Cheer Instructor

THE SALVATION ARMY

NORTH & CENTRAL ILLINOIS DIVISION

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Cheer Instructor

PEOPLE MANAGER: (No)

PAY GRADE: 203

PAY RANGE: 18.11-21.74

WHO WE ARE

At The Salvation Army, we are dedicated to Doing the Most Good. We are made up of thousands of officers, soldiers, staff, volunteers, donors, and partners working together to holistically meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our most vulnerable neighbors. We do this through programs designed to combat homelessness and hunger, provide safe spaces for kids after school and on the weekends, achieve and maintain sobriety, and give hope to the hopeless. The Salvation Army North and Central Illinois Division provides these services to people in need.

JOB SUMMARY

We are seeking an energetic, passionate, and experienced Cheer Instructor to lead and inspire students in cheerleading techniques, routines, and team spirit. The ideal candidate will have experience working with young athletes and a passion for teaching foundational cheer skills in a safe, supportive, and engaging environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Areas of responsibility include but are not limited to the following:

1. Lead age-appropriate cheerleading classes and team practices.
2. Teach basic to intermediate cheer techniques including motions, jumps, chants, and beginner stunts.
3. Create fun and safe routines for performances and events.
4. Foster a positive team environment that promotes confidence, discipline, and teamwork.
5. Ensure all activities follow safety guidelines and age-appropriate progressions.
6. Communicate regularly with parents and guardians about student progress and upcoming events.
7. Supervise students during practices, performances, and events.
8. Maintain a clean and organized practice space.
9. Attend staff meetings, training sessions, and events as required.
10. In contacts related to this position's duties, this individual acts as a representative of The Salvation Army and its mission.
11. All other duties as assigned as related to this job.

OTHER DUTIES

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Experience:

• Experience in cheerleading, dance, gymnastics, or youth coaching.
• Comfortable working with children ages 5-15.
• Strong communication and classroom management skills.
• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Ability to create a fun, inclusive, and encouraging environment.

Skills/Abilities:

• Experience choreographing youth cheer routines.
• Familiarity with youth sports safety standards.
• Background in early childhood education or child development is a plus.
• A willingness to promote the mission of The Salvation Army.

JOB LIMITATIONS

• This individual will only commit Army resources that have been allocated or approved.
• This individual will adhere to all policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Frequent Movement: Must be able to stand, walk, run, jump, and move quickly across gym floors or outdoor fields for extended periods.
• Demonstration of Skills: Ability to physically demonstrate cheerleading techniques, including motions, jumps, basic stunts, and tumbling.
• Lifting and Spotting: May need to lift, support, or spot young athletes during stunts or tumbling drills (typically up to 50 lbs).
• Flexibility and Agility: Requires a moderate to high level of flexibility, balance, and coordination to safely teach and demonstrate routines.
• Vocal Projection: Must be able to speak loudly and clearly to give instructions in noisy environments.
• Stamina: Requires sustained energy and enthusiasm to lead multiple classes or practices in a day.
• Environmental Tolerance: May work in various environments including gyms, studios, or outdoor settings, sometimes in warm or humid conditions.

COMPETENCIES

1. Maintain positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that fosters and maintains positive relationships with co-workers and supervisors.
2. Resolve conflicts in a positive manner.
3. Treat staff, clients, and visitors with courtesy.
4. Respect others' property and person.
5. Use professional and appropriate communication to and about co-workers, supervisors and subordinates.
6. Support the Mission of The Salvation Army by treating every donor, contact and colleague with respect and dignity, and without discrimination of any kind.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

This individual will be evaluated on how effectively the outcomes of this position are achieved as well as the timeliness, accuracy, and completeness of accomplishing assigned goals.

THE SALVATION ARMY MISSION STATEMENT

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.