Assistant Spirit Coordinator

Job Summary:

The Assistant Spirit Coordinator for Athletics assists the Spirit Director in the leadership and management of all Spirit Programs to achieve successful outcomes, including oversight of administrative functions and game-day operations. The Assistant Spirit Coordinator also serves as Head Coach for the TCU Cheerleading squads (All Girl and Coed) at Texas Christian University. This position is dedicated to fostering an environment that promotes excellence in both athletics and academics while supporting student-athlete development in alignment with the university’s academic and athletic standards. The role works collaboratively with the Spirit Director, assistant coaches, and athletic staff to coach and mentor elite student-athletes and represents the Spirit Program in collaboration with university staff, faculty, and the broader community.

Duties & Essential Job Functions:

1. Administrative & Operational Support: Assigned significant responsibility in, but not limited to, assisting with office functions including appearance coordination and management, purchasing and inventory management of equipment and uniforms, invoice processing and reimbursements, facility reservations, travel arrangements and event planning, fundraising and recruiting events, and official correspondence related to TCU’s Spirit Program.
2. Program Leadership & Oversight: Assists the Spirit Director in planning, evaluating, and implementing gameday- and student-focused strategies and team policies that support the overall success of all Spirit Programs.
a. Shares responsibility with the Spirit Director for supervising Cheerleaders, Showgirls, Mascots, and Rangers during practices, athletic events (including away games), and appearances.
b. Coaches and attends all scheduled practices and events while ensuring the safety and well-being of all spirit program participants, including clinic and camp/clinic/open practice participants.
c. Assists with the spirit program selection process and monitor and support the academic progress of squad members.
d. Alongside the Spirit Director, represents the Spirit Program at meetings, fundraising functions, alumni events, and other university-related engagements.
3. Head Cheer Coach Responsibilities: Serves as Head Cheer Coach with responsibility for preparing, organizing, and attending practices, games, pep rallies, performances, appearances, and off-season training activities for both All Girl and Coed teams.
a. Assists in the planning and execution of all cheerleading events and activities, including but not limited to tryouts, poster shoots, meet-and-greet events, end-of-year banquets, alumni events, recruiting events, and team-building activities.
b. Creates and distributes checklists, timelines, choreography, and performance layouts for designated athletic events, including game days across multiple sports, as well as appearances, marketing initiatives, and community events.
4. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with students, faculty, administrators, alumni, and external partners.
5. Maintains regular, punctual attendance and upholds professional standards at all assigned events and activities.
6. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 3 years of work experience coaching a cheerleading group at the high school or collegiate level and
• Experience as a cheerleader or other spirit program participant at the collegiate level.

Preferred Education & Experience:

• Master’s degree.
• Professional experience is a plus.

Required Licensure/Certification/Specialized Training:

• Certificate in USA Cheer Safety and Risk Management by USA Cheer before employment start date and maintained throughout appointment.

Preferred Licensure, Certification, and/or Specialized Training:

• None

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of basic advising and counseling techniques.
• Knowledge and understanding of college student development and learning.
• Knowledge of teaching, coaching and current trends in cheerleading and Spirit
• Knowledge of crowd involvement and safety measures.
• Must possess thorough knowledge of the rules, regulations, strategies and techniques of USA Cheer College Cheer rules.
• Skill in planning and organizing.
• Skill in choreography and musicality.
• Skill in communication, presentation and interpersonal techniques.
• Skill with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
• Ability to adhere to and support university spirit squad priorities, philosophy and guidelines.
• Ability to work nights, weekends and holidays.
• Ability to travel as needed.

TCU Core Competencies:

University Core Competencies definitions may be found on the Human Resources website and in the staff performance management system.

Physical Requirements (With or Without Accommodations):

• Visual acuity to read information from computer screens, forms and other printed materials and information.
• Able to speak (enunciate) clearly in conversation and general communication.
• Hearing ability for verbal communication/conversation/responses via telephone, telephone systems, and face-to-face interactions.
• Manual dexterity for typing, writing, standing and reaching, flexibility, body movement for bending, crouching, walking, kneeling and prolonged sitting.
• Lifting and moving objects and equipment up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to showcase technical dance skills.

Work Environment:

• Work is indoors/outdoors and not sedentary and is subject to schedule changes and/or variable work hours.
• There are no harmful environmental conditions present for this job.
• The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate.
• Must be comfortable to work in a fast paced, high-pressure environment.
• This role is an on-campus, in-person position but requires some travel.

Employment Values Statement:

Texas Christian University values Integrity, Engagement, Community, and Excellence in the workplace. TCU treats applicants and employees with fairness and respect. TCU hires and promotes individuals based on their qualifications and their commitment to making a positive impact on our student-centered community. TCU is an equal opportunity employer and follows all applicable employment laws. TCU fairly considers all qualified individuals, ensuring we are a workplace free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. 

Notification of Compliance with NCAA Regulations:

This job description includes the expectation of compliance with NCAA regulations.  An institutional staff member who is found in violation of NCAA regulations shall be subject to disciplinary or corrective action as set forth in the provisions of the NCAA enforcement procedures, including suspension without pay or termination of employment for significant or repetitive violations.