Cheerleading Head Coach (5047U) ASUC Student Union #86422

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom, and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty, and staff.

As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic, and social value.

We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

Departmental Overview

The Student Union is the campus living room, the driving force behind a thriving, connected, and empowered student experience at UC Berkeley. As the central hub of campus life, we unite essential services, student leadership, and dynamic programs to foster a strong sense of community and success. Our expansive and diverse portfolio, including student-run enterprises, resource centers, and innovative initiatives, ensures that students have access to the tools, spaces, and support they need to thrive.

From housing critical student services like the Basic Needs Center, Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), and the Food Pantry to overseeing high-impact operations such as Berkeley Event Services and the Berkeley Art Studio, we seamlessly integrate commerce, creativity, and community. With a mission-driven approach, we not only enrich campus life but also generate revenue that fuels student success. Additionally, we provide essential finance and accounting support to registered student organizations and the Graduate Assembly, ensuring responsible stewardship of student resources and fostering financial sustainability within the campus community.

Position Summary

The Cal Cheerleading Head Coach develops, promotes and supports the operational and strategic aspects of the Cal Cheerleading Team, which is a non-stunting program. This includes coordinating auditions; planning, scheduling, and running team practices and meetings; coordinating team uniforms, and choreographing routines to be performed at games/events.

Leads the Cal Cheerleading team program for students. Responsible for the day-to-day running of the program; works closely with the Director of Spirit on strategy and advocacy for student needs, and the execution of the administration of the Cal Cheer program. Applies campus, department, and NCAA policies and procedures to resolve a variety of issues.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: June 5, 2026. For full consideration, please apply on or before the first review date.

Responsibilities

• 15% Applies policies and procedures to plan, organize, and coordinate the Cal Cheerleading program. In conjunction with the Director of Spirit, establishes goals, agendas, attire, and schedules/timelines for the squad.
• 30% Directs performances at home and away football, basketball, and volleyball games and other special events as necessary. Determines and oversees performance music, formations, and routines.
• 30% Schedules and directs regular team practices, including warm-up and cool-down. Choreographs routines for the squad and instructs the squad on how to perform the routines; coaches and choreographs tumbling routines as applicable.
• 5% Proposes purchases for the Cheer team including uniforms, event and game day expenses, etc.
• 5% Evaluates the performance of Cheer team members and designs instructional opportunities to improve technical and strategic execution.
• 5% Coordinates try-outs for the Cheer Team, assists in the selection process, manages squad member status, and takes disciplinary action as necessary. Assesses participants' skills and assigns team or activity positions.
• 5% Schedules and directs regular team meetings to provide feedback on performance and to share information.
• 5% Other duties as assigned, including professional development.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training
• Specialized knowledge of cheerleading, particularly experience leading and/or participating in collegiate cheer teams or similar. Must have tumbling experience and certification.
• Effective interpersonal, motivational and team leadership skills to work effectively with participants.
• Ability to demonstrate creativity, sound judgment and decision-making; be an effective problem solver and effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
• Leadership skills to mentor and develop Cheer team members.
• Current knowledge of applicable rules and standards of the affiliated collegiate league (ACC), regional conference and National Governing Body and at all times avoid any and all violations of these rules and standards.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills in the English language.
• Proficient in the use of basic computer applications.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Must maintain current knowledge of applicable rules and standards of the ACC Conference, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), as well as other associations and agencies to which the Berkeley campus of the University of California adheres, and, at all times avoid any and all violations of these rules and standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working with age level specific to an activity is preferred.

Licenses / Certifications

• Certification to instruct Cheerleading including USA Cheer tumbling and spotting certification.
• Maintains CPR / AED and First Aid certification.
• Safety Certifications through USA Cheer, including tumbling safety.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted annual salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $22,000 - $24,000.

• This is an 1-year, part-time (16 hours/week) contract position that is not eligible for UC benefits.

• This is an exempt, monthly-paid position.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Mandated Reporter

This position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter required to report the observed or suspected abuse or neglect of children, dependent adults, or elders to designated law enforcement or social service agencies. We reserve the right to make employment contingent upon completion of signed statements acknowledging the responsibilities of a Mandated Reporter.

Misconduct

SB 791 and AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.