Program Director, Varsity Rowing

The Hotchkiss School seeks an accomplished, energetic, and student-centered Program Director to lead and develop the School's 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 candidate’s 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 School's 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

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.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• 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.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• 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.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's 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.
  
  

Application Information

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.

Additional Information

The essential functions and basic skills have been included. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This position description is subject to change at any time.

The Hotchkiss School is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to basing judgments concerning the employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities. The School is firmly committed to equal employment and advancement opportunities for all employees and applicants in all phases of the employment process (including recruitment, hiring, assignment, terms and conditions of employment, compensation, benefits, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, and termination).

In accordance with applicable law, the School does not discriminate against any individual based on age, ancestry, color, genetic information, learning disability, marital status, past or present history of mental disability, national origin, physical disability, race, religious creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

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