Rowing Head Coach

Head Rowing Coach

The Thunder Bay Rowing Club (TBRC), established in 1904 on the Kaministiquia River, is seeking a dedicated Head Coach to lead the club through its next chapter. We are a community-driven, inclusive organization with over 100 members, a strong Board of Directors, and dedicated volunteers. We follow the RCA Athlete Development Pathway (LTAD) and are committed to our Vision 2030 Milestones. This is an ideal opportunity for a coach with an entrepreneurial spirit ready to grow with us.

Position Details

• Employer – Thunder Bay Rowing Club, a not-for-profit organization
• Business address – 755 Dock St., Thunder Bay, ON. Mailing address PO Box 20030, Thunder Bay, ON P7E 6P2
• Position – Head Coach (NOC 53201), 1 vacancy
• Terms – Permanent, full-time. Start date April 2027
• Wage – CAD $60,000 per year (CAD $28.85/hour equivalent), paid bi-weekly
• Hours – 40 hours per week. Up to 10 hours per week may be banked from May to October and taken as time off from November to April
• Benefits – 6% of salary paid in lieu of health benefits; 10 days paid vacation per year
• Language of work – English
• Location of work – Thunder Bay, Ontario, at the TBRC boathouse, with travel to regattas

Position Summary

The Head Coach is responsible for day-to-day club operations, reporting directly to the Board of Directors. The position is full-time encompassing coaching, operations, administration, event planning, and member satisfaction. The on-water season runs May to October, with year-round programming including winter cross-training partnerships with local ski clubs. Hours are variable but typically include weekday mornings and evenings, and Saturday mornings.

Primary Responsibilities

• Plan and coach competitive rowing programmes for juniors, open, and masters athletes
• Oversee Learn-to-Row, novice, and recreational programming
• Lead the high school rowing programme in partnership with local schools
• Recruit athletes and build community relationships
• Mentor volunteer coaches and lead day-to-day club operations
• Prepare athletes for provincial and national competitions
• Work with the Board and volunteers on Club administration

General Responsibilities

• Programme Development – design and implement comprehensive training programmes with seasonal plans ensuring peak competitive performance.
• Coaching and Training – foster a positive team environment; evaluate individual and team performance and implement corrective strategies.
• Athlete Development – monitor athlete progress, prepare athletes for competition (race strategy, mental preparation, technical proficiency), and support personal goal-setting.
• Leadership and Mentorship – demonstrate integrity guided by TBRC Cultural Values; inspire athletes; collaborate with volunteer coaches; communicate via iCrew.
• Administration and Equipment – coordinate travel and trailer logistics, equipment management, and competition schedules; maintain records in iCrew; ensure Safe Sport compliance; manage incident reporting.
• Club Operations – serve as boathouse manager; perform equipment upkeep; provide monthly Board reports.
• Communications – maintain quality communications through existing channels; engage membership in projects, events, and problem-solving.
• Board Participation – serve as ex-officio member of the Board of Directors (non-voting) and relevant committees.

Qualifications

• RCA coach certified (or equivalent/in progress, completed by start date)
• Current Standard First Aid and CPR certification (WHMIS and AED an asset)
• Pleasure Craft Operator Card
• Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening (within last 2 years)
• Driver’s licence and trailering experience an asset

Competencies

• Teamwork – builds teams and encourages open relationships.
• Communication – confident verbal and written skills with athletes, parents, Board, and members.
• Initiative – does the right thing at the right time without being asked.
• Service Excellence – creates opportunities to enhance every individual’s experience.
• Health and Safety – manages and educates others about risk and harm reduction.
• Multi-Stream Competency – understands the needs of Instruction, Community Sport, and Competition streams.

The Successful Applicant

• A demonstrated love for the sport of rowing
• A history of competitive racing or coaching
• Positive experience at other rowing club(s) and a desire to share that enthusiasm
• Ability to work with athletes of all age groups
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills

Why Thunder Bay?