Head Coach, Spirit

Austin Peay State University
Austin Peay State University

Clarksville, TN, USA

Posted on Jul 7, 2026
  • Develop, schedule, and supervise spirit squad workouts and practices.
  • Oversee the safety of all squad members.
  • Facilitate tryouts for cheerleaders, dancers, and mascots
  • Plan yearly budget and generates funds to support a successful competition program.
  • Coordinate Cheer and Dance Camps.
  • Amplify crowd engagement and foster a positive, energetic atmosphere at all Austin Peay State University athletic events.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Ability to evaluate and recruit highly skilled student-athletes.
  • Ability to effectively analyze and teach the fundamental skills and strategies of the sport.
  • Ability to comply with all policies and regulations of the University, TBR, ASUN, and NCAA.
  • Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality of records and information.
  • Ability to interact in an effective and appropriate manner with various populations, the University community and the public.
  • Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records and reports in a timely manner, particularly regarding athletic budget, eligibility, compliance and travel documentation.

Required Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
  • A Minimum of Two (2) years of collegiate coaching experience.
  • Willingness to obtain or renew within 6 months of hire date the following certifications in safety and training as required by nationally-recognized organizations: USA Cheer, NFSHS, and First Aid, CPR/AED.
  • Valid Driver’s License.
  • Knowledge of tumbling and stunting, nutrition and fitness, NCA and UCA guidelines, and applicable NCAA requirements.
  • Knowledge of all-girl and co-ed cheerleading skills. Ability to provide proper instruction in the fundamentals and techniques of cheer and dance and to prepare squads for national competitions and public appearances.
  • Proficiency in coordinating, managing, and implementing stunt clinics and workshops.
  • Capability to administer and monitor departmental budgets.
  • Ability to coordinate successful fundraising efforts to support programs.
  • Willingness to work evenings and weekends.

Physical Requirements

Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.


Austin Peay State University is a four-year public, doctoral-level university, with six colleges and four Chairs of Excellence. The University has an enrollment of over 11,000 students and is located in Clarksville, Tennessee, a community of an estimated 150,287 people located approximately 40 miles northwest of Nashville, TN.

Austin Peay State University is a proud supporter of hiring veterans. We hire veterans with equivalent experiences and pay grades from their military service, rather than requiring or preferring only college degrees. Please visit our website for more information on how veterans can qualify for additional employment opportunities at APSU: https://www.apsu.edu/human-resources/hiring-veterans/.

Austin Peay State University (APSU) prohibits discrimination in all employment, programs, and activities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), disability, age, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. For Title IX inquiries or complaints, contact: Chief of Institutional Culture & Title IX Coordinator, LaNeeça R. Williams at williamslr@apsu.edu | 931-221-7690, Browning Building, Room 140, Clarksville, TN 37044. For other non-discrimination concerns, contact: Director of Institutional Culture & Title VI & Title VII Coordinator, Dr. Jo Baldwin at baldwinjapsu.edu | 931-221-7178 or Associate Director of Accessibility Compliance & ADA/504 Coordinator, Jayme Glover at gloverj@apsu.edu | 931-221-7160. View APSU’s full nondiscrimination policy at Policy 6:001.


The Spirit Coordinator, Head Cheerleading Coach is responsible for leading the APSU Cheer program and coaching student athletes in competitive cheerleading techniques to prepare them for competitions and to help enhance the fan experience at APSU events. This position also manages all spirit activities, including athletic events, community and campus events and regional/national competitions that involve the APSU Cheerleaders.