Graduate Assistant, Spirit Teams

Job Description Summary

The Graduate Assistant of Student Spirit Groups is responsible for assisting the Director and Assistant of Student Spirit Groups in the daily operations, training, and management of the university's dance, cheer, pom, and mascot teams. This position will work with the Head and Assistant Coaches of Student Spirit Groups to create engaging routines, foster team spirit, support athletic events, and maintain a positive, high-energy atmosphere representing Saint Leo Universitys brand and core values. The Graduate Assistant of the Spirit Teams reports directly to the Director of Student Spirit Groups.

Job Description

DUTIES AND TASKS:

• Prioritize the recruitment and retention of Spirit Team members.
• Assist in coaching cheer, pom, dance, and mascot teams in skill development, performance routines, and physical conditioning.
• Lead practices and skill-building drills to enhance team members performance.
• Help develop new choreography for routines and halftime performances, ensuring they align with the university's branding and athletic goals.
• Provide individual coaching and feedback to team members to support their growth and improvement.
• Assist with planning and organizing tryouts for new team members.
• Assist in coordinating the teams' participation in university events, sporting games, pep rallies, and other promotional campus activities.
• Support teams in preparation for major performances, ensuring they are well-rehearsed and ready for game day.
• Help coordinate mascot performances, ensuring they align with game-day energy and engagement.
• Serve as a positive mentor to all spirit team members, promoting teamwork, academic excellence, sportsmanship, and the university's values.
• Maintain clear communication with team members, their families, and relevant campus departments within the guidelines provided by the Director.
• Assist in developing and implementing team-building activities and practices to foster a strong team culture.
• Provide administrative support as needed for team activities, including scheduling practices, events, and meetings.
• Participate in recruitment efforts, including attending high school and community college events, and assisting with auditions and tryouts for new team members.
• Help create promotional material to recruit new members and retain existing team members.
• Assist in developing training programs to improve team members physical fitness, strength, flexibility, and endurance.
• Ensure all team members are following appropriate fitness regimens and safety protocols to avoid injury during practice or performance.
• Ensure all spirit team activities are conducted in compliance with university policies, safety regulations, and best practices for student-athletes.
• Monitor and maintain safe practice environments to minimize risks of injury.
• Stay updated on current trends and regulations within the cheer, dance, pom, and mascot disciplines.
• Assist with tracking budgets, managing team gear and uniforms, and organizing transportation for away games/events.
• Maintain records for practices, performances, and events attended by the teams.
• Collaborate with other departments (i.e. Athletics, Communications) to enhance spirit team visibility and involvement on campus.
• Take on additional responsibilities as needed for the success of the Spirit program.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Bachelor's degree in sports management, physical education, dance, or a related field (preferred).
• Must be an ethical person with strong values of integrity and confidentiality.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Must be able to physically coach, instruct, and demonstrate dance and cheer team members on dance fundamentals, collegiate-level skills, game-day presence, sportsmanship, and leadership.
• Team Player
• Strong work ethic
• Strong knowledge of cheerleading, dance, pom, and mascot performance techniques.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse student groups and staff members.
• Certification in CPR, first aid, concussion, or willingness to obtain certifications.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to support team events and activities.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate and inspire students.
• Clean driving record and capable of driving University Vans.
• Knowledge:
• Basic dance and cheer knowledge on a collegiate level
• Skills:
• Strong administrative communication skills
• Strong customer service skills
• Choreography experience
• Strong Technology and Marketing skills
• Abilities:
• Ability to lift/move furniture weighing over 50lbs, and support heavy objects (i.e., stunts, tumbling mats, etc.) and demonstrate physical activities as required during coaching.
• Ability to remain patient and calm when mediating, providing feedback, and in other facets of the role.
• Ability to stand, walk, and engage in physical activity for extended periods during practices and events.
• Capable of working in outdoor and indoor environments during varying weather conditions.
• Ability to coach and lead a team or student group
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle/van

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in sports management, physical education, dance, or a related field (preferred).
• At least 1 year of collegiate and/or professional dance, cheer, pom, or mascot experience.

Why Work at Saint Leo?

What it's Like to Work Here:

Ask our employees and the one word they'd use to describe working at Saint Leo University is "Community." Our team members all share the Saint Leo core values, positive attitudes, and problem-solving abilities, enabling them to provide excellent student-centered service. Our mission is educating and preparing students for life and leadership in a challenging world.

Thank you for your interest in joining the Saint Leo PRIDE!

We are committed to providing our employees with the support they need. At Saint Leo, we offer an array of medical, dental, and vision packages as well as several add-on perks to make your benefits package truly customizable to you and your family needs.

Available benefits based on employment status (Full Time vs Part Time):

• FREE Tuition - Employee, Spouse, and Dependents
• Tuition Exchange Opportunity - Dependent of Employees
• Generous Paid Leave - Sick, Vacation, and Holidays
• Comprehensive Group Health Plan (Medical, Dental, and Vision)
• Group Medical Plan includes Teledoc, Surgery Plus, Wellness Incentive Program and more!
• 100% Employer-Funded Health Reimbursement Account
• 100% Employer-Paid Short Term Disability Insurance
• 100% Employer-Funded Employee Assistance Program (healthcare and dependent options)
• Employer-provided life insurance
• Discounted On-Campus Dining Meal Plans
• Nationwide Pet Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 403b Retirement Plan
• Wellness Center
• Eligibility based on meeting required service period
• 2025 ICUBA Benefits Guide