Job Description

Head Cheer Coach

Campbellsville University Athletics

Position Summary

The Head Cheer Coach is responsible for providing visionary leadership for Campbellsville University's Cheer program by fostering excellence in competition, academics, spiritual development, and personal growth. This individual will recruit, develop, mentor, and disciple student-athletes while building a championship-caliber program that reflects the mission and values of Campbellsville University.

The Head Cheer Coach will cultivate a Christ-centered culture of integrity, servant leadership, accountability, and competitive excellence while ensuring compliance with all university, conference, and national governing body regulations.

Mission Alignment

Campbellsville University is a Christian institution dedicated to academic excellence, fostering integrity, Christian servant leadership, and developing students who impact the world for Christ.

The Head Cheer Coach is expected to intentionally model Christian character, mentor student-athletes in their faith, and integrate biblical principles into the daily operation of the program.

Essential Responsibilities

Program Leadership

• Develop, lead, and sustain a nationally competitive cheer program.
• Create and implement a comprehensive vision and strategic plan for the program.
• Foster a culture centered on faith, excellence, discipline, accountability, teamwork, and servant leadership.
• Promote sportsmanship and represent Campbellsville University with professionalism and integrity.
• Organize and supervise all practices, competitions, strength and conditioning expectations, and team activities.
• Oversee all aspects of team preparation for practices and competitions.
• Evaluate and continually improve the competitive success of the program.

Student-Athlete Development

• Recruit and retain qualified student-athletes who align with the University's mission and values.
• Mentor student-athletes academically, athletically, spiritually, and personally.
• Promote academic success through regular monitoring of class attendance, academic progress, and graduation goals.
• Prioritize class attendance when developing practice, travel, and competition schedules.
• Encourage leadership development, community service, and spiritual growth.

Recruiting

• Develop and execute a comprehensive year-round recruiting strategy.
• Maintain regular communication with prospective student-athletes and families.
• Build relationships with high school coaches, all-star programs, and recruiting networks.
• Coordinate official and unofficial campus visits.
• Maintain recruiting records in accordance with institutional and governing body requirements.

Practice & Competition Management

• Plan, organize, and supervise all practices, training sessions, and competitions.
• Ensure safe instruction and execution of cheer techniques and stunts.
• Develop competition routines and game-day performance plans.
• Oversee athlete conditioning and injury prevention in collaboration with athletic training staff.
• Avoid scheduling practices or competitions on Sundays whenever possible in keeping with the University's mission and institutional expectations.

Operations & Administration

• Maintain complete budget oversight for the cheer program.
• Exercise responsible stewardship of all operational and scholarship resources.
• Maintain accurate inventory and accountability for all equipment assigned to the program.
• Ensure all required contracts, participation agreements, and competition documentation are properly executed and filed with the Athletic Department prior to each event.
• Coordinate purchasing within university purchasing policies.
• Submit required reports, paperwork, and administrative documentation in a timely manner.

Travel Responsibilities

• Coordinate all team travel logistics.
• Ensure transportation is arranged for all away competitions.
• Personally drive when appropriate or ensure qualified, safe drivers are secured.
• Secure travel funds well in advance for transportation, lodging, and meals.
• Supervise student-athletes during all travel.
• Maintain high standards of conduct, professionalism, and appropriate dress while representing Campbellsville University.

Marketing, Communications & Public Relations

• Promote the Cheer program through positive engagement with campus and community.
• Provide timely competition information, schedules, results, and noteworthy accomplishments to the Sports Information Office.
• Submit athlete features, match previews, recaps, awards, and program updates for publication on the university website and local media outlets.
• Assist with recruiting content and social media in partnership with the Athletic Communications staff.
• Support fundraising, alumni engagement, and community outreach initiatives.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Maintain full compliance with NAIA, Mid-South Conference, NCCAA, university, and departmental policies.
• Ensure student-athlete eligibility requirements are met.
• Promote athlete safety through proper supervision and adherence to risk management standards.
• Work collaboratively with Athletic Training regarding injuries, return-to-play protocols, and emergency procedures.

Financial Stewardship

• Develop and manage the annual operating budget.
• Monitor expenditures to remain within approved budget parameters.
• Participate in fundraising initiatives and donor cultivation efforts.
• Seek opportunities to responsibly enhance program resources.

Departmental Responsibilities

• Participate in Athletic Department meetings and professional development.
• Support department-wide initiatives and special events.
• Assist with game-day responsibilities as assigned.
• Collaborate with fellow coaches and campus departments to enhance the student-athlete experience.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director of Athletics.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree.
• Collegiate coaching or competitive cheer experience.
• Demonstrated ability to recruit and retain quality student-athletes.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Commitment to the Christian mission of Campbellsville University.

Preferred

• Master's degree.
• Collegiate head coaching experience.
• Experience with NAIA or NCAA athletics.
• Current cheer safety certifications (AACCA, USA Cheer, or equivalent).
• Fundraising and budget management experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong leadership and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent organizational and administrative abilities.
• Effective communicator with students, parents, alumni, and campus partners.
• Ability to mentor and disciple student-athletes.
• Commitment to academic excellence and holistic student development.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
• Knowledge of cheer safety standards and best practices.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to demonstrate cheer techniques and supervise practices.
• Ability to stand, walk, lift equipment (up to 50 pounds), travel frequently, and actively participate in practices and competitions.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended travel schedules.

Core Expectations

The Head Cheer Coach is expected to embody the mission of Campbellsville University by:

• Modeling Christ-centered leadership in all interactions.
• Pursuing competitive excellence without compromising integrity.
• Developing student-athletes academically, spiritually, and athletically.
• Serving as a positive ambassador for Campbellsville University and its Athletics Department.
• Building a culture where faith, servant leadership, championship pursuit, and student success are inseparable.

At Campbellsville University, we believe championships are meaningful when they are achieved with integrity, servant leadership, and a commitment to developing young men and women who will make a lasting impact for Christ. The Head Cheer Coach plays a vital role in advancing that mission every day.