Assistant Rowing Coach and Associate in the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and Physical Education

Columbia University, one of the world's leading universities, sponsors the largest NCAA Division I athletics program in New York City with 31 varsity sports and a proud tradition of Ivy League and national success. Located at the Baker Athletics Complex and Dodge Fitness Center in Manhattan, 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, coxswain/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

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree required.
• Successful background in rowing equipment management, operations, and coaching, preferably at the collegiate level.
• Demonstrated success in recruiting student-athletes within a highly competitive academic environment.

Administration & Operations

• Ability to contribute effectively to program operations, including budget oversight, event planning, equipment management, and travel coordination.
• Strong organizational skills with initiative, ownership, and follow-through on administrative tasks.
• Valid driver's license required, ability to drive short and long distances with rowing shells in tow.
• Ability to work outdoors in all conditions.
• Attend training camps and/or summer camps as needed.

Leadership & Team Culture

• Demonstrated ability to mentor student-athletes and support a culture built on belonging, discipline, and respect.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, faculty, administrators, and alumni.
• Excellent written, verbal, and listening skills.

Coaching & Athlete Development

• High level of competency in rowing skill instruction, motivation, and tactical strategy.
• Ability to collaborate with strength & conditioning, sports medicine, and academic support staff to foster holistic athlete development.
• Experience teaching or contributing to Physical Education curriculum preferred.

Recruiting

• Proven ability to recruit student-athletes nationally and internationally, consistent with Ivy League and NCAA standards.
• Ability to evaluate prospective student-athletes for athletic ability, academic preparedness, and cultural fit within Columbia Rowing.
• Skill in managing recruiting communication, databases, and compliance requirements with precision and efficiency.
• Experience working successfully within a need-based financial aid system preferred.

Professional Conduct

• Commitment to the highest standards of professional and ethical behavior.
• Thorough knowledge of, and ability to work within, NCAA, Ivy League, IRA, University, and Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and Physical Education rules and regulations.
• Dedication to ongoing professional development and learning.

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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.