HEAD ROWING COACH Job

Somerset College, a prominent independent, co-educational day and boarding school in the beautiful Cape Winelands, is actively seeking a dedicated and experienced Head Rowing Coach. The college, established in 1997, offers a comprehensive curriculum from Grade 000 up to Matric-IEB and Cambridge AS and A-levels. This exciting opportunity calls for a passionate leader to take charge of and further develop their successful rowing programme, inspiring excellence both on and off the water. The successful candidate is expected to commence their role on Wednesday, 1 April 2026. More details can be found by following this vacancy link.

Detailed list of vacancy key details

• Name of the School: Somerset College
• Role: Head Rowing Coach
• School Type: Leading independent, co-educational day and boarding school
• Curriculum Offered: Grade 000 to Matric-IEB and Cambridge AS and A-levels
• School Founding Year: 1997
• School Location: Cape Winelands
• Commencement Date: Wednesday, 1 April 2026
• Application Closing Date: 26 November 2025
• Key Responsibilities Include:
  • 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 all safeguarding standards are met and implemented.
  • Planning, development, and administration of all phases of the rowing programme, including budget management, practice scheduling, travel, procurement, and recruitment of student-athletes, managers, and coaches in conjunction with the Master in Charge (MIC).
  • Committing to a philosophy that prioritises academic success for student-athletes, with the ability to guide, teach, and communicate effectively.
  • Understanding the demands placed on student-athletes in both academics and competitive rowing, and a willingness to help them succeed in both.
  • Communicating the rowing strategy and progress to the parent community.
• Programme & 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 MIC of Rowing on coach recruitment, evaluation, and remuneration.
• Administration & 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.
• Required 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 teaching background is advantageous.
  • Must possess and maintain current certifications in first aid, CPR, and AED use, with proof provided within 30 days after employment.
  • Must have 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 looking for a dynamic Head Rowing Coach to spearhead its successful rowing programme. This is a crucial leadership role, requiring an individual who can inspire excellence in student-athletes and assistant coaches alike. The ideal candidate will be responsible for providing high-level coaching, mentoring, and development, as well as shaping the overall direction and culture of the rowing club.

The role involves a significant amount of hands-on coaching, specifically four weekdays and Saturdays during the rowing season, while ensuring the highest standards of technical skill, physiological training, and safety are maintained. Beyond the water, the Head Coach will oversee all aspects of programme management, including designing structured training plans, managing pre-season and in-season activities, and ensuring transparent athlete and crew selection processes. Administrative duties are also a key part of the position, covering budget preparation and management, scheduling, travel arrangements, equipment procurement and maintenance, and recruitment of both student-athletes and staff in collaboration with the Master in Charge of Rowing.

Stakeholder engagement is vital; the successful candidate will be expected to communicate effectively with parents, coordinate race calendars with Western Cape Rowing and RowSA, and represent Somerset College at official meetings. The role also requires providing strategic input for the long-term vision of the rowing programme, fostering relationships with other schools and clubs, and participating in public relations and fundraising efforts. A strong commitment to supporting student-athletes’ academic priorities, alongside their sporting pursuits, is essential.

Candidates should have proven experience as a rowing coach, ideally at a competitive school or club level, coupled with strong leadership, organisational, and interpersonal skills. In-depth knowledge of rowing techniques, training methodologies, and safety standards, along with familiarity with RowSA regulations, is a must. While a coaching qualification or a teaching background would be an advantage, essential prerequisites include current first aid, CPR, and AED certifications (to be obtained within 30 days of employment), relevant RowSA coaching accreditations, and a valid Police Clearance Certificate no older than one month.

How to apply for this post

• Prepare a detailed letter of application.
• Compile your comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Provide contact details for three professional references.
• Email all three documents confidentially to the Human Resources Officer at [email protected].
• Ensure your application is submitted by the closing date: 26 November 2025.
• Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee an interview, and Somerset College reserves the right not to make an appointment. All personal information will be handled in line with POPIA.

Questions and answers for potential candidates

• Q: What is the expected start date for this role?

  A: The successful Head Rowing Coach is expected to commence their duties on Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

• Q: What kind of coaching experience is most valued?

  A: The school is specifically looking for proven experience as a rowing coach, ideally at a competitive school or club level, demonstrating a strong understanding of high-performance environments.

• Q: Are specific coaching qualifications mandatory?

  A: Yes, relevant RowSA coaching accreditations and levels are required. FISA accreditation would also be a significant advantage. A general coaching qualification or teaching background is also considered beneficial.

• Q: How important is safety in this role?

  A: Safety is paramount. The successful candidate must ensure all safeguarding standards are met and implemented, and hold current certifications in first aid, CPR, and AED use, providing proof within 30 days of employment.

• Q: What are the primary working hours during the rowing season?

  A: The Head Rowing Coach will be expected to coach on four weekdays and Saturdays throughout the rowing season.

• Q: How can I best demonstrate my leadership skills in my application?

  A: Highlight previous roles where you led teams, developed programmes, mentored others, or shaped club culture. Provide specific examples of how you inspired excellence and managed complex sporting initiatives.

• Q: Is administrative experience necessary for this coaching role?

  A: Yes, significant administrative responsibilities are part of the role, including budget management, scheduling, travel logistics, equipment procurement, and overseeing recruitment. Ensure your CV reflects these capabilities.

• Q: How should I address the balance between academics and sport for student-athletes?

  A: Emphasise your understanding of the demands placed on student-athletes in both academic and competitive arenas. Show your commitment to a philosophy that prioritises academic success and your ability to guide and support them in both areas.

• Q: Do I need a teaching background for this position?

  A: While a teaching background is not strictly mandatory, it is considered advantageous, particularly in understanding student development and communication within an educational institution.

• Q: What document is a non-negotiable prerequisite before applying?

  A: A valid Police Clearance Certificate, not older than one month, is an essential prerequisite for this position.

• Q: What is the process for submitting references?

  A: You should include three contactable professional references along with your letter of application and CV in your email submission.

• Q: Will my application be kept confidential?

  A: Yes, Somerset College will attempt to ensure the confidentiality of all applicants in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). Your information will be used solely for recruitment, selection, and reporting purposes.

Institution details

• E-mail: [email protected]
• Address: Bredell Road, Somerset West, Western Cape, South Africa
• Website: http://www.somersetcollege.org

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