HEAD ROWING COACH Job

Somerset College, a prominent independent day and boarding school in the picturesque Cape Winelands, is actively seeking a Head Rowing Coach to spearhead its highly successful rowing programme. This pivotal role, commencing on Wednesday, 1 April 2026, requires a passionate and experienced individual who can not only deliver high-level coaching and mentorship but also shape the overall culture and performance standards of the Rowing Club. If you’re looking for an impactful coaching position that combines athletic development with academic support, this opportunity at a leading educational institution is worth exploring.

Founded in 1997, Somerset College offers schooling from Grade 000 to Matric-IEB and Cambridge AS and A-levels, making it a vibrant and stimulating centre of learning. The successful candidate will be instrumental in fostering excellence both on and off the water, guiding student-athletes to achieve their full potential.

Detailed list of key vacancy details

• School: Somerset College, an independent, co-educational day and boarding school founded in 1997, offering Grade 000 to Matric-IEB and Cambridge AS and A-levels.
• 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 on and off the water.
• Key Responsibilities Include:
  • 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 standards.
  • Ensuring all safeguarding standards are met and implemented.
  • Planning, development, and administration of all aspects of the rowing programme, including budget, scheduling, travel, equipment procurement, and recruitment of student-athletes, managers, and coaches in conjunction with the Master in Charge (MIC).
  • Committing to a philosophy that prioritises academics for student-athletes and guiding them in both areas.
  • Communicating rowing strategy and progress to the parent community.
• Programme & Performance Management Includes:
  • Overseeing transparent athlete and crew selection and maintaining detailed performance records.
  • Planning and managing training camps and regattas efficiently.
  • Supervising equipment management (rigging, loading, maintenance).
  • Collaborating with the MIC on coach recruitment, evaluation, and remuneration.
• Administration & Stakeholder Engagement Includes:
  • Managing daily club operations (equipment, communication, 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 programme.
  • Maintaining positive relationships with neighbouring schools and clubs.
  • Interacting with support services and involvement in public relations/fundraising/promotional activities.
• Required 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 a teaching jobs background is 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 looking for a dedicated Head Rowing Coach to lead its well-established rowing programme. This role is far more than just coaching; it involves shaping the entire rowing experience for students, from their technical development on the water to their academic success in the classroom. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing high-level coaching, mentoring both athletes and assistant coaches, and setting the cultural and performance standards for the club. This includes delivering comprehensive training programmes throughout the pre-season and competitive season, with coaching required on four weekdays and Saturdays during term time. A strong emphasis is placed on safeguarding, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all participants.

Beyond direct coaching, the Head Rowing Coach will oversee the administrative and strategic elements of the programme. This covers everything from managing the budget, scheduling practices and travel, and procuring equipment, to recruiting student-athletes and working closely with the Master in Charge (MIC) on coach recruitment and evaluation. Effective communication with parents, transparent athlete selection processes, and meticulous record-keeping are also crucial. The role requires active engagement with external bodies like Western Cape Rowing (WCR) and RowSA, representing the college at meetings and ensuring compliance with regulations. Building and maintaining positive relationships with other schools and clubs is also an important aspect of this position, as is contributing strategically to the long-term vision of the rowing programme, aligning it with the school’s broader values and objectives. This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about rowing and student development within a dynamic educational setting.

How to apply for this post

• Prepare a detailed letter of application.
• Compile your comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Provide contact details for three professional references.
• Email these documents in confidence to the Human Resources Officer at [email protected].
• Please note that the submission of an application does not guarantee an interview. Somerset College is an equal opportunity employer and reserves the right not to make an appointment.
• All personal information will be handled confidentially in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) for recruitment, selection, and reporting processes. By applying, you accept this disclaimer.

Institution details

• School: Somerset College
• Address: Bredell Road, Somerset West, Western Cape, South Africa
• Website: www.somersetcollege.org
• Vacancy Source: More details about this role can be found here.

Questions and advice for potential candidates

• Q: What is the primary focus of the Head Rowing Coach role?
• A: The role involves leading, developing, and inspiring excellence within the Somerset College Rowing programme, focusing on high-level coaching, programme management, and fostering holistic student growth both academically and athletically.
• Q: What are the key responsibilities regarding coaching?
• A: You will be providing high-level coaching and mentorship to athletes and assistant coaches, shaping the club’s culture, delivering structured training programmes, and coaching on four weekdays and Saturdays during the rowing season, ensuring top technical, physiological, and safety standards.
• Q: How important is academic support for student-athletes in this role?
• A: It’s extremely important. The school seeks someone committed to a philosophy that prioritises academic success for student-athletes, with the ability to guide and teach them to succeed in both their studies and competitive rowing.
• Q: What kind of administrative duties are involved?
• A: You’ll be responsible for planning and managing the programme’s budget, scheduling practices, arranging travel, procuring equipment, and overseeing athlete and coach recruitment in collaboration with the Master in Charge.
• Q: What qualifications and experience are essential?
• A: Proven experience as a rowing coach, preferably at a competitive school or club level, strong leadership and organisational skills, in-depth rowing knowledge, and familiarity with RowSA regulations are crucial. Relevant RowSA coaching accreditations are a must, and FISA accreditation is a bonus.
• Q: Are there any specific certifications required?
• A: Yes, you must possess and maintain current certifications in first aid, CPR, and AED use, with proof provided within 30 days of employment. A valid Police Clearance Certificate, not older than one month, is also a prerequisite.
• Q: How can I demonstrate my leadership and management skills effectively?
• A: In your application, highlight specific examples where you have successfully led a team, managed a programme budget, organised logistics for events like training camps or regattas, and recruited or developed coaches.
• Q: What makes a candidate stand out for this position?
• A: A candidate with a coaching qualification and/or a strong background in teaching jobs will be advantageous, alongside a clear understanding of the holistic development of student-athletes, combining academic priorities with sporting excellence. Demonstrating proactive engagement with rowing bodies like RowSA and a vision for programme growth will also be highly valued.
• Q: How should I address the school’s commitment to safeguarding?
• A: Emphasise your understanding and commitment to implementing all safeguarding standards in your application and any potential interview. Provide examples of how you have ensured athlete safety and welfare in previous roles.
• Q: What should my letter of application focus on?
• A: Your letter should articulate your passion for rowing, your coaching philosophy, your experience in developing young athletes, and how your skills align with the specific responsibilities and qualifications outlined, particularly your ability to combine athletic excellence with academic support.
• Q: How important are communication skills for this role?
• A: Extremely important. You’ll need to communicate effectively with student-athletes, assistant coaches, the Master in Charge, parents, and external stakeholders like WCR and RowSA. Highlighting your communication approach in your application would be beneficial.
• Q: What is the deadline for applications, and when does the role start?
• A: The closing date for applications is 26 November 2025, and the successful candidate is expected to commence duties on Wednesday, 1 April 2026.