HEAD ROWING COACH Job

Somerset College, a leading independent school in the beautiful Cape Winelands, is on the lookout for a passionate and experienced Head Rowing Coach to lead and develop their successful rowing programme. This exciting opportunity, commencing on Wednesday, 1 April 2026, calls for a dynamic individual who can inspire excellence in athletes and assistant coaches alike. If you have a proven track record in competitive rowing coaching and a commitment to holistic student-athlete development, this could be the perfect role for you to make a significant impact on a vibrant school community. The application window closes on 26 November 2025, so make sure to get your application in promptly.

Somerset College is inviting applications for a Head Rowing Coach, a pivotal role in shaping their successful rowing programme. They are seeking a dedicated professional who not only excels in coaching but also in mentorship and leadership, ensuring high standards both on and off the water. This position requires someone who can build a strong team, manage all aspects of the programme from training to administration, and communicate effectively with students, parents, and governing bodies. While this specific role isn’t one of the many teaching jobs available, it is an integral part of the college’s extracurricular offering, contributing significantly to student development.

Detailed list of vacancy key details

• Name of the School: Somerset College
• Location: Bredell Road, Somerset West, Western Cape, South Africa
• Role: Head Rowing Coach
• Commencement Date: Wednesday, 1 April 2026
• Application Closing Date: 26 November 2025
• School Type: Independent, co-educational day and boarding school
• School Offering: Grade 000 to Matric-IEB and Cambridge AS and A-levels
• School Foundation: 1997
• Contact Email for Applications: [email protected]
• Official Website: http://www.somersetcollege.org

Simple summary of the vacancy

Somerset College, a renowned independent school established in 1997 within the picturesque Cape Winelands, is looking to appoint a Head Rowing Coach. This is a crucial role for the college’s well-established rowing programme, seeking an individual with a strong passion for the sport, extensive experience, and dynamic leadership skills.

The successful candidate will be responsible for providing top-tier coaching, mentorship, and development for both student athletes and assistant coaches. This includes shaping the overall direction and culture of the Somerset College Rowing Club, designing and delivering structured training programmes for pre-season and in-season, and coaching during weekdays and Saturdays throughout the rowing season. A key aspect of the role is maintaining excellent technical, physiological, and safety standards, ensuring all safeguarding standards are met.

Beyond direct coaching, the Head Rowing Coach will oversee the planning, development, and administration of the entire rowing programme. This involves budget management, scheduling practices, arranging travel, procuring equipment, and collaborating with the Master in Charge (MIC) for recruitment of student-athletes, managers, and coaches. The college places a high value on academic priorities for its student-athletes, so the coach must be able to guide and communicate effectively, understanding the demands placed on students both academically and competitively.

Programme and performance management responsibilities include overseeing transparent athlete and crew selection processes, maintaining detailed performance records, and planning training camps and regattas. Equipment management, including boat rigging and maintenance, also falls under this role. Administratively, the coach will manage daily club operations, coordinate race calendars with Western Cape Rowing (WCR) and RowSA, and represent the college at relevant meetings. Strategic input for the programme’s long-term direction, fostering relationships with other schools and clubs, and involvement in public relations or fundraising activities are also expected. Candidates should have proven competitive coaching experience, strong leadership, organisational, and interpersonal skills, and in-depth knowledge of rowing techniques and safety standards. Relevant RowSA coaching accreditations and current first aid, CPR, and AED certifications are mandatory, alongside a valid Police Clearance Certificate.

More details on the job can be found at the original vacancy source here: Head Rowing Coach vacancy.

How to apply for this post

To apply for the Head Rowing Coach position at Somerset College, please follow these steps:

• Prepare a detailed letter of application.
• Compile your comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Provide details for three contactable references.
• Email all these documents in confidence to the Human Resources Officer at [email protected].
• Ensure your application is submitted before the closing date of 26 November 2025.
• Note that submitting an application does not guarantee an interview, and the school reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Questions and answers for a potential candidate

• Q: What are the core responsibilities of this Head Rowing Coach role?
  A: The core responsibilities include providing high-level coaching and mentorship, shaping the rowing club’s culture and performance, delivering training programmes, ensuring safety standards, and managing all administrative aspects from budgeting to equipment and stakeholder engagement.
• Q: Is a teaching background required for this position?
  A: While a coaching qualification and/or teaching background will be advantageous, it is not an absolute requirement. Proven rowing coaching experience at a competitive level is essential.
• Q: What certifications are mandatory before starting the role?
  A: You must possess and maintain current certifications in first aid, CPR, and AED use, with proof provided within 30 days of employment. Relevant RowSA coaching accreditations and levels are also a prerequisite, along with a valid Police Clearance Certificate (not older than 1 month).
• Q: How important is academic support for student-athletes in this role?
  A: Very important. The successful candidate must be committed to a philosophy that prioritises academic success for student-athletes and be able to guide and communicate with them regarding both their academic and competitive demands.
• Q: What kind of coaching schedule should I expect?
  A: You will be expected to coach on four weekdays and Saturdays during the rowing season.
• Q: Will I be involved in the recruitment of assistant coaches and athletes?
  A: Yes, you will be involved in the recruitment and selection of student-athletes, managers, and coaches in conjunction with the Master in Charge (MIC).
• Q: How will my performance be managed?
  A: You will be responsible for overseeing transparent athlete and crew selection processes, maintaining detailed performance records, and aligning performance goals with training camps and regattas. You will collaborate with the MIC on coach evaluation.
• Q: What is the expectation regarding external relations?
  A: You are expected to coordinate race calendars with Western Cape Rowing (WCR) and RowSA, represent Somerset College at their meetings, and maintain positive relationships and collaborative opportunities with neighbouring schools and clubs.
• Q: Is there an opportunity for strategic input into the programme?
  A: Yes, providing strategic input on the long-term direction and alignment of the rowing programme with the school’s values and objectives is a key responsibility.
• Q: What makes a candidate stand out for this Head Rowing Coach position?
  A: A candidate will stand out with proven experience at a competitive school or club level, strong leadership and interpersonal skills, in-depth knowledge of rowing techniques and safety, familiarity with RowSA regulations, and a clear commitment to holistic student-athlete development and academic priorities.
• Q: What is the school’s policy on personal information submitted during application?
  A: Somerset College will ensure the confidentiality of all applicants in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). Personal information will be used for recruitment, selection, and reporting, and by applying, you accept this disclaimer.
• Q: Where can I find more information about Somerset College?
  A: You can visit their official website at http://www.somersetcollege.org.

For those interested in exploring more opportunities within education, including other teaching jobs, you can find a variety of roles by following the link.

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