HEAD ROWING COACH Job

Somerset College, a prominent independent day and boarding school in the picturesque Cape Winelands, is actively seeking a passionate and experienced Head Rowing Coach. This is a fantastic opportunity, among many rewarding teaching jobs available, for a dynamic individual to lead and further develop their successful rowing programme. The ideal candidate will inspire excellence in their athletes, both on and off the water, with the role set to commence on Wednesday, 1 April 2026. If you have a strong coaching background and a commitment to holistic student growth, they would love to hear from you by the closing date of 26 November 2025.

Detailed vacancy information

• School name: Somerset College, a leading independent, co-educational day and boarding school offering schooling from Grade 000 to Matric-IEB and Cambridge AS and A-levels.
• Position: Head Rowing Coach.
• Commencement date: Wednesday, 1 April 2026.
• Closing date: 26 November 2025.
• 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; ensuring all safeguarding standards are met; planning, development, and administration of all phases of the programme, including budget management, practice scheduling, travel, procurement, and recruitment of student-athletes, managers, and coaches in conjunction with the Master in Charge (MIC). The successful candidate must also be committed to academic priorities for student-athletes and communicate the rowing strategy to parents.
• Programme & performance management: Overseeing transparent athlete and crew selection, maintaining detailed performance records, planning and managing training camps and regattas, supervising equipment management (rigging, loading, maintenance), and collaborating with the MIC on coach recruitment, evaluation, and remuneration.
• Administration & stakeholder engagement: Managing daily club operations, coordinating race calendars with Western Cape Rowing (WCR) and RowSA, representing Somerset College at WCR and RowSA meetings, providing strategic input on the programme’s long-term direction, fostering relationships with neighbouring schools and clubs, and interacting with support services for public relations, fundraising, and promotional activities.
• Qualifications and experience: 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.
• Prerequisites: Must possess and maintain current certifications in first aid, CPR, and AED use (proof required within 30 days after employment); relevant RowSA coaching accreditations and levels (FISA accreditation is advantageous); a valid Police Clearance Certificate (not older than 1 month) is essential.

Simple summary of the vacancy

Somerset College, a well-regarded independent school nestled in the stunning Cape Winelands, is on the lookout for a Head Rowing Coach. This pivotal role involves leading their thriving rowing programme, guiding both athletes and assistant coaches to achieve their full potential. The college is seeking an individual who not only excels in coaching but also understands the importance of academic priorities for student-athletes and can foster a supportive, high-performance culture.

The successful candidate will be responsible for a wide range of duties, from designing comprehensive training programmes and managing budgets to overseeing equipment and coordinating with rowing bodies like Western Cape Rowing and RowSA. They will be instrumental in developing athlete selection processes, planning regattas and camps, and ensuring all safety and safeguarding standards are rigorously met. Communication with parents and contributing to the long-term vision of the rowing programme are also key aspects of this challenging yet rewarding position.

To be considered, applicants should have significant experience coaching rowing, ideally at a competitive school or club. Strong leadership, organisational abilities, and a deep understanding of rowing techniques and safety are essential. While a coaching qualification or a background in other teaching jobs is beneficial, candidates must hold current first aid, CPR, and AED certifications, along with relevant RowSA coaching accreditations. A valid Police Clearance Certificate is a prerequisite, and the role is scheduled to begin on 1 April 2026, with applications closing on 26 November 2025.

How to apply for this post

• Prepare a detailed letter of application.
• Ensure your Curriculum Vitae (CV) is up-to-date and comprehensive.
• Gather contact details for three professional references.
• Email these documents confidentially to the Human Resources Officer at [email protected].
• Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee an interview, and the school reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Questions and advice for potential candidates

• Q: What makes Somerset College unique as an institution? A: Somerset College is a leading independent, co-educational day and boarding school in the Cape Winelands, offering diverse curricula from Grade 000 to Matric-IEB and Cambridge AS and A-levels. They pride themselves on being a welcoming, stimulating centre of learning.
• Q: How important is athlete welfare and safeguarding in this role? A: It is explicitly stated that you must “ensure that all safeguarding standards are met and implemented,” making it a critical component of the position. Emphasise your commitment to athlete well-being and safety in your application.
• Q: What kind of commitment is expected regarding coaching hours? A: The role requires coaching on four weekdays and Saturdays during the rowing season, indicating a substantial time commitment on and off the water.
• Q: Is a teaching background essential for this coaching role? A: While a coaching qualification and/or a teaching background is advantageous, it’s not listed as a strict requirement. Proven rowing coaching experience at a competitive level is key.
• Q: What specific accreditations are needed? A: You must have relevant RowSA coaching accreditations and levels. FISA accreditation is advantageous, so highlight any international experience if you have it.
• Q: How important is understanding the academic demands on student-athletes? A: The vacancy specifically mentions the need to comprehend and support student-athletes in both their academic and competitive pursuits. Showcase your ability to balance these demands in your application.
• Q: What kind of leadership qualities are they looking for? A: Strong leadership, organisational, and interpersonal skills are explicitly requested. Provide examples in your CV and letter of application demonstrating these traits in a coaching or leadership capacity.
• Q: How can I demonstrate my ability to manage a rowing programme effectively? A: Highlight experience in budget management, scheduling, equipment procurement, and recruitment. Mention any successful programmes you’ve developed or administrative responsibilities you’ve held.
• Q: What should my letter of application focus on? A: Your letter should convey your passion for rowing, your coaching philosophy, how you inspire excellence, and how your experience aligns with the specific responsibilities and qualifications listed. Mention your commitment to safeguarding and academic support.
• Q: Are there opportunities for professional development in this role? A: While not explicitly stated, working within a leading college and collaborating with bodies like RowSA suggests potential for continuous learning and engagement within the broader rowing and education sectors, including other related teaching jobs.
• Q: What is the significance of the Police Clearance Certificate? A: A valid Police Clearance Certificate (not older than 1 month) is a prerequisite, indicating the school’s commitment to ensuring a safe environment for its students. Ensure you have this or can obtain it promptly.
• Q: How does Somerset College handle personal information during the application process? A: In line with the POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act), Somerset College will ensure the confidentiality of applicants’ information, using it solely for recruitment, selection, and reporting. By applying, you accept this disclaimer.

Institution details

• Website: http://www.somersetcollege.org
• Address: Bredell Road, Somerset West, Western Cape, South Africa
• Find more teaching jobs like this one.

You can also find the original vacancy here.

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