ABOUT PORTLAND FIRE:
Professional women’s basketball is returning to Rip City. On September 18, 2024, the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) awarded Portland its 15th franchise, bringing the league back to the city for the first time in over two decades. Owned and operated by the Bhathal family through RAJ Sports, the team will make its official debut in 2026 at the Moda Center. Portland is cementing itself as the epicenter of women’s sports, powered by a passionate fan base and a rich basketball culture. At Portland Fire, we’re building more than a team, we’re creating a modern, inclusive, and community-driven organization from the ground up. With innovation, integrity, and excellence at our core, our mission is to set a new standard in women’s professional basketball - delivering excellence on the court, inspiring fans, and serving the city we call home. As we prepare for our inaugural season, we’re looking for passionate, driven professionals to help shape the future of this franchise and the future of the game.
THE ROLE:
The Dance Team Coach is responsible for leading, training, and directing the Portland Fire’s hype team. This role is responsible for creating high-impact routines and crowd-engagement tactics that elevate the atmosphere during Portland Fire home games. In collaboration with the Director of Game Experience and Events, the Coach ensures all choreography is high energy and aligned with Portland Fire and WNBA entertainment standards. The ideal candidate is a visionary leader with a background in dance, cheer, and street performance who can inspire a team to maintain peak energy throughout the season.
WHAT YOU'LL BE UP TO:
- Schedule, manage, and lead all team practices
- Coordinate and lead all hype team auditions, including recruiting efforts and conducting candidate interviews
- Choreograph routines and sidelines in accordance with Portland Fire brand guidelines
- Oversee design, ordering, and maintenance of hype team uniforms
- Direct team’s game day movement and placement in real-time based on game glow
- Work with Game Experience team to brainstorm new music, choreography, and themes that keeps Hype Team modern and exciting
- Manage Dance Team game rotation schedule
- Manage all internal and external appearance requests
- Demonstrate exceptional time management skills
Schedule: Portland Fire game days and select promotional or community events (evenings, weekends, and holidays as required)
WHAT IT TAKES:
- Professional hype and/or dance team experience
- Deep knowledge of various dance styles and crowd-engagement techniques
- Experience working with Game Operations and fan activation preferred
- Strong live entertainment background
- Current on trends in music, dance, pop-culture, and fashion
- Availability to work evenings, weekends and holidays during the season
Applicants must submit video reel showcasing their choreography for consideration.
BENEFITS
- This is a contract (W9) role, competitive pay, no travel.
- Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
- Dynamic, collaborative and fun work environment.
- Opportunity to make a meaningful impact and contribute to the growth of women's basketball.
Ready to Be a Game Changer in Portland? Apply Now!
If you’re ready to shape the future of Portland Fire, we want to hear from you. Join us as we make history—on and off the court.
Portland Fire is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.
About Portland Fire Ownership, RAJ Sports:
RAJ Sports, led by Alex Bhathal and Lisa Bhathal Merage, focuses on investment opportunities in sports and sports-related properties, drawing on the Bhathal family’s multi-generational experience and relationships in the industry. The firm seeks to leverage the power of sports to affect broader social and economic change through a variety of business and philanthropic strategies. Its deep experience in professional sports operations and large-scale real estate developments that create thriving community centers, positions the firm to deliver valuable assets that will support further growth for the players, staff, and fans. In 2013, the Bhathal family became investors in the Sacramento Kings (NBA); subsequently building the platform to include the Sacramento RiverCats (MiLB), Stockton Kings (NBA G-League) and several sports anchored real estate developments. The 2024 acquisitions of Portland Thorns (NWSL) and the Portland Fire expansion team represents a milestone for the city of Portland and places it at the epicenter of growth for women’s sports.
