Shawnigan Lake School is a leading independent co-educational boarding school for ages 12-18 (grades 8-12) on Canada’s beautiful west coast. Our world-class facilities situated on a stunning 270-acre campus include eleven boarding houses, a theatre, film lab, an observatory, salmon hatchery, rowing crew house on the lake, dance studio, state of the art Learning Commons and Library, recording studio, and robotics lab. Our diverse, inter-disciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
For more information, explore our Shawnigan at a Glance.
Shawnigan provides academic ambition to develop a culture of collaboration, independence and resilience in our students through educators and peers who inspire our students to embrace a love of learning by challenging them to solve problems critically and creatively.
Staff endorse our School’s values (Curiosity, Compassion, Community and Courage) and are deeply committed to our mission: Spark Minds, Kindle Hearts, Forge Futures.
We offer a competitive compensation package and a nurturing, family-friendly workplace.
Shawnigan Lake School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff (and volunteers) to share this commitment. Candidates will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with previous employers and a vulnerable sector criminal record check.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Head of Rowing
Working in one of the best crewhouses and rowing lakes in the world, the Shawnigan Head of Rowing manages the day-to day function and strategic development of the Shawnigan Lake School Rowing Program. The Head of Rowing ensures continual growth of the program and the highest level of rowing experience for Shawnigan students, by leading the development of the rowing program inline with Shawnigan’s strategic plan, Project Future.
Building on past successes, The Head of Rowing promotes a safe, fun, and competitive environment for all participants.
The Head of Rowing engages regularly with Rowing Canada to ensure avaiability of our facilities as one of Rowing Canada’s main training bases.
The Head of Rowing is committed to providing a rowing destination, and springboard for aspiring athletes.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Reporting to the Director of Athletics, the duties of the Head of Rowing include:
Program Management
Coaching, supervising, and mentoring student rowers throughout each term
Working with team members to develop and implement the program plan
Fostering a love for the sport while opening opportunities for higher-level performance on the national and international stage
Offering a path to high performance through development of the Shawnigan Athlete Pathway that integrates with Rowing Canada’s Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model
Managing the coaching team, including recruitment, hiring, performance management, and supervision
Planning and leading monthly coach’s meetings with respect to the day-to-day operations of the program
Coordinating the rowing calendar with the school calendar
Administering all student reporting, including the student roster, attendance records, and the completion and submission of student assessments to administration
Communicating program schedules, student records, and rowing results regularly with the Athletics Department
Directing the annual Shawnigan Regatta through distribution of tasks and close coordination with colleagues across the campus
Working with coaches, administrators and organizers to manage the school’s entry process for regattas throughout the season
Assigning the planning for the CSSRA National Championships to team members, including logistics, transportation, and vehicle rentals
Facilitating the registration of each athlete into the Rowing Canada system
Planning and administering awards and recognition
Assigning the planning and coordination of team travel to team members, including away trip processes, meals, transportation, and boat selection
Performing other related duties as needed
Strategic Development
Maintaining and implementing a strategic vision and 3 – 5 year plan for a thriving rowing program that pursues excellence on the water with novice to national level athletes
Delegate tasks involved in the promotion and maintenance of the program amongst all rowing staff. This includes tasks related to capital asset planning, recruitment of staff and students, facility planning and development and relationship building with local and national partners.
Working closely with the Admissions Department to attract and retain a healthy waitlist of students with an interest in rowing
Working closely with the Director of Athletics to run Shawnigan branded summer and school break rowing camps
Daily Operations
Continually developing, maintaining, and updating the practice schedule
Work with the Boat Man to administer boat pools on a day-to-day basis
Supervising the Boat House daily and coordinating task assignments with the Boat Man
Maintenance of equipment, making small repairs, and reporting equipment issues to the Boat Man
Managing technological equipment to ensure reliability and accuracy
Providing leadership in safety management through regular safety equipment checks and close assessment of risk during practices
Performing other related duties as needed.
Student, Parent, and External Relations
Managing student relations through announcements, posting memos, and close coordination with House Directors
Overseeing parent relations through progress reports, race results, and parent engagement and communication strategies
Managing the social media of the Rowing Program
Establishing and maintaining positive community relations with local residents and Shawnigan Lake users
Support athletes and families to navigate post-secondary rowing pathways through the Shawnigan Journey.
REQUIREMENTS
Minimum RCA Coach qualification (trained or certified), RCA Performance or High Performance qualification desirable
Minimum 5 years’ coaching experience with grades 8 – 12 in a club or school setting
Significant experience with operations management and external relations
Team supervision and volunteer coordination experience preferred
Skilled at working with teenagers of varying ability and aptitude
Strong organization and communication skills
Advanced problem solving and coordination skills
Able to act calmly and with conviction in stressful situations
Passionate and charismatic with the ability to further inspire ambitious and aspiring athletes
Skilled at dealing with a variety of personalities of all demographics
Attention to detail, with a mindset of consistency and accuracy
Proven record of professionalism, punctuality, flexibility, dependability and reliability
NEXT STEPS
To apply, please send a resume and cover letter specifically expressing your interest in working at Shawnigan, along with copies of your qualifications to the attention of Tim Murdy, Director of Athletic, via email at recruitment@shawnigan.ca.
We ask you to please provide references at the shortlist stage of the recruitment process.
Shawnigan Lake School is an equal opportunity employer committed to establishing an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment for all. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or any other basis protected by applicable law.
We express our appreciation to all applicants for their interest in this position, however only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Position closes when filled.
