HEAD ROWING COACH Job

Somerset College, a leading independent co-educational day and boarding school situated in the beautiful Cape Winelands, is actively seeking a passionate and experienced Head Rowing Coach. This exciting role, commencing on Wednesday, 1 April 2026, involves leading and developing a successful rowing programme. If you’re a dynamic individual ready to inspire excellence both on and off the water, with applications closing on 26 November 2025, read on for full details of this superb vacancy.

The College, founded in 1997, offers schooling from Grade 000 to Matric-IEB and Cambridge AS and A-levels, making it a vibrant centre of learning. This Head Rowing Coach position is crucial for maintaining and enhancing the high standards of the Somerset College Rowing Club.

Head rowing coach and other teaching jobs

• School Name: Somerset College
• School Type: Leading independent, co-educational day and boarding school
• Curriculum: Offers schooling from Grade 000 to Matric-IEB and Cambridge AS and A-levels
• Location: Bredell Road, Somerset West, Western Cape, South Africa (Cape Winelands)
• 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, supporting holistic student growth.
  • Coaching on four weekdays and Saturdays during the rowing season, ensuring technical, physiological, and safety excellence.
  • Implementing and meeting all safeguarding standards.
  • Planning, development, and administration of the entire Rowing programme, including budget management, 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 understanding how to guide, teach, and communicate effectively.
  • Comprehension of the demands on student-athletes and willingness to support their success in academics and sport.
  • 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 and fair selections.
  • 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.
  • 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 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 teaching background will be advantageous.
  • Must possess and maintain current certifications in first aid, CPR, and AED use (proof within 30 days of 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 on the lookout for a dynamic Head Rowing Coach to spearhead its highly successful rowing programme. This pivotal role requires someone who can not only deliver exceptional coaching but also inspire and develop both athletes and assistant coaches. The successful candidate will be instrumental in shaping the club’s culture, performance standards, and overall direction.

You’ll be responsible for creating and implementing structured training programmes, coaching during the season on weekdays and Saturdays, and ensuring the highest standards of technical excellence, physiological development, and safety. A significant part of the job involves comprehensive administration, from managing budgets and equipment to coordinating travel and athlete recruitment in close collaboration with the Master in Charge of Rowing. The College places a strong emphasis on the holistic development of its students, so a commitment to academic priorities for student-athletes is essential.

Beyond the water, the role involves extensive stakeholder engagement, including communicating with parents, representing the College at rowing association meetings (WCR and RowSA), and fostering relationships with other schools and clubs. Candidates should possess a strong background in competitive rowing coaching, excellent leadership and organisational skills, and a thorough understanding of rowing techniques and safety protocols. Essential prerequisites include relevant RowSA coaching accreditations, current first aid/CPR/AED certifications, and a recent Police Clearance Certificate.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced coach to make a significant impact on a thriving school sports programme.

You can find the original listing for this post here: Head rowing coach vacancy.

How to apply for this post

• Prepare a detailed letter of application.
• Compile your comprehensive 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 submitting an application does not guarantee an interview.
• Somerset College, as an equal opportunity employer, reserves the right not to make an appointment.
• By applying, you acknowledge and accept the College’s POPIA disclaimer regarding the confidentiality and use of your personal information for recruitment purposes.

Questions and answers for preferred candidates

Here are some insights into what a potential candidate might wonder and how to become a preferred choice for this Head Rowing Coach position at Somerset College:

• Q: What is the core mission of the Head Rowing Coach?
  A: To lead, develop, and inspire excellence within the Somerset College Rowing programme, ensuring holistic growth for student-athletes both academically and athletically.
• Q: What kind of coaching experience is highly valued?
  A: Proven experience at a competitive school or club level is crucial. Demonstrating success in developing athletes and programmes will set you apart.
• Q: What qualifications are non-negotiable?
  A: You must have relevant RowSA coaching accreditations and levels, current first aid, CPR, and AED certifications, and a valid Police Clearance Certificate.
• Q: How important is a candidate’s philosophy towards student academics?
  A: Extremely important. The College expects the coach to be deeply committed to academic priorities and capable of guiding student-athletes to succeed in both their studies and sport.
• Q: What makes a candidate stand out in terms of skills?
  A: Strong leadership, exceptional organisational abilities, and excellent interpersonal skills are key to managing a successful programme and engaging with various stakeholders.
• Q: Is a teaching background beneficial for this coaching role?
  A: Yes, a coaching qualification or a teaching background is explicitly stated as advantageous, indicating a value for pedagogical skills.
• Q: What are the main administrative duties?
  A: Managing the programme’s budget, scheduling practices and travel, procuring equipment, overseeing athlete selection, and coordinating with rowing associations are all significant administrative responsibilities.
• Q: How can I demonstrate my commitment to safeguarding?
  A: Highlight your understanding of and experience with implementing safeguarding standards, as ensuring student safety is a primary responsibility.
• Q: What should my application letter emphasise?
  A: Focus on your vision for a holistic rowing programme, your leadership style, your ability to manage complex operations, and your dedication to student-athlete well-being and academic success.
• Q: What are the key dates to remember for this vacancy?
  A: The role starts on 1 April 2026, and applications must be submitted by 26 November 2025.
• Q: What is the value of FISA accreditation?
  A: While not mandatory, FISA accreditation is considered advantageous, indicating a high level of international coaching recognition.
• Q: Where can I find more teaching jobs like this within the education sector?
  A: You can explore further opportunities on dedicated education recruitment platforms, like the active link provided, to see a wider range of roles.

Institution details

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