HEAD ROWING COACH Job

Last Updated: November 14, 2025
16 8 minutes read

Somerset College, a prominent independent, co-educational day and boarding school nestled in the picturesque Cape Winelands, is inviting applications for a passionate and experienced Head Rowing Coach. This exciting opportunity is for an individual ready to lead and further develop their successful rowing programme, inspiring excellence both on and off the water. The position is set to commence on Wednesday, 1 April 2026, with applications closing on 26 November 2025. If you possess strong leadership and coaching expertise, and are committed to holistic student growth, this could be the perfect role for you.

Somerset College is a stimulating centre of learning, established in 1997, offering schooling from Grade 000 to Matric-IEB and Cambridge AS and A-levels. The ideal candidate will be a dynamic individual capable of shaping the overall direction and culture of the Somerset College Rowing Club.

[School image logo would be inserted here]

Detailed vacancy key details

  • School Name: Somerset College
  • Location: Bredell Road, Somerset West, Western Cape, South Africa
  • Position: Head Rowing Coach
  • Commencement Date: Wednesday, 1 April 2026
  • Application Closing Date: 26 November 2025
  • Key Responsibilities:
    • Providing high-level coaching, mentorship, and development for athletes and assistant coaches.
    • Shaping the overall direction, culture, and performance standards of the Rowing Club.
    • Delivering structured pre-season and in-season training programmes.
    • Coaching on four weekdays and Saturdays during the rowing season, maintaining technical, physiological, and safety standards.
    • Ensuring all safeguarding standards are met and implemented.
    • Planning, development, and administration of all aspects 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).
    • Commitment to academic priorities for student-athletes and ability to guide and teach them.
    • Understanding the demands on student-athletes in both academics and competitive rowing, and a willingness to support their success in both.
    • Communicating 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 performance goal alignment.
    • 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, equipment, communication, and scheduling.
    • Coordinating race calendars with Western Cape Rowing (WCR) and RowSA, ensuring compliance.
    • Representing Somerset College at WCR and RowSA meetings.
    • Providing strategic input on the long-term direction of the rowing programme.
    • Maintaining positive relationships and collaborative opportunities with neighbouring schools and clubs.
    • Interacting with support services and involvement in public relations/fundraising.
  • 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 will be advantageous.
    • Current certifications in first aid, CPR, and AED use (proof required within 30 days of employment).
    • 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 and dynamic Head Rowing Coach to spearhead its successful rowing programme. This pivotal role involves providing expert coaching and mentorship to athletes and assistant coaches, while also defining the overall direction and culture of the club. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive training programmes, ensuring the highest standards of technical excellence, physiological development, and safety during all training sessions and competitions, which occur on four weekdays and Saturdays during the rowing season.

Beyond the water, the Head Rowing Coach will oversee all administrative aspects of the programme. This includes budgeting, scheduling, travel arrangements, equipment procurement, and the crucial recruitment of student-athletes and coaching staff in collaboration with the Master in Charge. A strong commitment to the academic success of student-athletes is essential, requiring the coach to understand and support their dual demands in the classroom and on the water. The role also involves managing transparent athlete selection, planning regattas and training camps, and maintaining equipment.

Furthermore, the position requires significant stakeholder engagement, including managing daily club operations, coordinating race calendars with Western Cape Rowing (WCR) and RowSA, and representing the college at key meetings. The Head Rowing Coach will provide strategic input for the programme’s long-term vision, ensuring alignment with the school’s values, and will foster positive relationships with other schools and clubs. Candidates should possess proven competitive coaching experience, strong leadership, organisational, and interpersonal skills, and a thorough understanding of rowing techniques, training, and safety standards. Relevant RowSA coaching accreditations and current first aid/CPR certifications are mandatory, and a teaching background would be an advantage.

How to apply for this post

  • Prepare a detailed letter of application.
  • Submit your comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
  • Provide contact details for three professional references.
  • Email all documents in confidence to the Human Resources Officer.
  • The email address for applications is: [email protected]
  • Ensure your application is sent before the closing date of 26 November 2025.

Frequently asked questions for a potential candidate and how to be a preferred candidate for this vacancy

Here are some questions you might have, along with advice on how to be a preferred candidate for this Head Rowing Coach position and other teaching jobs:

  • Q: What specific experience is Somerset College looking for in a Head Rowing Coach?
    • A: They are looking for proven experience, ideally at a competitive school or club level. To be preferred, highlight your coaching achievements, such as team successes, athlete development stories, and how you’ve built strong team cultures in your CV and application letter.
  • Q: Is a teaching background mandatory for this role?
    • A: While not strictly mandatory, a coaching qualification and/or teaching background is noted as advantageous. If you have a teaching background, emphasise how your pedagogical skills can contribute to student-athlete development and overall programme management. While this is primarily a coaching role, a teaching background is considered advantageous for many teaching jobs as well, demonstrating a commitment to education.
  • Q: What are the essential certifications and accreditations I need?
    • A: You must possess and maintain current certifications in first aid, CPR, and AED use (proof within 30 days of employment). You also need relevant RowSA coaching accreditations and levels. FISA accreditation is an advantage. Ensure these are clearly listed and up-to-date.
  • Q: How important is a Police Clearance Certificate?
    • A: It is a prerequisite. You must have a valid certificate not older than one month. Have this ready or initiate the process well in advance to avoid delays.
  • Q: How can I demonstrate my commitment to student-athletes’ academic priorities?
    • A: In your application, speak about your philosophy that integrates academic support with athletic training. Provide examples of how you’ve guided student-athletes to balance their demanding schedules and succeed in both areas.
  • Q: What kind of leadership skills are valued for this position?
    • A: Strong leadership, organisational, and interpersonal skills are key. Highlight instances where you’ve successfully led teams, managed complex programmes, collaborated with various stakeholders (parents, school staff, governing bodies), and inspired others.
  • Q: How should I address my knowledge of rowing techniques and safety standards?
    • A: Emphasise your in-depth knowledge of current rowing techniques, modern training methodologies, and a proactive approach to safety. Mention any specific safety certifications or protocols you’ve implemented.
  • Q: What if I don’t have FISA accreditation?
    • A: FISA accreditation is advantageous but not mandatory. If you don’t have it, focus on your strong RowSA accreditations and extensive experience. You could also express a willingness to pursue further international accreditations.
  • Q: How should I structure my letter of application?
    • A: Your letter should be concise yet comprehensive, directly addressing how your experience and qualifications meet each requirement listed in the vacancy. Show enthusiasm for Somerset College specifically and their rowing programme.
  • Q: How will my personal information be handled?
    • A: Somerset College adheres to POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act), ensuring confidentiality. Your information will be used for recruitment, selection, and reporting processes. By applying, you are acknowledging and accepting this disclaimer.
  • Q: What is the significance of the commencement date being in 2026?
    • A: The commencement date of 1 April 2026 indicates a strategic, long-term planning approach for this role. This offers ample time for a thorough selection process and potentially a smooth transition for the successful candidate.
  • Q: What does “leading independent, co-educational day and boarding school” imply about the role?
    • A: It suggests a high standard of expectation for the rowing programme and its integration into the broader school community. The Head Coach will need to align the programme with the school’s values and cater to the needs of both day and boarding students.

Institution details

Tags
Last Updated: November 14, 2025
16 8 minutes read
Back to top button