Assistant Rowing Coach | Columbia University

New York, New York, Position Description One of the world’s leading universities, Columbia University Athletics offers elite-level student-athletes the ability to compete for and win Ivy League titles and NCAA Championships. With 32 varsity sports, Columbia Athletics is the largest NCAA Division I athletics program in New York City and the only NCAA Division I sports program in Manhattan. A beautiful and peaceful campus in the heart of New York City, Columbia offers the most diverse student body in the Ivy League. Columbia Athletics has positioned itself with elite-level coaches and top-notch facilities in the Campbell Sports Complex, Baker Athletics Complex, and Dodge Fitness Center. Columbia Rowing combines elite-level competition, state-of-the-art facilities, and a diverse and ambitious student body. The Assistant Rowing Coach provides coaching, administrative, and operational support under the direction of the Director of Rowing. This position will contribute to all three Columbia Rowing programs on a daily basis, both on the water and in the office, with responsibility for program operations, equipment management, athlete development, skill instruction, and some recruiting. Responsibilities Coaching & Athlete Development Achieve a high level of competency in rowing skill instruction, motivation, and tactical strategies under the direction of the Director of Rowing and head coaches. Utilize video, telemetry, and other performance tools to evaluate and enhance technical proficiency. Collaborate with sports medicine, strength & conditioning, academic services, and other support staff to ensure the holistic well-being of student-athletes. Assist in developing and executing training plans that balance long-term athlete development with immediate competitive performance. Contribute to the Physical Education program through required teaching responsibilities as assigned. Equipment Management Maintain and manage equipment related to the sport of rowing, including, but not limited to, coaching launches and motors, rowing shells, oars, rowing machines, coxsw.ain/coach electronics, team trucks and boat trailers. Transport equipment to repair locations as needed (i.e., shell repair, engine repair, trailer repair). Maintain contracts with suppliers, ensuring on-time payment for team equipment. Order and plan for spare parts for all facets of the program. Maintain licenses, insurance certificates, and registrations for university-owned team vehicles. Assist in race course maintenance. Direct student-athletes and coworkers in jobs as needed to maintain three separate training locations. Administration & Operations Assist with operational needs including practice and regatta planning, travel logistics, and equipment oversight (rigging adjustments, repairs, and safety checks). Exhibit ownership, initiative, and follow-through on administrative work including budget management, event planning, and reporting as delegated by the Director of Rowing. Participate in alumni-, fan-, and fund-raising activities, as well as broader departmental and community initiatives. Team Culture & Mentorship Support the development of a team culture built on belonging, discipline, and respect. Serve as a mentor to student-athletes, promoting leadership, accountability, and personal growth alongside athletic achievement. Demonstrate sincere interest in the social, emotional, and academic development, as well as the athletic welfare, of student-athletes. Exhibit leadership and professional behavior in daily interactions with student-athletes, staff, faculty, and alumni. Recruiting Recruit student-athletes under the direction of the Director of Rowing and head coaches. Identify and cultivate domestic and international recruiting pipelines consistent with Columbia’s academic and athletic standards. Evaluate prospective student-athletes for both athletic potential and fit with Columbia Rowing’s team culture, values, and institutional mission. Identify prospects who can contribute meaningfully to the team through their abilities, character, and experiences. Manage recruiting communication and databases to ensure timely follow-up, accurate record keeping, and adherence to NCAA/Ivy League compliance guidelines. Professional Growth & Departmental Contribution Participate in professional development opportunities such as clinics, workshops, and conferences to strengthen coaching knowledge and skills. Adhere to the highest professional standards and ethical conduct in alignment with NCAA, Ivy League, IRA, University, and Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and Physical Education policies and regulations. Contribute to the maintenance of effective working relationships with all members of the department. Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director of Rowing, head coaches, or the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Physical Education Requirements Bachelor’s Degree, and/or equivalent related experience required A high level of competency in Rowing skill instruction and motivation Successful experience in the recruitment of student-athletes in a highly competitive academic environment Successful background in coaching Rowing, preferably at the Collegiate level Ability to work effectively with students, faculty, administrators and alumni Ability to work within the framework of NCAA and Ivy League rules and regulations Ability to work successfully in a need-based financial aid program Valid Driver’s License Pay Transparency Disclosure The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.