Assistant Dance Team Coach - Volunteer

About Cheer Seattle

Cheer Seattle is an all-adult, volunteer-led, nonprofit cheer and dance organization in Seattle, WA. We raise funds, awareness, and spirits for the LGBTQIA community.

Overview

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Volunteer Assistant Coach to join our Pom Squad and positively impact the LGBTQIA community. This role is ideal for individuals with experience and a strong background in dance and the queer community, and who are eager to share their knowledge and skills with adult athletes from beginner to advanced levels.

As a Volunteer Coach, you will help foster a supportive and inclusive team environment through the development of dance technique, athletic skills, choreography, and performance quality of the Pom Squad. The Assistant Coaches report directly to the Board President and work collaboratively with coaches and captains to ensure the success of the entire team of volunteers.

Qualities Of A Team Leader

Organizational Values (SPICE):

• Support - Actively involved in team success, each CSEA leader bears the weight and supports fellow members, ensuring collective strength through supportive behavior.
• Philanthropy - Promoting welfare without expectation, CSEA leaders contribute talent, treasure, and time to support our organization, teammates, and community.
• Inclusivity - Actively ensuring equal access and welcome for all, CSEA leaders practice inclusivity within the team and broader community, serving as active allies.
• Compassion - CSEA leaders, whether allies or LGBTQIA members, show our volunteers and community kindness, empathy, and concern for others' well-being, regardless of their background or circumstances.
• Empowerment - CSEA leaders promote inclusivity and affirm the diverse identities within the community, thereby enabling individuals to present their authentic selves confidently in society.
• Responsible and dependable
• Emotionally & culturally Intelligent
• Role Model (leads by example)
• Ability to motivate team members
• Effective Communicator
• Problem-solver
• Honest
• Humble
• Team-first attitude
• Helpful, friendly, and approachable
• Positive and enthusiastic
• Integrity
• Conflict resolution
• Able to give/receive feedback effectively

Overall Responsibilities

• Training and Development: Assist in the design and implementation of training programs that enhance the skills and performance levels of the Emerald, Diamond, and Sapphire squads.
• Leadership and Management: Mentor squad captains, providing guidance and support to ensure effective team leadership and cohesion.
• Coordination and Planning: Collaborate with the Board President and other coaches to plan practices, performances, and community events.
• Team Building: Foster a positive, inclusive, and motivational atmosphere that encourages teamwork, respect, and personal growth.
• Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with the Board President, other coaches, squad captains, and team members to ensure clarity and alignment on goals and expectations.
• Safety and Compliance: Ensure all team activities are conducted safely and in accordance with Cheer Seattle's policies and procedures.

Pom Squad Responsibilities

• Safely teach dance skills and technique.
• Assist in the planning and execution of all practices (requires daily and weekly communication with coaches and captains to coordinate practice agendas, events, and announcements).
• Attend performing events, as needed.
• Assist in the planning and running of monthly meetings with captains and other coaches.
• Help set goals and progressions for your squad.
• Assist in leading choreography efforts for pom dances, cheers, chances, and performance routines.
• Help coordinate with the Artistic Committee for apparel, music, and choreography needs, as needed.
• Attend regular meetings with the other coaches.
• Act as a mentor for captains and any other leadership role within the team.

Qualifications

• Be a member of, or a strong ally to, the LGBTQIA community (note: priority will go to candidates with lived experiences in the LGBTQIA community).
• Ability to demonstrate and teach technique from beginning level to advanced level in one or more of the following styles of dance: jazz, contemporary, ballet, hip hop, jazz funk.
• Ability to be at every practice (we know that you have a life and won't be at every single practice, but the expectation is that there will always be a coach present).
• Experience developing and tracking lesson/progression plans.
• Ability to teach technique, correct form, and offer feedback to athletes.
• Excellent communication skills - you will communicate with other coaches and captains daily via email, text, and BAND.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with teaching or coaching kick lines and pom teams.
• Experience creating and teaching choreography for beg-adv dancers.
• Knowledge of the cheer industry is a plus.
• Knowledge of the nonprofit industry is a plus.

Compensation & Working Environment

This is a volunteer position. Our organization is 100% volunteer-led and we share the workload to keep our organization going strong. We practice every Sunday from 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM. Aside from that, this position requires constant and consistent communication with other coaches, captains, and board members, and must be available for a monthly Coaches & Captains meeting. Additionally, you must be available during Pride month for various performance opportunities.

To Apply:

Submit a cover letter and résumé via email at BOD@cheerseattle.org