Polytechnic Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Division: Athletics

Job Title: Dance Coach

Status: Part-Time, Contract

Salary: $23 to $25 per hour

ABOUT POLY

Founded in 1907, Polytechnic School is the first nonprofit, coeducational, K-12, independent school in Southern California. The meaning of polytechnic as “many arts” is reflected in the school’s ambitious and student-centered educational program. Nationally recognized as a K-12 educational leader, Poly develops the unique intellect, talents, and character of each student through transformative teaching within a diverse community devoted to academic excellence, the creative arts, the camaraderie of team sports, and service to others.

Poly strives to be an inclusive community that fosters academic excellence and personal growth by ensuring that all of our 870 students, nearly 65% of whom identify as Students of Color, are seen, heard, and valued as their authentic selves. We respect the dignity and worth of every individual and seek to celebrate the joy, the love, and the creativity that emanate from the human spirit. Throughout our Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools, students, faculty, and staff commit to deepening our understanding and knowledge of ourselves, each other, and our ever-changing world.

 Within our community of care, Poly students build the confidence and capacity to think critically and creatively to become responsible global citizens and intellectual leaders. Taught by an extraordinary faculty, Poly graduates are ready to fulfill the promise of their talents and lead meaningful, purposeful lives.

 To learn more about Polytechnic School, please visit us. 

Position Summary

The Polytechnic School Dance Coach is responsible for leading, developing, and mentoring student dancers on the school's dance team. The coach oversees all aspects of the program, from choreography and technique instruction to competition preparation and team management, while fostering a positive, inclusive, and disciplined environment that supports both athletic and artistic growth.

Key Responsibilities

Instruction & Choreography Plan and lead daily practices, teaching proper technique across relevant dance styles (e.g., pom, hip-hop, jazz, contemporary, kick). Choreograph routines for performances, pep rallies, halftime shows, competitions, and other school events. Assess individual and team skill levels and design progressive training plans accordingly.

Team Leadership & Management: Recruit, select, and retain team members through a fair and structured tryout process. Establish and enforce team rules, codes of conduct, and expectations for academic performance. Manage team rosters, practice schedules, travel logistics, and event coordination in collaboration with school administration.

Competition & Performance: Coordinate uniforms, music, props, and all logistical elements of performances. Attend all competitions, performances, and school events requiring the dance team's participation.

Communication & Collaboration: Maintain open communication with students, parents, and school administration. Collaborate with the athletic department, booster club, and other coaches on school-wide events. Provide timely updates on schedules, expectations, and student progress.

Safety & Compliance: Ensure all practices and performances adhere to school safety standards and district policies. Maintain current knowledge of injury prevention and first aid. Ensure compliance with CIF, UIL, NFHS, or applicable governing body regulations.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Actively promote a culture of belonging from tryouts and team selection to choreography, music choices, and daily interactions. Foster a learning environment where every student feels seen, respected, and empowered to succeed, regardless of background, identity, or experience level.

Additional Duties: Demonstrate flexibility and a collaborative spirit by willingly taking on other duties as assigned to support the broader needs of the athletic and fine arts departments.

Personal Attributes

The ideal candidate is an enthusiastic leader and communicator who leads by example, builds confidence in student athletes, and maintains a high standard of professionalism. They are organized, adaptable, and genuinely invested in the physical, artistic, and personal development of every dancer on the team.

Why Poly

Polytechnic School values athletics as a vital part of student development. Our aquatics program emphasizes competitive excellence, character, leadership, and community. Coaches at Poly play an important role in shaping positive athletic experiences that last well beyond the pool deck

Equal Opportunity Employer

In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, Poly will recruit, hire, train, and promote faculty and staff without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, genetic information, sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality), national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniformed service member status, marital status, pregnancy, age, medical condition and physical or mental disability (whether perceived or actual), or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. School policy also prohibits unlawful discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.

• Bachelor's degree
• Demonstrated experience coaching or instructing dance at the high school or competitive level
• Strong knowledge of dance technique and choreography across multiple styles
• Ability to pass a background check in accordance with district policy
• Current CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Demonstrated experience creating inclusive learning environments and opportunities 

Preferred

• Prior experience coaching a competitive dance or drill team program
• Familiarity with UIL or other scholastic governing body rules
• Experience managing budgets, coordinating travel, and working with booster organizations