Masters Recreational Rowing Coach

The Grand Rapids Rowing Club is searching for a coach for the masters recreational team. This part-time coaching position is an excellent opportunity for an individual looking to put their coaching skills to work with adult rowers in an established rowing program. This position runs from April through October, and the board is open to the possibility of splitting the position between the right candidates. Masters Recreational practices take place on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6:00-8:00pm (switching to 5:30-7:30pm in the fall) and 8:00-10:00am on Saturday mornings.
The Masters Recreational Team consists of adults with varying degrees of rowing experience from recent graduates from our Learn To Row classes to seasoned veterans. The goal of the Recreational Program is to provide ongoing supportive skill development, consistent opportunities to row, and several optional opportunities to race each season. Grand Rapids Rowing rows out of its own boathouse on the north side of Grand Rapids.
Responsibilities
Skill Development
The coach will challenge and support rowers as they continue to increase their skills and athleticism.
Coaching
The candidate will be responsible for planning and executing practice sessions geared toward challenging and supporting rowers as they increase their skills and athleticism.
Group Dynamics
The Recreational Coach will provide a warm and supportive welcome to new rowers, and will be responsible for growing camaraderie and cohesion among the team members, providing clear communication, and developing processes and procedures that benefit all members.
Collaboration
Coaches are expected to excel in collaboration and communication with GRRC members, the other coaches, and the GRRC board of directors.
Qualifications
- Experience in rowing or coxing in high school, college, or as part of a club
- Commitment to Monday and Wednesday evening hours (6:00-8:00pm) and Saturday morning hours (8:00-10:00am), and occasional Saturday regattas.
- Effective interpersonal and communication skills
- Openness to feedback and personal development
Contact Julie Bennett, Director of Rowing, ([email protected]) for more information.
Junior Varsity Coach

The Grand Rapids Rowing Club is searching for a rowing coach to join the coaching staff as a varsity coach for the junior team alongside the current Head Coach. This part-time coaching position is an excellent opportunity for an individual looking to put their coaching skills to work with an established rowing program. This position includes the spring season (March-June), the summer camp season (two weeks in July), and the fall season (late August-October). The position ranges from 6-12 hours per week.
The Grand Rapids Rowing Junior Club provides an opportunity for area high school students to participate in a strong club team representing multiple high schools. The goals of this program include introduction to the sport, supportive skill improvement, team cohesion, and excellence in competition. Grand Rapids Rowing rows out of its own boathouse on the north side of Grand Rapids.
Responsibilities
Student Athlete Development
Using positive motivation to promote hard work and discipline, a core responsibility is to support each student-athlete in skill and character development.
Coaching
Along with the current head coach, the candidate will be responsible for planning and executing practice sessions (water and land) geared toward guiding young rowers as they begin as novices, progress to Varsity, and prepare for possible collegiate rowing. Coaches are responsible for ensuring the physical and emotional safety of each team member.
Recruiting & Advancement
Coaches are advocates for the Grand Rapids Rowing Club Junior Team, leveraging their strengths and resources in an effort to grow the overall team and their standings.
Collaboration
Coaches are expected to excel in collaboration and communication with athletes, their families, the GRRC board of directors, and the adult program coaches.
Qualifications
• Experience in rowing or coxing in high school, college, or as part of a club
• Commitment to late afternoon weekday hours (generally 5:30-7:30), Saturday morning hours, and availability for Saturday regattas.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills
• Openness to feedback and personal development
Contact Julie Bennett, Director of Rowing, ([email protected]) for more information.