Head Dance Coach

Position Title:

Head Dance Coach

Job Description:

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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Leadership & Culture
• 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)
  - 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.

Recruitment & Roster Expansion
• 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.

Practice Planning & Choreography
• 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.

Performance Preparation
• 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.

Administrative & Budget Collaboration
• 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.

Student-Athlete Development
• 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.

Collaboration Within Spirit Program
• Work collaboratively with Cheer and Pep Band to enhance overall spirit culture.
• Contribute to campus spirit initiatives and special events as requested.

Responsibilities Overseen by the Director of Spirit

The Director of Spirit retains responsibility for:
• Game day scheduling and coordination
• Postseason and MAAC Championship travel
• Regional and national competition travel logistics
• Transportation, lodging, and travel compliance
• Overall event management strategy

The Head Dance Coach will collaborate on performance preparation but will not oversee travel logistics.

Job Requirements: Education, Experience and Skills:

Required Qualifications

• 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.

Reporting Structure

Director of Spirit Supervises:
• Assistant Dance Coach(es)
• Team Captains

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Annual roster growth aligned with expansion plan
• Recruitment yield and enrollment contribution
• Competitive routine quality and placement benchmarks
• Student retention and academic performance
• Budget collaboration and operational efficiency
• Performance execution standards

Salary:

$50,000/year

(Actual compensation will be commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.)

Employee Benefits:

This full-time position includes a comprehensive benefits package, featuring annual, holiday, and sick leave. The University offers a generous suite of benefits, including tuition remission for both graduate and undergraduate courses at Mount St. Mary’s University, an employer-sponsored retirement contribution, and a robust paid time off program.

For a complete list of employee benefits, please visit: https://inside.msmary.edu/more/human-resources/index.html

Full time