establishes and maintains effective working relationships; demonstrates a commitment to teamwork.
Ability to learn and utilize office equipment, computers, and software.
Ability to learn and upgrade job skills in order to meet changing demands of the position.
Must be able to navigate the VHSL website for clinic dates, schedules, and official ratings.
Ability to react well under pressure, handle and balance multiple demands at one time, work with frequent interruptions, and perform duties and tasks at expected levels of professionalism.
Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
Ability to use independent judgment and demonstrates initiative to act without being asked.

Nice To Haves

Valid Virginia Teaching Certificate
Current district staff member
Previous experience in sport as participant and/or coach
Experience coaching in an Education Based athletic program

Responsibilities

Learns and adheres to the coaching philosophy and program of the head coach.
Accept and implement the co-curricular philosophy of High School.
Follows the rules and regulations of the school, the conference and the State High School League.
Attend the rules interpretation meeting held by the State High School League.
Assist to develop continuity between the community and school programs.
Provide leadership in his or her program for all levels (9th, 10th, JV and Varsity) of the sport.
Only allows athletes certified by the Activities Office to participate.
Maintains appropriate supervision of his/her program at all times (locker rooms, practices, events, bus rides, etc.).
Supervises any and all space used by athletes while they are present.
Assures that the squad at all times will reflect proper attitude and conduct at home or away.
Encourages young men and women to participate in sports and other co-curricular activities other than his/her own but does not attempt to influence the specific sport or activity.
Represent the school in a professional manner in demeanor, language, and conduct (based on standards established by the DSA).
Teaches and emphasizes safe procedures to athletes.
Conduct out-of-season training as needed.
Attend athletic awards programs.
All other duties as assigned by the DSA.
Regularly inspect equipment and facilities to insure the safety of each student athlete.
Assists in the responsibility for care of equipment and facilities being used.
Assists in the issuance, return, and maintenance of equipment.
Assists in ensuring that all equipment is cleaned, repaired, and stored properly at the end of the season.
Makes recommendations to the DSA regarding needed equipment or repairs to the facility.
Assist the DSA and principal in the hiring and retention of assistant coaches.
Assist students in communication with prospective college coaches and provide letters of recommendation as requested.
Direct, supervise, and evaluate regularly the performance of all assistant coaches of the respective sport.
Enforces all building and district regulations and policies.
Has knowledge and keeps current on rules and regulations regarding your sport and in accordance with VHSL, HCPS, and HHS.
Keeps abreast of new knowledge and innovative ideas and techniques by attending clinics, workshops, or other methods.
Registering and maintaining records on all athletes.
Assures possession of a copy of each student’s current physical before allowing the student to participate.
Assures that a copy of the student’s commitment form is on file in the athletic office before allowing the student to compete.
Provides information on game times, bus schedules, and practice times to parents and athletes.
Conducts self as a personal example of positive demeanor for the athletes and represents the school in a favorable manner.
Responsible for reporting scores and disseminating team information publicly.
Delegate responsibilities to the assistant coaches as appropriate.
Organize and participate in an end of the season information and evaluation sessions with all assistant coaches.
Works cooperatively with the DSA and principal on all endeavors related to assigned sport.
Participate in pre and post season meetings with the DSA.
The post-season meeting will serve as an evaluation conference.