HEAD ROWING COACH Job

Somerset College, a leading independent co-educational day and boarding school nestled in the beautiful Cape Winelands, is actively seeking a dynamic and experienced Head Rowing Coach. This exciting opportunity, commencing on Wednesday, 1 April 2026, involves taking the helm of their successful rowing programme and inspiring excellence both on and off the water. If you are a passionate leader committed to holistic student development and have a strong background in competitive rowing, the college invites you to apply before the closing date of 26 November 2025.

Detailed list of vacancy key details

• Name of the school: Somerset College
• Role: Head Rowing Coach
• Commencement Date: Wednesday, 1 April 2026
• Closing Date for Applications: 26 November 2025
• Location: Bredell Road, Somerset West, Western Cape, South Africa
• School Type: Independent, co-educational day and boarding school, offering schooling from Grade 000 to Matric-IEB and Cambridge AS and A-levels.

Responsibilities of the role:

• Providing high-level coaching, mentorship, and development for athletes and assistant coaches.
• Shaping the overall direction, culture, and performance standards of the Somerset College Rowing Club.
• Delivering structured pre-season and in-season training programmes that support holistic student growth.
• Coaching on four weekdays and Saturdays during the rowing season, maintaining excellence in technical, physiological, and safety standards.
• Ensuring 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.
• Being committed to a philosophy that emphasises academic priorities for the student-athlete, and having the ability to understand how to guide, teach and communicate.
• Possessing 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.
• Communicating the rowing strategy and progress to the parent community.

Programme and performance management:

• Overseeing transparent athlete and crew selection processes and maintaining detailed performance records.
• Planning and managing training camps and regattas, ensuring efficient logistics, fair selections, and alignment with performance goals.
• Supervising equipment management, including boat rigging, loading, and maintenance.
• Collaborating with the Master in Charge (MIC) of Rowing on coach recruitment, evaluation, and remuneration.

Administration and stakeholder engagement:

• Managing daily club operations, including equipment, communication, and scheduling.
• Coordinating race calendars with Western Cape Rowing (WCR) and RowSA, ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Representing Somerset College at WCR and RowSA meetings.
• Providing strategic input on the long-term direction and alignment of the rowing programme with the school’s values and objectives.
• Maintaining positive relationships and opportunities to collaborate with neighbouring schools and rowing clubs.
• Interacting 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, organisational, 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 a 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.

Simple summary of the vacancy

Somerset College is seeking a dedicated Head Rowing Coach to lead and further develop their established rowing programme. This crucial role requires a person who is not only an expert in high-level coaching and mentorship but also capable of shaping the club’s entire culture and performance standards. The successful candidate will be responsible for a wide range of duties, from designing comprehensive training programmes and overseeing athlete development to managing the programme’s budget, equipment, and administrative tasks. They will be expected to coach regularly during the rowing season, ensuring the highest technical, physiological, and safety standards are upheld.

Beyond the direct coaching aspect, the Head Coach will play a significant administrative role, coordinating race calendars, managing logistics for training camps and regattas, overseeing equipment, and collaborating closely with the Master in Charge (MIC) on staffing matters. A key expectation is a commitment to the academic success of student-athletes, understanding the pressures they face and guiding them to excel in both their studies and their sport. Strong communication skills are vital for engaging effectively with parents and external rowing bodies such as Western Cape Rowing (WCR) and RowSA, where the coach will represent the college. This position is more than just coaching; it’s about leading a holistic programme, nurturing talent, and ensuring the rowing activities align seamlessly with the school’s core values.

How to apply for this post

• Prepare a detailed letter of application.
• Ensure you have an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Gather contact details for three professional references.
• Email all these documents confidentially to the Human Resources Officer at [email protected].
• Please note that submitting an application does not automatically guarantee an interview.
• The school reserves the right not to make an appointment for this position.
• All personal information provided will be handled in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).

Institution details

• Address: Bredell Road, Somerset West, Western Cape, South Africa
• Website: http://www.somersetcollege.org
• For the original vacancy listing, please visit: https://www.isasa.org/vacancies/listing/head-rowing-coach/

Questions and advice for preferred candidates

• Q: What is the most crucial aspect Somerset College seeks in a Head Rowing Coach?
  A: Beyond technical expertise, the college values a coach who can inspire excellence, foster holistic student growth, and champion academic priorities alongside sporting achievement.
• Q: How important are RowSA accreditations?
  A: They are essential prerequisites. Relevant RowSA coaching accreditations and levels are mandatory, and FISA accreditation is a definite advantage.
• Q: Will a teaching background be beneficial, even though it’s primarily a coaching role?
  A: Yes, a coaching qualification and/or a teaching background is specifically noted as advantageous. It demonstrates an understanding of educational environments, which is valuable in any school-based coaching or teaching jobs.
• Q: What can I do to make my application stand out during the process?
  A: Clearly articulate your philosophy on athlete development, emphasising how you balance sporting achievement with academic support and student well-being. Provide specific examples of successful programmes you’ve led.
• Q: How should I address the safeguarding standards in my application?
  A: Highlight your commitment to and experience with implementing robust safeguarding protocols. Mention any relevant training or certifications you hold in this crucial area.
• Q: What kind of leadership style is preferred for this position?
  A: The role calls for strong leadership that can shape club culture and performance standards, while also being collaborative, especially with the Master in Charge and the wider school community.
• Q: What specific details should I include about my previous experience?
  A: Focus on proven experience at a competitive school or club level, demonstrating your ability to lead, organise, and manage all aspects of a rowing programme. Quantify your achievements where possible.
• Q: How can I effectively show my understanding of the student-athlete demands?
  A: In your application letter, discuss your strategies for supporting student-athletes in managing their academic and sporting commitments, showcasing both empathy and practical guidance.
• Q: Is prior experience with budget management a necessary skill for this role?
  A: Yes, the role explicitly involves the preparation and management of the programme’s budget, so highlight any relevant financial oversight experience you possess.
• Q: What should my professional references be prepared to speak about?
  A: Your references should be able to attest to your coaching abilities, leadership skills, organisational prowess, interpersonal skills, and your unwavering commitment to athlete development and welfare.
• Q: How can I demonstrate my knowledge of competitive rowing structures and regulations?
  A: Mention your familiarity with RowSA regulations, experience with Western Cape Rowing coordination, and any instances where you have represented institutions at relevant meetings.