Head Cheer Coach

Pay Scale: High School Sports (Salary is determined based on the particular sport and coaching experience)

Minimum Degree Level: High school or equivalent

Job Description: Athletic Coach

Position Title: Head Varsity Cheer Coach

Location: Enka High School

Start Date: June 2025

Reports To: Athletic Director / Principal

Employment Type: Supplemented Coaching Position (with possible teaching positions available, if applicable)

Season: Fall & Winter Sports Seasons (Football and Basketball)

Position Summary:

The Head Cheerleading Coach is responsible for leading and managing all aspects of the Enka High School Cheerleading program. This includes planning, organizing, and supervising practices, games, competitions, team events, and community outreach. The coach must foster a safe, positive, and inclusive environment that promotes sportsmanship, school spirit, personal growth, and leadership development. The ideal candidate will be a high-energy, forward-thinking leader with the organizational skills to develop not just a team-but an entire program that impacts the school and community.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Leadership & Culture

• Build and maintain a cheerleading program that reflects the values of accountability, enthusiasm, character, and unity.

• Promote school spirit and student involvement across athletic events and school-wide initiatives.

• Serve as a positive role model for student-athletes and cultivate leadership within the team.

Coaching & Instruction

• Plan and run practices with clear skill progression in stunting, tumbling, motion technique, and game-day choreography.

• Ensure all routines are safe, appropriate, and aligned with community standards.

• Prepare the squad for performances at football, basketball, pep rallies, and community events.

• Organize and lead tryouts with transparency, fairness, and consistency.

Game Day & Event Management

• Direct the cheer squad at all home football and basketball games, select away games, and school events.

• Coordinate game day logistics with the Athletic Director and game management team.

• Facilitate the cheer team's presence at pep rallies, school assemblies, and community activities.

Youth & Program Development

• Develop and maintain a feeder program through partnerships with local youth cheer programs.

• Collaborate with Enka Middle School to create alignment in coaching philosophy, skill development, and program culture.

• Organize and oversee youth clinics, cheer camps, and summer training opportunities to promote early skill development and excitement for Enka Cheer.

• Serve as a liaison between youth and middle school coaches, ensuring a consistent message and path from elementary to varsity-level cheer.

Administrative Duties

• Monitor academic performance and eligibility of team members in accordance with school policies.

• Maintain accurate attendance, medical forms, and documentation.

• Lead fundraising efforts and manage team budget with transparency and alignment with athletic department protocols.

• Communicate effectively with parents, athletes, administrators, and support staff.

Safety, Compliance, and Professionalism

• Adhere to and enforce NCHSAA, NFHS, and school safety standards in all practices and performances.

• Ensure team members are trained and conditioned to perform safely and effectively.

• Maintain current certifications (First Aid/CPR, Concussion, NFHS Courses, etc.).

• Supervise assistant coaches and volunteers while maintaining a high standard of professionalism.

Communication & Community Engagement

• Maintain ongoing communication with players, parents, athletic department staff, and school administration.

• Conduct preseason parent meetings and maintain regular updates on schedules, expectations, and program initiatives.

• Collaborate with booster organizations and community stakeholders to enhance program resources and visibility.

• Represent the school with professionalism and integrity at all athletic and school events.

Athlete Development & Well-Being

• Promote and monitor academic achievement, school attendance, and behavior of student-athletes.

• Coordinate with guidance counselors, athletic trainers, and strength coaches to support holistic student-athlete development.

• Emphasize health, wellness, injury prevention, and safe playing techniques at all times.

Qualifications:

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Experience in coaching or competitive cheerleading.

• Strong knowledge of safety standards, technique instruction, and age-appropriate progressions.

• Safety and stunt certifications (AACCA, NFHS, USA Cheer).

• Excellent communication and leadership skills.

• Must pass a background check and meet all district employment standards.

Preferred:

• Experience organizing summer camps or developing youth outreach programs.

• Prior experience working in a collaborative school environment or district-level programming.

• CPR/First Aid Certification (required to coach in North Carolina).

• Completion of NFHS Coaching Certifications and Concussion in Sports Training (Required to coach in North Carolina).

• Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.

• Commitment to the mission, vision, values, and educational priorities of Enka High School.

Working Conditions:

• Evening and weekend hours required.

• Physical requirements include the ability to demonstrate cheerleading techniques and stunting safely.

• Indoor and outdoor environments depending on events and season.

Evaluation:

Performance will be evaluated annually by the Athletic Director based on program development, team performance, student-athlete growth, safety, and alignment with the overall mission of Enka Athletics.

Compensation:

• Supplement based on district coaching pay scale and years of experience.

• Potential for additional compensation through summer responsibilities, camps, and clinics.

• Teaching or classified assignment may be available based on qualifications and school needs but not required for hire as Cheerleading coach.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit:

• Letter of interest outlining coaching philosophy and leadership vision.

• Current resume with relevant coaching and professional experience.

• Three professional references (at least one from an athletic or educational supervisor).

• Any coaching certifications or supporting documents.