Program Director, Varsity Rowing

The Hotchkiss School seeks an accomplished energetic and student-centered Program Director to lead and develop the Schools Varsity Rowing program. Rowing at Hotchkiss is established and competing and the program is now ready for a director to strengthen its competitive standing and deepen its place within the life of the School.

The Program Director is responsible for the overall leadership administration and success of the Varsity Rowing program while fostering an environment that promotes competitive excellence sportsmanship character development and personal growth.

Hotchkiss is committed to building this program around the right person. Accordingly the position may be structured as a faculty appointment or as a coaching-focused role depending on the successful candidates background and interests. We welcome applications from candidates from various coaching backgrounds and we are glad to discuss how the role might be shaped.

The Program Director will mentor student-athletes both on and off the water develop a positive and inclusive team culture and support the Schools mission by helping students pursue their academic athletic and personal goals. The Program Director will oversee all aspects of the program including practice planning athlete development regatta management recruiting and collaboration with college admissions and placement efforts.

The program is entering its seventh season and currently fields both boys and girls squads each racing coxed fours. The team carries a healthy roster with strong student interest. The Program Director leads both squads supported by a staff of assistant coaches. The Program Director also leads the winter rowing concentration a conditioning season for athletes preparing for the competitive spring season. The central priority for the incoming director is competitive development and the conversion of established participation and enthusiasm into sustained results.

• Lead all aspects of the Varsity Rowing program including planning organization and day-to-day operations.
• Design and implement comprehensive practice plans focused on individual skill development boat cohesion physical preparation and competitive performance.
• Teach and develop rowing fundamentals and rowing technique leadership sportsmanship and mental performance.
• Foster a positive inclusive and accountable team culture that reflects the values and mission of The Hotchkiss School.
• Serve as a mentor and role model for student-athletes supporting their academic personal and athletic development.
• Evaluate athlete performance and provide meaningful feedback to support continuous improvement.
• Supervise assistant coaching staff coordinating their work across both squads.
• Oversee boathouse operations including the care maintenance and inventory of shells oars launches and related equipment in collaboration with the Athletics Department.
• Collaborate with admissions and athletics staff to support enrollment and retention efforts involving prospective student-athletes.
• Guide student-athletes and families through the college recruiting process including communication with college coaches evaluation of opportunities and preparation of recruiting materials.
• Maintain regular communication with student-athletes families faculty and athletics administrators.
• Coordinate team travel scheduling equipment management and operational needs in collaboration with the Athletics Department.
• Support multi-sport participation and collaborate with colleagues across the athletic department to promote a positive student-athlete experience.
• Contribute to the overall success of the Athletics Department by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• Demonstrated success coaching rowing at the high school collegiate youth/club or comparable competitive level.
• Strong knowledge of athlete development skill instruction practice planning race strategy and program management.
• Experience supervising mentoring and developing assistant coaches.
• Proven ability to build and sustain a positive team culture that prioritizes accountability inclusion and personal growth.
• Excellent communication organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with students families faculty administrators and alumni.
• Demonstrates a commitment to diversity inclusion and cultural awareness through actions interactions and communications with others.
• Eligible for a Connecticut Public Service License or comparable out-of-state license to transport students.
• CPR First Aid and AED certification or ability to obtain certification upon employment.

• Bachelors Degree
• Collegiate rowing experience
• Experience coaching in an independent school or boarding school environment
• Experience organizing clinics camps showcases and recruiting events.
• Familiarity with video analysis platforms and modern athlete development tools.
• Demonstrated record of helping student-athletes gain admission to and compete at highly selective collegiate institutions.
• Experience with fundraising communications or athletics administration is desirable.

Through the online application process interested candidates should submit a cover letter that addresses their interest in coaching at Hotchkiss with a focus on their ability and interest in working in an intentionally diverse and inclusive residential community. Applicants should submit their cover letter résumé a statement of coaching philosophy and contact information for three references.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Candidates are encouraged to apply by October 1 for the fullest consideration.

Department: Athletics

Reports to: Director of Athletics

Schedule: Flexible and negotiable variable afternoon practice hours evenings weekends and school vacation periods as required

Travel: Frequent for Athletic Contests and Recruiting Events

Required Experience:

Director