Head Dance Coach

Mount Saint Mary's University • Emmitsburg, MD

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Mount St. Mary’s University, a NCAA Division I institution and member of the MAAC, invites applications for the position of Head Dance Coach. This full-time position is responsible for leading all performance, training, recruitment, and developmental aspects of the Mount Dance Program, including both the Competitive Dance Team and the Game Day Dance Team. The Head Dance Coach will focus on student-athlete development, choreography, recruitment, and daily operations while working in collaboration with the Director of Spirit, who oversees game day coordination and all competition travel logistics. This role supports the University’s strategic initiative to expand the dance program from approximately 25 student-athletes to 55 over a five-year period while maintaining performance excellence and strong academic standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Collegiate dance coaching or participation experience required.
• Demonstrated success in recruitment and athlete development.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Knowledge of collegiate dance competition standards.
• Ability to lead within a structured Division I athletics environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute a strategic performance plan aligned with the Spirit Program’s five-year growth model.
• Oversee both program tracks: Competitive Team (approx. 20 hours/week commitment) and Game Day Team (approx. 8–10 hours/week commitment).
• Maintain a culture of professionalism, accountability, and unity.
• Implement and enforce team policies consistent with Athletics and Spirit Program standards.
• Develop and execute recruitment strategy in collaboration with the Director of Spirit and Admissions.
• Identify, evaluate, and recruit prospective student-athletes.
• Conduct auditions, clinics, and recruitment visits.
• Assist in scholarship recommendations where applicable.
• Track recruitment benchmarks tied to annual roster growth goals.
• Design and implement structured training sessions that prioritize technical excellence and injury prevention.
• Choreograph and clean routines for home athletic events, campus performances, and regional/national competitions.
• Prepare the Competitive Team to meet regional qualifying standards and national placement goals.
• Ensure proper technique development and conditioning programming.
• Ensure student-athletes are physically and mentally prepared for performances and competitions.
• Coordinate rehearsals, music edits, and routine refinement.
• Collaborate with the Director of Spirit to align performance expectations with overall game day strategy.
• Assist the Director of Spirit in managing the dance program budget.
• Oversee inventory and care of uniforms, poms, and equipment.
• Coordinate apparel and performance materials in partnership with Athletics.
• Maintain accurate roster records and eligibility documentation.
• Support academic success and NCAA eligibility standards.
• Develop leadership among team captains and emerging leaders.
• Promote sportsmanship and strong representation of Mount St. Mary’s University.
• Foster an inclusive and positive team environment.
• Work collaboratively with Cheer and Pep Band to enhance overall spirit culture.
• Contribute to campus spirit initiatives and special events as requested.

Benefits

• Annual leave
• Holiday leave
• Sick leave
• Tuition remission for both graduate and undergraduate courses at Mount St. Mary’s University
• Employer-sponsored retirement contribution
• Robust paid time off program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level