Crossroads YMCA·Hammond, Indiana
The Cheer Coach is responsible for teaching and choreographing safe, inclusive cheer classes for children, teens, and adults. They focus on skill progression, building community relationships, and supporting the YMCA's mission of youth development.
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Cheer Coach is responsible for working with children, teens and/or adults to promote the enjoyment of cheer by providing high-quality instruction and guidance. The Cheer Coach is responsible for teaching and choreographing fun and safe classes that create a positive, inclusive and supportive learning environment. Assists in membership development and retention by effectively building community within the class. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Leads energizing, fun, safe, and educational cheer classes to accomplish the YMCA mission and goals. Provides appropriate supervision at all times. Helps create class lesson plans specific to the class being taught that allow participants to progress their skills in accordance with their ages and abilities, modifying as needed to meet the needs of participants. Builds effective, authentic relationships with participants and parents, helping them connect with each other and the YMCA. Models welcoming, connecting, motivating and affirming behaviors. Treats participants fairly and equally, allowing them to feel good and confident about themselves and their progress. Builds excitement for the sport of gymnastics and delivers high energy classes every week. Celebrates achievement of program participants related to program or personal goals, mastering specific skills or improving overall health and well-being. Assists in planning and developing cheer routines for competitions and shows. Communicates progress with parents/guardians as appropriate. Keeps accurate class attendance records, aiming for continual retention and growth. Obtain roster of paid participants at the beginning of session and inform supervisor of any discrepancies. Ensures completion of daily equipment checks and completes daily cleaning tasks. Obtains and maintains required certifications, completes mandatory staff training and participates in required staff meetings. Participates in special events as assigned. Supports mission, vision and direction of the Crossroads YMCA. Actively promotes all YMCA programs and activities and supports YMCA campaign initiatives. Be knowledgeable and supportive of the YMCA annual support campaign. Accept additional assignments as deemed appropriate, within the scope of the job description QualificationsQUALIFICATIONS: Minimum age 15 required. Must have 12 months experience in participating in cheer training, with prior experience teaching gymnastics lessons preferred. Certifications required within 30 days of hire: CPR/AED & First Aid and New Leader Orientation. Must be available to work evenings and weekends. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills. Ability to relate and communicate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community. Ability to read and interpret instructions, procedures, manuals, and other documents. Must have a passion for learning, working with youth/families, and the sport in general. YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader): The National YMCA Mission: “To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.” Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.
Candidates must be at least 15 years old with 12 months of cheer training experience and availability for evenings and weekends. Required certifications include CPR/AED and First Aid, obtainable within 30 days of hire.
Market context
Cheer Coach I roles in Indiana often appeal to schools and youth programs that need dependable support for practices, events, and game-day preparation. Competition can be strong because employers look for candidates with prior cheer training, evening and weekend availability, and quick completion of CPR/AED and First Aid requirements. Review the AI-summarized job requirements and benefits here to save research time, then confirm your schedule and certification plan before applying.