Sideline and Competitive Cheer Varsity Head Coach

Portage Northern High School

Internal Candidates: Schedule C - External Candidates: Edustaff

Starting Date: 2026-27 Season - Starting ASAP

Job Summary:

Responsible for all facets of the high school Cheerleading program at Portage Northern High School.

Responsibilities:

Directly coach the Portage Northern Varsity Sideline and Competitive Cheer Team competing in the SMAC Conference and MHSAA tournament play
Assist Athletic Director in the development of schedules for all levels
Set the direction for and oversee the sub varsity sideline and competitive cheer programs
Coordinate and lead the PN Competitive Cheerleading Booster Club and provide a short-term and long-term vision
Maintain program inventory and work with Athletic Director on program budget
Select, manage, and evaluate the Varsity Assistant, and Sub-Varsity coaching staff

The above duties and responsibilities are intended to be representative of the nature of the work by this position. The listing is not all-inclusive.

Qualifications

Previous sideline and competitive cheer coaching experience with a preference towards previous head coaching experience
Proven ability to handle administrative responsibilities of a high school athletic program
Ability to communicate, foster and maintain positive relationships with students, other coaches, administrators, news media, boosters, and parents
Transparent and proactive communication, well organized, and detail oriented
Has high expectations and coaches with passion and integrity
Successful experience in mentoring and developing a coaching staff
Familiarity and willingness to make connections and establish relationships that enables a smooth and positive transition from one season to the next
Proven ability to attract students to their program and retain them for multiple years
Ability to deal with and resolve conflict
Desire to serve others
Ability to understand and follow policies (PCHS, PPS, MHSAA)
Must undergo a background check and fingerprinting

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Questions, please contact Jim Swinhart, Portage Northern Athletic Director, at jswinehart@portageps.org.

Please use this link to view our job postings and apply online at: https://www.portageps.org/page/employment-at-pps

Who is PPS? Use this link to view our Strategic Commitments at: Strategic Commitments

Notice of Non-Discrimination: The Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. The following positions at Portage Public Schools have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy: Human Resources Director Brad Galin and Human Resources Manager Jennifer Meisterheim. Contact information: 269-323-5000, 8107 Mustang Drive, Portage, Mi 49002