Head Cheerleading Coach

James Madison University•Harrisonburg, VA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

James Madison University, a member of the NCAA Division I Sun Belt Conference, seeks a Head Cheerleading Coach to provide strategic leadership and day-to-day management of the University’s Cheerleading and Mascot programs. This position provides program-wide leadership, ensuring a safe, engaging, and competitive spirit program, overseeing all aspects of program culture, competitive performance, risk management, recruiting, administration, and student-athlete support. The Head Cheerleading Coach will foster a safe, welcoming, and highly visible program that enhances the student-athlete experience, elevates game-day atmosphere, and positively represents the university at the conference and national levels.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
Minimum 3-5 years of collegiate cheerleading coaching experience or equivalent high-level coaching experience.
Knowledge of all-girl and co-ed cheerleading, stunting, and tumbling techniques.
Current USA Cheer Safety Certification (or ability to obtain upon hire).
CPR/AED and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain upon hire).
Demonstrated experience in budgeting, scheduling, and team administration.
Demonstrated experience in program fundraising, alumni relations, or external engagement.
Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and travel extensively.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Prior Division I (FBS) head coaching experience.
Experience executing youth camps/clinics.
Experience working within a comprehensive athletics department.

Responsibilities

Provide vision, leadership, oversight, and accountability for the cheerleading and mascot programs aligned with departmental and institutional values.
Establish and enforce program standards related to conduct, sportsmanship, academic integrity, and team culture.
Serve as the primary representative for the spirit program in coordination with athletics administration, campus, and conference.
Create an inclusive and positive environment that supports the well-being and success of all participants.
Direct all cheerleading activities for football, men’s and women’s basketball, and designated Olympic sports.
Design and implement safe, progressive training plans for all-girl and co-ed cheerleading and mascot participants.
Oversee game-day performance planning to support fan engagement, traditions, and home-field advantage.
Teach and evaluate skill readiness and approve stunting and tumbling progressions in accordance with USA Cheer and Varsity safety guidelines.
Serve as the program’s primary safety and risk management lead.
Ensure compliance with USA Cheer National Safety Standards and maintain required certifications.
Enforce Emergency Action Plans for practices, games, appearances, and competitions.
Collaborate with Integrated Health and Sports Performance staff to support a holistic student-athlete experience.
Operate the program in compliance with institutional, conference, and applicable NCAA and Title IX policies.
Develop and execute a year-round recruiting strategy at the local, regional, and national levels.
Build recruiting relationships with regional high schools, all-star programs, and club gyms commonly feeding Sun Belt institutions.
Coordinate all tryout and selection processes, including materials, judging, and evaluations.
Support prospective student-athletes through the admissions and onboarding process in collaboration with athletics administration.
Manage roster size and composition consistent with institutional needs and resources.
Manage the program within the assigned budget, including travel, equipment, and apparel.
Coordinate scheduling, travel logistics, and team calendars using Teamworks and other systems.
Maintain oversight of equipment inventory and apparel in coordination with Athletics Equipment Services.
Supervise, evaluate, and mentor assistant coach and support staff.
Coordinate camps, clinics, and fundraising activities in support of the program.
Support academic success by monitoring academic progress and attendance expectations with the Office of Student-Athlete Services.
Conduct regular evaluations and goal-setting discussions focused on performance, leadership, and personal development.
Promote leadership development, wellness, personal growth, and prepare student-athletes as representatives of the university.
Collaborate with Athletics Marketing, Fan Engagement, and Creative Services to enhance game-day atmosphere and brand consistency.
Coordinate mascot and spirit squad appearances for athletics, university, community, and donor engagement events.
Support alumni engagement activities tied to the spirit program.
Maintain appropriate social media presence consistent with athletics department guidelines.