HEAD ROWING COACH

Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa; Somerset West; On-site; ZAR 30 000 - 40 000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in Somerset West seeks a Head Rowing Coach to lead and develop their successful rowing programme. This dynamic individual will provide high-level coaching and mentorship for athletes and assistant coaches, manage club operations, and ensure adherence to safety standards. Ideal candidates will have proven experience at a competitive level, strong leadership skills, and relevant coaching qualifications. Apply via email to the Human Resources Officer.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a rowing coach at a competitive level.
• Strong communication skills to engage with stakeholders.
• Current certifications in first aid, CPR, and AED.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the rowing programme at Somerset College.
• Provide high-level coaching and mentorship for athletes and assistant coaches.
• Manage daily club operations and coordinate race calendars.

Skills

Leadership

Rowing techniques

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Knowledge of safety standards

Education

RowSA coaching accreditations

Coaching qualification

Teaching background

Job description

Somerset College is a leading independent, co-educational day and boarding school offering schooling from Grade 000 to Matric-IEB and Cambridge AS and A-levels. Founded in 1997, Somerset College is a welcoming, stimulating centre of learning situated in the beautiful Cape Winelands.

Somerset College invites applications for the position of Head Rowing Coach to lead and develop our successful Rowing programme. We are seeking a passionate, experienced and dynamic individual who can inspire excellence both on and off the water.

HEAD ROWING COACH

The successful candidate must:

Responsibilities

• Provide high-level coaching, mentorship, and development for athletes and assistant coaches.
• Shape the overall direction, culture, and performance standards of the Somerset College Rowing Club.
• Deliver structured pre-season and in-season training programmes that support holistic student growth.
• Coach on four weekdays and Saturdays during the rowing season, maintaining excellence in technical, physiological, and safety standards.
• Ensure that all safeguarding standards are met and implemented.
• Planning, development and administration of all phases of the Somerset College Rowing programme, including preparation and management of the budget, practice scheduling, travel arrangements and cost management, procurement of supplies/equipment, recruitment and selection of student-athletes and managers and coaches in conjunction with the MIC.
• Be committed to a philosophy that emphasizes academic priorities for the student-athlete, and have the ability to understand how to guide, teach and communicate.
• Must have comprehension of the demands placed on student-athletes, both in the classroom and in the competitive arena and the willingness to help them succeed in both
• Communicate the rowing strategy and progress to the parent community.
• Oversee transparent athlete and crew selection processes and maintain detailed performance records.
• Plan and manage training camps and regattas, ensuring efficient logistics, fair selections, and alignment with performance goals.
• Supervise equipment management, including boat rigging, loading, and maintenance.
• Collaborate with the Master in Charge (MIC) of Rowing on coach recruitment, evaluation, and remuneration.

Administration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Manage daily club operations, including equipment, communication, and scheduling.
• Coordinate race calendars with Western Cape Rowing (WCR) and RowSA , ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Represent Somerset College at WCR and RowSA meetings.
• Provide strategic input on the long-term direction and alignment of the rowing programme with the school’s values and objectives.
• Maintain positive relationships and opportunities to collaborate with neighbouring schools and rowing clubs.
• Interact with support services and involvement in appropriate public relations/fundraising and promotional activities.

Qualifications, Experience and Prerequisites

• Proven experience as a rowing coach, preferably at a competitive school or club level.
• Strong leadership, organizational and interpersonal skills.
• In-depth knowledge of rowing techniques, training methodologies and safety standards.
• Familiarity with RowSA regulations and competitive rowing structures.
• A coaching qualification and/or teaching background will be advantageous.
• Must possess and maintain current certifications in first aid, CPR, and AED use with proof of certifications provided within 30 days after employment.
• Must have the relevant RowSA coaching accreditations and levels. FISA accreditation is advantageous.
• A valid Police Clearance Certificate (not older than 1 month) is a prerequisite.

Please email a letter of application, CV, and three contactable references in confidence to the Human Resources Officer at the email address below.

Somerset College is an equal opportunity employer. Submission of an application does not in itself entitle the applicant to an interview. The School reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Somerset College in line with POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act) will attempt to ensure the confidentiality of all applicants for this role. All reasonable measures will be in place to protect personal information but will be used in the recruitment, selection, and reporting process. By submitting your application for this position, you are recognising and accepting this disclaimer.