Director Rowing Coaching Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About RIVERSPORT

The RIVERSPORT Foundation is a nonprofit organization unlike any other. Find fulfillment in your daily work while helping shape the future of rowing and paddlesports in Oklahoma. As part of a dedicated team, you will contribute to improving the quality of life in Oklahoma City by building community through rowing and paddlesports.

Working at RIVERSPORT offers exciting challenges, meaningful opportunities to make an impact, and the chance to help develop the next generation of rowers and paddlers. We invite you to join us on our mission.

Position Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Benefits: Eligible following the introductory period
Reports To: Sr Director of Athletics

Position Summary

This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of youth rowing in the Central Region. RIVERSPORT has the facilities, infrastructure, and organizational support to drive significant growth. As the host venue for the canoe slalom competitions at the 2028 Olympic Games, RIVERSPORT is uniquely positioned to leverage unprecedented visibility and community interest to expand youth rowing throughout central Oklahoma.

RIVERSPORT is seeking an experienced Head Coach with exceptional interpersonal skills to build and lead a high-performing team of coaches while fostering a positive, athlete-centered culture for rowers and their families. The ideal candidate will embrace the opportunity to grow participation, develop coaches, and help establish RIVERSPORT as one of the premier youth rowing programs in the region during this exciting period of expansion.

The Youth Rowing Head Coach and Program Manager leads the strategic growth and daily operation of RIVERSPORT's youth rowing programs while serving as the Head Coach of Junior Crew. This position is responsible for program development, staff leadership, athlete recruitment and retention, coach education, and competitive excellence. Working closely with athletes, families, schools, and community partners, the Head Coach will cultivate an inclusive, high-performance environment that reflects the RIVERSPORT Coaching Philosophy and supports athletes at every stage of development.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Leadership and Program Management

• Lead and oversee all aspects of the Junior Crew Program, including U15, U17, and U19 squads.
• Develop and implement recruiting strategies to increase athlete participation and strengthen the youth rowing pipeline.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate the Varsity Girls Coach/Camp Coordinator, Varsity Boys Coach/Boatman, Middle School Coaches, and part-time assistant coaches.
• Foster positive relationships and maintain consistent communication with athletes, parents, and families.
• Expand and oversee parent committees to support program operations, including regatta travel coordination, athlete fueling stations, fundraising initiatives, and annual banquet planning.
• Develop, manage, and monitor the annual operating budget for youth rowing programs, including program revenue, expenses, equipment needs, and travel budgets, while ensuring responsible stewardship of organizational resources.
• Ensure youth rowing programs operate in accordance with the RIVERSPORT Coaching Philosophy.
• Create a positive team culture that supports athlete development on and off the water.
• Guide athletes and families through opportunities for collegiate rowing, scholarships, and national team development.

Coaching Responsibilities

• Plan and lead daily practices for designated squad.
• Attend all scheduled practices unless on approved leave or traveling for competition.
• Develop seasonal training plans that prioritize athlete development, safety, and competitive excellence.
• Coach athletes at local, regional, and national regattas.

Operations and Resource Management

• Coordinate with the Masters Program Manager and Recreational Rowing Manager to ensure equitable scheduling and access to rowing equipment and facilities.
• Work with a large and diverse coaching staff to oversee the organization, cleanliness, and basic upkeep of the rowing shells, safety launches, trailers, Community Boathouse and other facilities used by athletic programs.
• Maintain regular office hours in addition to coaching responsibilities.

Leadership Within the Athletics Department

• Serve as a leader within the RIVERSPORT Foundation and the rowing community by supporting all customers, participants, volunteers, and affiliated partners.
• Ensure compliance with all RIVERSPORT safety policies, SafeSport requirements, and USRowing safety recommendations.
• Partner with the RIVERSPORT events staff and Regatta Director to plan, organize, and successfully host a minimum of four regattas annually, ensuring an outstanding experience for athletes, volunteers, and visiting teams.

•  Partner with the RIVERSPORT Development team to identify fundraising opportunities, cultivate donor relationships, and secure financial support for athlete scholarships, financial aid, and rowing equipment upgrades.

Professional Expectations

The successful candidate will:

• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the broader RIVERSPORT Foundation's programs, events, and operations. This may include assisting with activities and events outside of the rowing program or the Athletics Department as needed to advance organizational goals.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm, professionalism, and integrity in every aspect of the position.
• Represent RIVERSPORT with a positive attitude, high level of energy, and commitment to excellence.
• Build collaborative relationships with staff, volunteers, athletes, parents, schools, and community partners.
• Promote athlete safety and well-being while maintaining high coaching standards.
• Champion the RIVERSPORT’s mission and Coaching Philosophy in every aspect of the position and serve as a positive ambassador for the organization within the community and the sport of rowing.

• Demonstrate initiative by identifying opportunities to improve programs, solve problems collaboratively, and contribute to the long-term growth of rowing at RIVERSPORT.

• Competitive high school or collegiate rowing experience.

• Five+ years coaching experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams, managing staff, and mentoring coaches to support professional growth and program excellence.
• Demonstrated recruiting or sales success.
• Trailer driving experience or willingness to learn.
• College degree or equivalent.
• Strong organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience with athlete recruitment, retention, and long-term athlete development.
• Current CPR, First Aid, and SafeSport certification (or ability to obtain upon hire).
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and travel for regattas.
• Additional opportunities to oversee other rowing programs may be available for exceptionally strong candidates who demonstrate outstanding leadership, coaching, and program management skills.