Position Summary:

This position is responsible for operations and administrative oversight of the Laker Spirit Program (Cheer, Dance, Mascot). This position will ensure adequate support that focuses on mitigating risk and cultivating quality, inclusive, safe, fun and diverse environment. This role will also serve as Head Coach of either the Cheer or Dance team and will manage competitive seasons of both teams.

Salary & Benefits:

$50,000-$54,000, commensurate with experience

Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources and tuition waiver effective on date of hire.

Primary Duties:

• Provide direct and creative oversight to the cheer and dance teams, and the mascot program to boost University spirit and community through effective communication and leadership.

• Serve as Head Coach of either the Cheer or Dance team, prioritizing the development, guidance, encouragement and safety of all student-athletes to ensure a positive and supportive experience that supports student well-being.

• Manage all aspects of Spirit Group practices, events, fundraisers, and appearances, ensuring sufficient support for successful operations and risk mitigation.

• Recruit, hire, supervise, and evaluate coaching staff and other assigned positions.

• Oversee the budget, financial operations, and purchasing; manage travel processes, including driver approvals and vehicle rentals; and handle equipment inventory, maintenance, and replacement.

• Oversee Spirit Program marketing and branding, including web pages, social media, and logo/trademark use.

• Position teams to consistently compete at a high level; recruit students capable of excelling both athletically and academically.

• Generate resources to enhance student experience through strategic partnerships and collaborations within the department, University, program alumni, and broader community.

• Provide requested services to support University and local community event needs.

• Maintain professional conduct for self, staff, and student-athletes while actively promoting a positive image of the University, the Department, and teams within the program.

• Support University and Division retention, wellbeing, and inclusion efforts and initiatives.

• Other duties as required/assigned by leadership.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree.

• Experience with competitive cheerleading or dance programming at the high school or collegiate level.

• Experience as a coach, or supervising coaches in competitive cheer or dance.

• Current CPR, First Aid, and AED certification or the ability to obtain after hire.

• A strong connection to and knowledge of various intercollegiate associations within the cheer or dance community.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Master’s degree in a related field.

• Experience in collegiate or professional cheer or dance.

• Experience with budgeting and financial oversight .

Working Conditions:

Frequent evenings and weekends as needed. Some travel required. 

How to Apply:

Attach your cover letter and resume. You may add additional required documents here. The system will allow you to attach these documents electronically. If you have questions about the position or the posting, please contact [email protected] .  If you need technical assistance, please call Human Resources at 616-331-2215.

Application Deadline:

Application review begins July 24. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week.  The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See www.gvsu.edu/affirmative/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).

Grand Valley State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for racial and ethnic minorities, women, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.