Judge Operations Specialist - Midwest Region

VARSITY SPIRIT, A VARSITY BRANDS COMPANY - THE DRIVING FORCE IN SPIRIT ACROSS CHEER, DANCE, BAND AND YEARBOOK

For over 50 years, Varsity Spirit has been the leading global source for all things spirit, including cheerleading, dance team, performing arts and yearbook. Focused on safety, entertainment and traditional school leadership, Varsity Spirit’s 5,000+ employees are dedicated to celebrating school spirit. A leader in apparel innovation, educational camps, clinics, competitions, and yearbook, Varsity Spirit impacts more than a million athletes each year.

OUR COMMITMENT TO SAFETY

At Varsity Spirit, the safety and wellbeing of the young people we serve is of the utmost importance. Since our inception 50 years ago, we have been – and remain – steadfastly committed to doing our part to create a safe and positive environment for our participants’ physical, emotional, and social development, and promoting an environment free from abuse and misconduct. Varsity has a zero tolerance for abuse in its programs, events, and associated business activities. Varsity is committed to reporting all suspicions, allegations, and incidents of abuse in full accordance with local laws and reporting requirements. Learn more at Our Commitment to Safety - Varsity.com.

WORK TYPE: Full time, Exempt

LOCATION DETAILS:

WORK TYPE: Full time, Exempt

Location Details: This position is available to candidates at the Varsity Spirit division offices within Midwest region.

WORK HOURS: Monday – Friday 8am-5pm remote + travel.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENT: Event travel and attendance at staff meetings & training is required. Event travel will include overnight stays for events. Anticipate being available 2-3 weekends per month during event season and summer camp season should coverage be required. 

COMPENSATION: The standard pay range for this role is between $51,000 and $57,600.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT 

The Judge Operations Specialist plays a key role in delivering exceptional customer and event experience by ensuring the accuracy, transparency, and consistency of judging operations across regional and championship events. As a vital member of the Scoring and Judging Team, this position supports judges and event staff by coordinating judge scheduling, ensuring judge compliance, and managing all judge-related inquiries before, during, and after competitions.

Working closely with the Scoring Team and Regional Offices, the Judge Operations Specialist helps ensure consistency across events through effective communication, accurate documentation, and adherence to established judging processes. This position reports to the Judge Staffing Director, Manager and requires travel to assigned events, as well as participation in regular staff meetings, training sessions, and other departmental projects.

An Judge Operations Specialist will represent Varsity Brands by demonstration of company core values in driving the highest ethical standards of conduct in all business activities.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

• Recruit, onboard, and schedule judges for regional and championship competitions.
• Monitor judge progress and ensure completion of all required training, testing, and compliance requirements.
• Process judge assignments in UKG to ensure judges are properly entered and officially assigned to scheduled events.
• Provide timely and accurate communication to judges regarding schedules, event logistics, and all other details related to their assigned events.
• Evaluate judge performance and implement follow-up training as needed.
• Manage disciplinary actions related to performance, professionalism, or policy compliance.
• Collaborate with School Scoring Specialists to coordinate staffing, communication, and judging operations for combo events within the region.
• Partner with Regional Offices to determine judging panel needs and ensure appropriate staffing for each event.
• Coordinate with Regional Offices to confirm judge assignments, facilitate travel arrangements, and approve judge payments.
• Provide individualized follow-up and additional training for judges requiring support with knowledge-based performance issues.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with judges throughout the region.
• Manage the regional judging budget and event P&Ls to ensure staffing costs remain within budget.

Training & Education

• Partner with the Scoring Team to develop, review, and maintain the accuracy of judge training materials, manuals, and educational resources.
• Support the planning, coordination, and delivery of judge training and educational initiatives.
• Assist with the development, implementation, and ongoing improvement of judge training programs and curriculum.
• Provide input and feedback to enhance judge education, consistency, and overall scoring quality.
• Support live and virtual judge training sessions, webinars, and educational events as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Proficient in Cheer scoring systems and related event technology platforms.
• Strong proficiency with productivity tools, including Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel) and Google Workspace applications (e.g., Forms, Sheets, and Docs).
• Demonstrated ability to deliver exceptional customer service in fast-paced event environments.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively and professionally with diverse teams, judges, and customers.
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively within cross-functional teams.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills to identify, address, and resolve scoring and customer issues efficiently.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive personnel and operational matters.
• Demonstrated adaptability and the ability to remain calm, flexible, and solution-oriented in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive, and team-oriented work environment.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Education, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in events/competitions.
• Proven ability leading a team with demonstrated business results.
• Strong computer skills and knowledge of MS Windows and MS Office required.
• Experience in and knowledge of current and previous scoring systems.
• Experience in the cheer and dance industry is preferred.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• While not participating in an event this job operates in a professional office environment. Largely a sedentary role with some filing requiring the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bending or standing on a stool as necessary. Ability to sit or stand for long periods through meetings and while operating office equipment, PC’s, laptop, telephone will be required.
• During events the ability to stand and walk for long periods of time (5 hours plus) is required. The ability to communicate with customers and colleagues using the following but not limited to radio, walkie talkie, text message and email is required.
• The ability to lift, bend, push, pull and manipulate equipment that is a minimum of 30 lbs. is required.

#LI-SD1

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee for this job.

JOIN THE BEST TEAM IN SPORT & SPIRIT

At Varsity Brands, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to succeed and every educator wants to make a difference. It takes a team to make a real impact, and through our two divisions – BSN SPORTS and Varsity Spirit – and our network of 6,000+ employees and independent representatives, we are proud to partner with a wide range of educational institutions and club and professional sports to transform the student journey in SPORT and SPIRIT.

OUR VALUES

Service - We lead with heart. We champion community.

Passion - We love what we do. It fuels our purpose.

Integrity - We do what we promise. We own our actions and decisions.

Respect - We earn it by giving it. Because everyone deserves it.

Innovation - We never stop striving to be better. For ourselves and our community.

Transparency - We are committed to openness and honesty in everything we do.

OUR BENEFITS

We are committed to putting you and your families first. For benefits eligible roles, we offer a variety of choices and costs as well as program enhancements that align with our responsibility to elevate the employee experience. Some of our offerings include:

• Comprehensive Health Care Benefits
• HSA Employer Contribution/ FSA Opportunities
• Wellbeing Program
• 401(k) plan with company matching
• Company paid Life, AD&D, and Short-Term Disability
• Generous My Time Off & Paid Holidays
• Varsity Brands Ownership Program
• Employee Resource Groups
• Access to Financial Coaching and member-owned Credit Union
• St. Jude Partnership & Volunteer Opportunities
• Employee Perks including discounts on personal apparel and equipment!

Varsity Brands companies are equal opportunity employers. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran’s status, age or disability.