What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Spirit Programs position at The University of Tulsa?
Posting Details
Position Information
Position Title
Director of Spirit Programs
Job Description
The Director of Spirit Programs will lead, manage, and oversee all aspects of the Spirit program, including Pom, Cheer, and Mascot, while ensuring full compliance with NCAA, American Athletic Conference, and University of Tulsa rules and regulations. This position reports directly to the Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs.
Essential Responsibilities:
Essential Responsibilities:
- Oversee, lead, and manage the Pom, Cheer, and Mascot programs, ensuring all team activities align with institutional values and guidelines while fostering a positive and inclusive team culture that promotes personal development and excellence.
- Coordinate and attend all team practices, ensuring proper preparation and execution for cheer, pom and mascot during fall, spring, summer, and winter break.
- Attend and manage all team performances at athletic events (i.e. Football, MBB, WBB), including game day appearances and special events.
- Manage and coordinate all Spirit program appearances, on-campus and in the community, ensuring alignment with program goals. Serve as the primary contact for appearance requests, collaborating with university departments and external organizations. Maintain a detailed calendar and track event impact to maximize visibility and engagement.
- Supervise and coordinate all aspects of travel for the Spirit program, arranging transportation, lodging, meals, and managing schedules to ensure smooth and efficient travel logistics for the traveling members.
- Lead, direct, and oversee the hiring of coaches for the cheer, pom, and mascot programs, ensuring the selection of qualified individuals who align with the program’s goals and standards.
- Collaborate with the marketing department and band director to coordinate game day materials, music, events, and promotional activities, ensuring a cohesive and engaging experience for fans. Work closely with athletics department staff to align Spirit program activities with overall departmental events and initiatives.
- Foster a supportive and well-rounded environment that emphasizes the importance of academics alongside athletic achievement, encouraging students to excel both in and outside the classroom.
- Recruit and retain Spirit members by actively identifying and attracting top talent. Coordinate with Admissions and Financial Aid to determine scholarship opportunities and collaborate on recruitment strategies to ensure the success and growth of the Spirit program.
- Order and manage all Spirit program equipment, uniforms, and supplies, ensuring timely procurement and proper allocation. Maintain an accurate inventory of all uniforms and equipment, to ensure readiness for all events and appearances.
- Organize and promote clinics throughout the year to effectively recruit and prepare potential Spirit members, while enhancing the program’s visibility and outreach. Additionally, coordinate and manage annual tryouts, ensuring a smooth, efficient process for recruiting and selecting
Spirit members. - Maintain and update all information on the TU Athletics website in collaboration with the athletic communications team, ensuring accuracy and relevance. Organize and schedule photoshoots for team members and promotional materials.
- Regularly review, update, and enforce Spirit program guidelines and policies, ensuring all members adhere to the established standards.
- Serve as the department liaison to administration, alumni, and fundraising efforts. Collaborate with the TU Athletics Letterwinners liaison to maintain a database and manage communication with Spirit Alumni, organizing alumni gatherings, homecoming reunions, and game day opportunities to enhance engagement and strengthen ongoing connections with the program.
- Provide mentorship and development for all team members, fostering growth, leadership, and personal excellence both on and off the field.
Required Qualifications:
Knowledge/Skill/Ability
- Must be able to work effectively with students and families of diverse ethnic, educational, and cultural backgrounds in addition to faculty, coaches, and administrators within the rules and regulations of The University of Tulsa, American Athletic Conference, and NCAA
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively
- Strong understanding of the unique needs and challenges faced by students
- Detail-oriented mindset with a commitment to accuracy and compliance
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport and establish positive relationships with diverse populations
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment while also being self-motivated and able to work independently
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software applications
Equivalent Education/Experience
- Bachelor’s degree required
- Master’s degree preferred
- A minimum of 4-7 years of experience in coordinating, directing, or coaching cheer, pom, or mascot programs.
- A minimum of 1-3 years of experience in recruitment, student development, operations, athletics
Special Job Dimensions:
Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and travel as required for the position.
Required Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree preferred
Physical Demands
Moderate physical demands.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
S975P
Open Date
02/18/2025
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Advertising Summary
EEO Statement
EEO Statement
Eeo Statement Summary
The University of Tulsa seeks to recruit and retain talented students, faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds. The University of Tulsa is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and encourages qualified candidates across all group demographics to apply. The University does not discriminate on the basis of personal status or group characteristic including, but not limited to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ancestry, or marital status. The University of Tulsa is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disability/ Veteran.
