Position Overview

The Assistant Coach for Middle School & Novice Development will lead the program's vital athlete acquisition and retention strategy. Focusing heavily on "Learn to Row" initiatives, this coach is tasked with introducing the sport to young athletes, prioritizing technical fundamentals, water safety, and—above all—making the sport engaging and fun. This role is essential for rebuilding and sustaining our program's historic pipeline, converting initial community interest into a lifelong love for rowing.

Key Responsibilities

• Pipeline Development: Deliver high-energy, educational "Learn to Row" curriculums tailored to middle schoolers and incoming high school novices.
• Fun & Retention: Design creative, team-building practices that reduce early burnout, foster athlete retention, and build excitement for competitive rowing.
• Fundamental Coaching: Teach foundational sculling/sweeping mechanics, body awareness, and coxswain steering basics.
• Safety First: Ensure strict adherence to on-water safety, flip-test protocols, and traffic patterns in local waters.
• Director Collaboration: Work under the guidance of the Director of Rowing to ensure technical vocabulary and athlete progressions align with the Varsity standard.

Qualifications

• Experience: Formal or informal rowing background (collegiate or club) with a strong desire to transition into youth mentoring and coaching.
• Attributes: High energy, exceptional patience, and excellent communication skills tailored to young athletes and parents.

Preferred:

• Certifications or willingness to obtain: USRowing Level 1 certification, SafeSport trained, First Aid/CPR, and a New York boating license.
• Existing network and strong reputation within the collegiate rowing community.
• Strong organizational, communication, and parent-management skills.

What We Offer

• Highly competitive stipend/salary commensurate with experience.
• Access to a dedicated boathouse facility and a well-maintained fleet of top-tier shells.
• A highly motivated, athletic, and academically driven student body in a community deeply supportive of the rowing program.

Pay: $22.00 - $30.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Gym membership
• Opportunities for advancement

Experience:

• Rowing: 2 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724 (Required)

Work Location: In person