Spirit Coach

Job Description

Job Description

This is a part-time, club-level position that is not associated with an NJCAA-sanctioned athletic program. Primary responsibilities occur during the fall and spring semesters on JWCC's main campus in Quincy, Illinois, with a varying schedule that may include early mornings, evenings, and weekends based on practice, performance, and event schedules.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The JWCC Spirit Club encompasses both cheer and dance. The JWCC Spirit Coach provides leadership and direction for the cheer program, including practices, instruction, performances, and participation at designated athletic events. The Spirit Coach also provides leadership and guidance to the dance club as assigned and coordinates with the Student Life Coordinator and/or Dance Assistant, as applicable.

A separate part-time Dance Assistant position may be utilized to provide additional direct support to dance club members under the direction of the Spirit Coach.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Cheer Leadership

• Plans, organizes, and leads cheer practices, including instruction in cheer technique, stunts, routines, conditioning, and performance preparation, consistent with applicable safety standards and College policies.
• Provides instruction, coaching, feedback, and support to student participants and promotes a positive, respectful, and inclusive team environment.
• Leads and supervises cheer participation at designated JWCC home men's and women's basketball games and other approved College events.
• Demonstrates and/or facilitates cheer techniques and activities as necessary to effectively instruct student participants and support the program, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Identifies and communicates student safety concerns and program needs to the Athletic Director.

Dance Club Leadership and Coordination

• Provides direction and guidance to the dance club regarding practices, activities, performances, and organizational needs.
• Serves as a point of contact between the dance club and the Coordinator of Student Belonging when appropriate and when a Dance Assistant is not assigned.
• Provides direction and oversight to the Dance Assistant, if appointed, and coordinates responsibilities to support the dance club.
• Promotes a positive, respectful, and inclusive environment for dance club participants.

Program Coordination and Event Support

• Recruits and supports the retention of student participants for cheer and dance.
• Communicates with the Athletic Director regarding rosters, scheduling, equipment, program needs, and other matters related to the Spirit Club.
• Coordinates or assists with logistics for practices, performances, appearances, competitions, and approved athletic events.
• Provides appropriate supervision of student participants during practices, performances, College-sponsored events, and approved travel activities.
• Follows College procedures related to student conduct, health and safety, incident reporting, and risk management.
• Reports accidents, injuries, incidents, and other safety concerns promptly to the appropriate College personnel.
• Assists with athletic event operations and other program-related activities as assigned by the Athletic Director.

Administrative and Other Responsibilities

• Maintains accurate attendance, participation, roster, and other program records as required.
• Communicates regularly and professionally with student participants, College employees, and other individuals associated with the Spirit Club.
• Maintains a professional, supportive, and student-centered environment.
• Complies with applicable College policies, procedures, rules, safety requirements, and risk-management standards.
• Completes required College training and other employment-related requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution preferred, equivalent experience will be considered.
• Minimum of two years of coaching, cheer instruction, competitive cheer, or closely related cheer performance experience.

Skills & Competencies:

• Demonstrated knowledge of cheer techniques, instruction, safety practices, and routine development.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, and College personnel.
• Ability to organize and manage practices, schedules, rosters, performances, and related program activities.
• Ability to establish and maintain appropriate professional boundaries with student participants.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Strong knowledge of cheer coaching, instruction, technique, and safety practices.
• Ability to provide effective instruction, feedback, and leadership to student participants.
• Ability to foster a positive, respectful, inclusive, and team-oriented environment.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment regarding student safety, conduct, and program operations.
• Ability to work effectively with the Athletic Department, Student Life, and other College personnel.
• Ability to maintain appropriate confidentiality concerning student and College information.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed primarily in gymnasiums, practice facilities, athletic venues, and other College or approved event locations.
• The position may involve exposure to varying temperatures, noise levels, lighting conditions, and activity levels associated with athletic practices, performances, and events.
• The position requires regular interaction with student participants, College employees, officials, visitors, and members of the public. The employee may work independently and collaboratively and is expected to exercise appropriate judgment, professionalism, and discretion when working with students.
• The position may require standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting, carrying, and other physical activities associated with coaching, instruction, supervision, and event participation. The position may also require demonstrating, assisting with, or facilitating cheer and dance techniques, including spotting and other activities necessary to support student instruction and safety.
• The position may involve working in crowded or active environments and may require the employee to respond appropriately to unexpected situations, including student injuries, safety concerns, or other incidents.
• The position requires flexibility to work scheduled practices, performances, athletic events, and other approved activities, which may occur during early morning hours, evenings, and weekends.
• The College will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable federal and state law.
• Subject to frequent interruptions and interaction with students, faculty, staff, and the public.
• Participation in ongoing professional development to stay informed about trends in the field.
• Ability to manage the mental and emotional demands of the role.

SALARY

• The position provides a $3,000 stipend for the academic year. The stipend represents the anticipated compensation for the duties and responsibilities of the position and is subject to applicable College policies and payroll requirements.

BENEFITS

• This is a part-time, club-level position and is not eligible for JWCC's full-time employee benefits package. Eligibility for any legally required benefits or protections will be determined in accordance with applicable law and College policy.

APPLICATION

To receive full consideration, submit a resume with cover letter by visiting Position is open until filled.

 

08/31/2026

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