HEAD ROWING COACH Job

Somerset College, a prominent independent co-educational day and boarding school located in the beautiful Cape Winelands, is actively seeking a passionate and experienced individual to join their team as the Head Rowing Coach. This exciting opportunity involves leading and further developing the college’s successful rowing programme, inspiring excellence among athletes and coaches alike. If you possess strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of rowing, and a commitment to holistic student development, this role offers a chance to shape the future of a thriving sports programme. The successful candidate will commence their duties on 1 April 2026, with applications closing on 26 November 2025.

Detailed list of the vacancy

• School Name: Somerset College, a leading independent, co-educational day and boarding school.
• Location: Bredell Road, Somerset West, Western Cape, South Africa, situated in the Cape Winelands.
• Position: Head Rowing Coach.
• Commencement Date: Wednesday, 1 April 2026.
• Application Closing Date: 26 November 2025.
• Role Overview: To lead and develop the successful rowing programme, inspiring excellence both on and off the water.
• Key Responsibilities Include: Providing high-level coaching and mentorship, shaping the club’s culture, delivering structured training programmes, coaching on four weekdays and Saturdays during the season, ensuring safeguarding standards, planning and administering all phases of the programme (including budget, scheduling, travel, equipment, recruitment of athletes and staff), emphasising academic priorities for student-athletes, and communicating strategy to parents.
• Programme & Performance Management: Overseeing athlete and crew selection, managing training camps and regattas, supervising equipment, and collaborating with the Master in Charge (MIC) of Rowing on coach recruitment and evaluation.
• Administration & Stakeholder Engagement: Managing daily club operations, coordinating race calendars with Western Cape Rowing (WCR) and RowSA, representing the college at relevant meetings, providing strategic input for the programme’s long-term direction, maintaining positive relationships with other schools/clubs, and engaging in public relations/fundraising.
• Required Qualifications, Experience, and Prerequisites: Proven experience as a rowing coach (preferably at competitive school/club level), strong leadership and interpersonal skills, in-depth knowledge of rowing techniques and safety, familiarity with RowSA regulations, current certifications in First Aid, CPR, and AED (to be provided within 30 days of employment), relevant RowSA coaching accreditations (FISA advantageous), and a valid Police Clearance Certificate (not older than 1 month). A coaching qualification or teaching background is advantageous.

Simple summary of the vacancy

Somerset College, a well-regarded independent school in the picturesque Cape Winelands, is looking for a dedicated and dynamic individual to take on the role of Head Rowing Coach. This is a crucial position aimed at leading and enhancing their already successful rowing programme. The college seeks someone who can not only coach at a high level but also mentor athletes and assistant coaches, fostering a culture of excellence and ensuring the holistic development of all students involved.

The successful candidate will be responsible for a wide range of duties, from designing and implementing comprehensive training programmes and managing the club’s budget and resources, to overseeing athlete selection and ensuring all safety and safeguarding standards are met. They will also play a key role in administration, liaising with provincial and national rowing bodies like Western Cape Rowing (WCR) and RowSA, and maintaining strong relationships with the parent community and other institutions. A significant aspect of the role involves balancing the demands of competitive sport with the academic priorities of the student-athletes, guiding them to succeed in both areas.

Applicants should have substantial experience as a rowing coach, ideally within a competitive school or club environment. Strong organisational and leadership abilities are essential, alongside a thorough understanding of rowing techniques, training methodologies, and safety protocols. While a coaching qualification is beneficial, having relevant RowSA accreditations and up-to-date First Aid, CPR, and AED certifications are mandatory. A valid police clearance certificate is also a prerequisite for this role. This is a fantastic opportunity for a committed coach to make a significant impact on a thriving school community.

How to apply for this post

• Prepare a detailed letter of application.
• Compile your up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Ensure you have three contactable references ready.
• Email these documents in confidence to the Human Resources Officer at [email protected].
• Please note that submission of an application does not guarantee an interview, and the school reserves the right not to make an appointment.
• All personal information will be handled in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).

Frequently asked questions for potential candidates

• Q: What are the essential responsibilities of the head rowing coach?
• A: The head rowing coach is responsible for providing high-level coaching, mentorship, and development for athletes and assistant coaches. This includes shaping the club’s culture, delivering structured training programmes, and ensuring safety standards.
• Q: What qualifications and experience are required?
• A: You’ll need proven experience as a rowing coach, preferably at a competitive school or club level, strong leadership skills, and in-depth knowledge of rowing techniques and safety. Relevant RowSA coaching accreditations and current First Aid/CPR/AED certifications are mandatory.
• Q: Is a teaching background necessary for this role?
• A: While a coaching qualification or teaching background is advantageous, it is not strictly specified as a mandatory requirement, though it would certainly be a benefit.
• Q: When does the position commence, and what is the application deadline?
• A: The position is set to commence on Wednesday, 1 April 2026, and the deadline for applications is 26 November 2025.
• Q: What kind of commitment is required during the rowing season?
• A: You will be expected to coach on four weekdays and Saturdays during the rowing season, maintaining excellence in technical, physiological, and safety standards.
• Q: How important is academic support for student-athletes in this role?
• A: It is critically important. The successful candidate must be committed to a philosophy that emphasises academic priorities and be willing to guide student-athletes to succeed both in the classroom and in competition.
• Q: What specific accreditations are needed?
• A: You must have relevant RowSA coaching accreditations and levels. FISA accreditation is considered advantageous.
• Q: What is the process for providing First Aid, CPR, and AED certifications?
• A: You must possess and maintain current certifications in first aid, CPR, and AED use, with proof of these certifications provided within 30 days after employment.
• Q: Is a police clearance certificate required?
• A: Yes, a valid Police Clearance Certificate, not older than 1 month, is a prerequisite for this position.
• Q: How will the head coach interact with external rowing bodies?
• A: The head coach will coordinate race calendars with Western Cape Rowing (WCR) and RowSA, ensuring compliance with regulations, and will represent Somerset College at WCR and RowSA meetings.
• Q: What is the expectation regarding stakeholder communication?
• A: You will be expected to communicate the rowing strategy and progress effectively to the parent community and maintain positive relationships with neighbouring schools and rowing clubs.

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Institution details

• Website: http://www.somersetcollege.org
• Address: Bredell Road, Somerset West, Western Cape, South Africa

For more details on this specific role, you can visit the original vacancy source.