The Head Cheer Coach is responsible for all aspects of the cheer program, including athlete development, practice planning, game and competition preparation, program administration, assistant coach supervision, equipment management, and compliance with Chief Leschi Schools, WIAA, and applicable athletic governing body rules. The coach serves as a positive role model who builds meaningful relationships with students, families, staff, and the community while promoting academic success, cultural pride, and personal growth.
ABOUT CHIEF LESCHI SCHOOLS: Formerly known as the Puyallup Tribal School, Chief Leschi Schools was founded in 1976 to address the high dropout rate of the youth of the Puyallup tribe. It is the largest of seven tribal schools in the state of Washington and one of approximately 200+ tribal schools in the United States. It is also one of the largest tribal schools to be funded by the Bureau of Indian Education.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:
Develops and leads a high-quality cheer program that emphasizes safety, teamwork, sportsmanship, leadership, discipline, and personal growth.
Plans and conducts organized, engaging, and developmentally appropriate practices that improve athletes' technical skills, conditioning, confidence, and performance.
Teaches proper cheer, dance, stunt, tumbling, and safety techniques consistent with WIAA rules and nationally recognized best practices.
Creates a positive, inclusive team culture where every student-athlete feels valued, respected, and challenged to reach their potential.
Models professionalism, integrity, respect, and good sportsmanship while serving as a positive role model for student-athletes.
Promotes academic achievement and reinforces expectations for attendance, citizenship, and appropriate behavior.
Supervises student-athletes during all practices, competitions, travel, and school-sponsored activities while maintaining appropriate student supervision at all times.
Collaborates with assistant coaches to ensure consistent coaching philosophy, athlete development, and program expectations.
Provides direction, mentoring, and performance feedback to assistant coaches in collaboration with the Athletic Director.
Communicates effectively and professionally with students, parents, school staff, officials, and community members.
Maintains current team rosters, eligibility records, physical examination clearances, emergency information, and required participation documentation.
Ensures all participating athletes have completed required eligibility documentation before participating in practices or competitions.
Maintains accountability for all uniforms, equipment, and program inventory and reports repair or replacement needs promptly.
Reports injuries immediately, completes required documentation within established timelines, and follows school procedures regarding athlete health and safety.
Ensures student-athletes receive appropriate medical attention and follows return-to-play protocols.
Assists with program promotion, recruitment of student-athletes, youth outreach, and activities that strengthen school spirit and community engagement.
Conducts all aspects of the program in compliance with Chief Leschi Schools policies, WIAA regulations, and all applicable athletic governing rules.
Attends required coaches' meetings, professional development, WIAA rules clinics, and mandatory trainings.
Performs other duties related to the successful operation of the athletic program as assigned.
This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. Some incumbents may not perform all the duties listed, while in other cases related duties may also be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Must be at least 21 years of age.
High school diploma or GED.
One year of successful experience coaching cheerleading, gymnastics, dance, youth athletics, or a closely related activity; or equivalent experience demonstrating the ability to safely instruct and supervise student-athletes.
Demonstrated knowledge of cheerleading fundamentals, stunt progression, safety practices, and athlete development.
Ability to effectively supervise and mentor middle and high school students in both instructional and competitive settings.
Current First Aid, CPR, and AED certification, or ability to obtain prior to the first practice.
Must meet all WIAA coaching certification requirements and complete required coaching education within established timelines.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in Physical Education, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Education, Sports Management, Recreation, or a related field.
Three or more years of successful competitive cheer coaching experience at the middle school, high school, collegiate, club, or all-star level.
Experience developing comprehensive cheer programs that emphasize athlete development, leadership, and positive team culture.
Experience supervising assistant coaches or leading athletic programs.
Experience working with Native American students, Tribal communities, or culturally diverse student populations.
Demonstrated commitment to culturally responsive coaching and fostering an inclusive team environment.
Current employee of Chief Leschi Schools.
CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:
Able to maintain a successful criminal background clearance
Successful and/or clear drug screening
KNOWLEDGE OF:
WIAA rules, regulations, eligibility requirements, and coaching standards.
Principles of athlete development, motivation, leadership, and positive coaching.
Effective practice planning, skill progression, competition preparation, and performance evaluation.
Student behavior management and positive discipline strategies.
School policies, athletic department procedures, and risk management practices.
Cultural responsiveness and practices that support Native American students and diverse learning communities.
ABILITY TO:
Inspire, motivate, and mentor student-athletes to achieve their highest potential both academically and athletically.
Build a positive, disciplined, and inclusive team culture that reflects the values of Chief Leschi Schools.
Teach cheerleading skills using safe, developmentally appropriate instructional techniques.
Exercise sound judgment and maintain composure during practices, competitions, emergencies, and high-pressure situations.
Communicate effectively and professionally with students, families, officials, staff, and community members.
Build positive working relationships with administrators, coaches, parents, and community partners.
Organize practices, competitions, travel, equipment, and program logistics with strong attention to detail.
Supervise students effectively while maintaining a safe learning and athletic environment.
Serve as a positive ambassador for Chief Leschi Schools both on and off campus.
Maintain confidentiality and exercise professionalism in all interactions.
Work evenings, weekends, holidays, and travel as required by the athletic schedule.
Comply with all school policies, athletic department procedures, and WIAA regulations.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: Athletic Director or designee
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position. Workplace accommodations may be provided in accordance with CLS Tribal policy.
Employees may be required to sit or stand for extended periods and perform tasks involving reaching, talking, hearing, bending, stooping, twisting, squatting, kneeling, and fine motor coordination.
This position may require regularly lifting or moving up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds, with appropriate assistance or equipment as needed.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is primarily performed in an indoor educational environment with moderate noise levels. Employees may work in and/or proximity to classrooms, students, and standard office or instructional equipment. Conditions may vary based on program needs.
SOVEREIGN IMMUNITY NOTICE:
Chief Leschi Schools operates under the authority of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. Employment is governed by Tribal law and policy and does not create a contract of employment. Nothing in this job description or related materials shall be construed as a waiver of CLS’s or the Tribe’s sovereign immunity.
INDIAN PREFERENCE & EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT:
Chief Leschi Schools is an equal opportunity employer operating under the authority of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. Employment decisions are made in accordance with Tribal law, including applicable Indian preference requirements. Chief Leschi Schools provides employment opportunities without unlawful discrimination as defined by Tribal policy and aligns with applicable federal requirements where expressly required under law or the State-Tribal Education Compact. Nothing in this statement shall be construed as a waiver of CLS’s or the Tribe’s sovereign immunity.
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