Assistant Coach

Job Description

Job Summary:

Under the supervision of the Head Coach, the purpose of this position is to use athletics as a tool to educate college students. By using inter-collegiate competition and all activities related to such competition, this position serves as a teacher and mentor to help build student character, prepare students for a constructive and effective life, and teach valuable life lessons including work ethic; discipline; resilience; persistence; teamwork and selflessness; goal-setting and goal achievement; overcoming adversity; and leadership. This position typically influences student-athletes for their entire four years at Harvard and plays a key role in shaping their personal development. 

This position assists in planning, directing and coaching the women’s inter-collegiate lightweight rowing program. Typically works with all student-athletes in the program. May supervise other Assistant Coaches.

This position plays a key leadership role for the women’s lightweight rowing program. Will fill in when the Head Coach is absent. Typically has a significant role as liaison with Athletics administrative departments. Requires experience coaching at the collegiate level or comparable experience, which may include coaching/teaching at the professional level. Particularly for sports that are more prominent on an international level than in the United States, comparable experience may include playing in a professional or other high-performance environment, such as for a national team or at the Olympic level.  

This is a one-year term position renewable at the discretion of the Head Coach and Athletic Director.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

1.    Athlete Team Management

• Assists Head Coach in developing, coordinating, and planning practices and competition to develop student-athlete skills and helps team perform at competitive levels.
• Develops, coordinates and plans assigned portions of practices and game management consistent with Head Coach’s strategic vision.
• Analyzes video to scout opponents and develop strategies for team development.
• Executes a student-athlete talent recruitment plan and retention strategy consistent with values of excellence and inclusion.
• Effectively leads and communicates with students by generating enthusiasm for the team through credible coaching.
• Supports culture of education through athletics. Assists in academic integration with team.

2.     Operational Complexity

• Assists in the development and execution of team strategy, logistics and operational direction.
• Operates within budget.
• Maintains compliance with University, Ivy League, NCAA and other rules and regulations.
• Coordinates with less-experienced coaches in implementing objectives.
• Participates in professional development activities; follows trends and embraces innovation opportunities.
• Assists head coach in problem resolution.
• Requires the ability to communicate effectively with the Head Coach and athletics administrators.

3.    Communication & Influence

• Assists Head Coach in maintaining and building viewership, and maintaining and creating positive media interest, consistent with the applicable sport.
• Supports the Head Coach in influencing public interest where applicable.

4.    People Management

• Mentors seasonal assistant coach

In addition, the Assistant Coach will be responsible for:

• Demonstrating ability to instruct the desired rowing technique.
• Clearly communicating goals and expectations with student-athletes.
• Coaching and managing multiple boat classes and disciplines (sweep and sculling).
• Providing appropriate team, boat, and individual feedback to student-athletes.
• Expanding knowledge of sport and skills of coaching.
• Driving a launch (powered boat) and truck plus boat trailer.
• Assisting with competition set-up and visiting team logistics including installing racecourse, driving film crew or serving as a safety launch.
• Traveling with team or equipment to, from and during competition.
• Developing social media strategy and coordinating social media communications with student-athletes.
• Assisting with operation of training facility (Weld Boathouse).
• Assisting with team travel logistics.
• Assisting with alumnae meetings and functions as needed.
• Adhering to health and safety policies of the university.
• Evaluating prospective student-athlete’s athletic and academic ability.
• Clearly communicating with prospective student-athletes throughout the recruiting process.
• Planning and executing official visits.
• Adhering to recruiting budget.
• Ability to collect and collate data for review.

Working Conditions:

• Evening and weekend work required.
• Frequent travel required.
• Job requires work in extreme environmental conditions, including extreme heat and cold, rain, and high levels of noise.

Work Format:

• On-site

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift equipment associated with the sport.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
• Minimum of 5 years of crew coaching and/or rowing experience at the collegiate, national, and/or Olympic level.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Coaching experience with lightweights preferred.
• Requires substantial mastery of sport-specific knowledge and relevant issues.
• Understands the philosophy, principles and policies of Harvard and Ivy League athletics (including the University Conflict of Interest and Commitment policy).
• Requires moderate management and leadership knowledge.
• Familiarity with Peach System preferred.

Certificates and Licenses:

• Valid driver's license needed.
• CPR and First Aid required.

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date: 06/30/2027
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable): $50,000-$78,000/annual
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal, and DMV
• Other Information:
  • NOTE: This role is not eligible for Paid Time Off (PTO).

Harvard is a highly selective liberal arts college whose mission is to educate citizens and citizen-leaders for our society. The College is a residential institution of nearly 7,000 undergraduates and is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Harvard is deeply committed to the intellectual, social and personal transformation of its undergraduates during their four years at Harvard.

The Department of Athletics offers 42 varsity programs for men and women, more than any other Division I school in the United States. We also offer extensive recreational and intramural programs.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 000. Corresponding salary information can be found in the job description above.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.