Coaching: Cheerleading (Assistant)

Description

Organization Overview  

Excel Academy is a network of 5 schools in Massachusetts and Rhode Island that prepares students in grades 5-12 to succeed in high school and college and engage productively in their communities. The majority of our 1,700 students identify as Latinx or Hispanic and will be the first in their families to graduate from college. Families choose Excel because our students consistently outperform their peers in growth and achievement and are 5x more likely to graduate from college.

At Excel, we believe that every student—regardless of race, zip code, or economic status - deserves access to a free, high quality holistic education. During their middle school journey with us, students grow at a pace faster than most peers in their state. This is possible through a combination of high expectations, rigorous instruction, and individualized support. At our nationally ranked high school, students achieve at the highest level and are poised for success in their chosen college or career path.

About our Team 

Everyday, our team members choose to be positive, drive their own growth, uplift one another, and hold the highest possible beliefs for what students can achieve. 

About the Role

Athletics are an integral part of the high school experience. All members of the school community interact with the athletics program whether it be as participant, manager, spectator, coach, or friend. The programming impacts all students. The goal of the athletics program at Excel Academy Charter School is to provide students with the opportunity to experience leadership, overcome adversity, build character, and make a positive impact on their high school experience.

In order for students to achieve our mission it is essential that coaches uphold our values and expectations. Student athletes look to coaches as their exemplar and rely on them for their physical and emotional safety, expertise, and mentorship.

Dates:

• Fall: August 10 - November 25 
• Winter: November 1 - March 15 
• Spring: February 15 - June 15 

Stipend:

• Assistant Coach: $1,750 per season, plus postseason bonuses 

Hours:  4 - 6 days/week for approximately 10-16 hours per week (afterschool time and weekends)

Your Impact

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Plan, organize, and lead daily practices that focus on skill development, teamwork, sportsmanship, and preparation for competition.
• Coach and supervise student-athletes during all scheduled games, tournaments, and school-approved events, including evenings and weekends as required.
• Maintain consistent communication with the coaching staff to support player development, program alignment, and smooth progression within the program.
• Uphold and enforce all school, league, and athletic department policies, including expectations related to conduct, attendance, and eligibility.
• Serve as a positive role model for student-athletes by promoting academic responsibility, respectful behavior, and good sportsmanship.
• Assist with equipment management, gym setup and breakdown, and maintaining a safe and organized practice and competition environment.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

• Understand how your identity markers (including race, class, and gender) impact your role;
• Demonstrate understanding and respect for the cultures and languages of our communities;
• Solicit and welcome collaboration and feedback from colleagues, students, families and the surrounding community;
• Understand the impact of historical and structural racism and use this lens in your decision-making; and
• Take action to demonstrate personal reflections and growth/be responsive to feedback and lessons learned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; college coursework or degree preferred.
• Previous experience cheering at the high school or collegiate level, or demonstrated knowledge of rules, strategies, and skill development.
• Ability to work effectively with high school–aged student-athletes and support their athletic, academic, and personal growth.
• Strong communication and organizational skills, with the ability to collaborate with athletic staff, school administrators, parents/guardians, and students.
• Commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive, and development-focused team culture.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including afternoons, evenings, and weekends as required.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Prior coaching experience in a public or charter school setting at the youth, club, middle school, or high school level.
• CPR, First Aid, and AED certification (or willingness to obtain prior to the start of the season)
• Knowledge of injury prevention, basic athletic training principles, and return-to-play protocols
• Familiarity with school athletic department policies, league regulations, and eligibility requirements.
• Experience supporting player development pathways and collaborating with coaching staff.

Mission Alignment

• You share a commitment to and belief in all students and the mission of Excel Academy Charter Schools, including Excel’s values and educational model;
• You are committed to addressing racial and economic inequity in education;
• You work effectively in a team environment and have a willingness and desire to support others in doing their best work; and
• You are open to change, are willing to problem-solve, and seek feedback for your own professional growth and improvement.

Preference will be given to applicants who share points of intersection with our students, such as speaking Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, or a language commonly spoken by our students and families at an advanced level, being first generation college graduates, or having grown up low-income. 

Excel Academy Charter Schools do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, age, ancestry, athletic performance, special need, proficiency in the English language or a foreign language or prior academic achievement.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.