Iona College seeks a Head Cheerleading Coach who will be responsible for the overall planning, training, and development of a comprehensive Iona College cheerleading program. The Head Coach will work in conjunction with the Assistant Cheerleading Coach, and the Athletics Department and will report directly to the Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing & Ticketing.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work with the Assistant Coach to supervise and delegate responsibilities.
• Develop a cheerleading program to include choreography, cheers, stunts, and gymnastics.
• Plan and coordinate all try-outs for team: including recruitment, advertising, physical clearance and scheduling of space.
• Schedule and attend try-outs and practices for team: ensure that space is secured on campus through Athletics.
• Maintain a calendar of practices and events including but not limited to the team’s presence and support at all Men’s and Women’s home basketball games and applicable tournaments.
• Effectively communicate with team, and Athletics staffs. This includes, but is not limited to, confirming routines and submitting music selections to a member of Athletics at least 48 hours before game time (either handling it personally or making team member responsible for it).
• Maintain and update rosters and emergency contact information of all team members.
• Travel to some away games and may be required to drive campus van to venues. Iona van certification course will be required.
• Maintain knowledgee of, and uphold, UCA, NCAA, MAAC, and overall Cheerleading rules and regulations such as safety, certification, etc.
• Prepare the team for on-campus and school related engagements including but not limited to Homecoming, Spirit Performances, Pep Rallies, and requested events.
• Work to ensure policies of the College are upheld, specific examples include anti-hazing policies (zero tolerance), medical clearance requirements (no student is to practice until cleared by Health Services after an updated physical is on file), and appropriate waiver forms.
• Uphold the Athletics Code of Conduct.
• Manage current supply inventory and work with Student Development to order new supplies. This includes warm-ups, uniforms, poms etc. through the appropriate Iona College purchasing guidelines.
• Coordinate Gael Mascot appearances, and work with the mascot on crowd engagement.
• Continually make the best efforts to engage the crowd and foster a positive, energetic atmosphere at home events.
• In recognition that the Cheerleading Team is a club organization, the coach will ensure club leaders adhere to the requirements of the Student Government Association (SGA) and Gaels Activities Board (GAB).
• Other duties as assigned by the Athletic Department, related to the Cheerleading Coach position (i.e., competitions, tournaments).

Required Skills Required Experience

• Candidate must have a Bachelor’s Degree and knowledge of Cheerleading and NCAA policies. Prior coaching experiences and experience in Athletics, Physical Education, Student Activities or a related field is preferred.
• First Aid, CPR, and appropriate Cheer certifications required including but not limited to certification through the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators.
• Ability to interact effectively with a diverse student population.
• Ability to effectively communicate with students, staff and administration.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Positive, enthusiastic, collaborative, flexible and approachable attitude.
• Must have own transportation.
• Available Tuesday & Thursday evenings and late afternoon for practices, as well as, other varied weekends for games, tournaments, or competitions. Must be flexible with availability.
• College Cheerleading and Cheerleading Competition experience preferred.
• Knowledge of Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) guidelines and cheerleading safety information.

ABOUT US

Iona College, a highly accredited liberal arts institution of academic excellence, seeks to grow our diverse community of learners, scholars and staff located at our scenic 45-acre campus in New Rochelle, just 20 minutes north of midtown Manhattan, and at our satellite program at Rockefeller Center. At Iona we are committed to educating lifelong learners in the tradition of the Christian Brothers and American Catholic higher education. We prepare our 3,300 undergraduates and 600 graduate students with career-ready skills and success in all facets of their lives by nurturing the values of justice, peace and service. Our continued success depends on attracting and retaining a highly motivated, results-oriented and talented team. Learn more about what makes us unique: review our Mission, Vision & Values, our stories in the media and our compelling benefits. Join the Iona College team and partner with us as we Move the World!

Iona College is committed to attracting and supporting a staff and faculty of women and men that fully represents the racial, ethnic and cultural diversity of the nation and our institution; as a result, we actively seek applications from individuals of all backgrounds and beliefs.