Head Coach/Program Director - Spirit Squad - Military Veterans

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.

• 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.

• 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 grow increase exposure for the Spirit Squad program .
• Represent the program in fulfilling contacts with or requests from the news media, campus stakeholders, and community members.

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

• 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