At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop the Second Men’s Boat, guiding athletes towards competitive rowing.
- Company: Wolfson College Boat Club at the University of Cambridge.
- Benefits: Earn up to £1,000 per term with flexible scheduling and coaching opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on athletes' development in a supportive college environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in rowing coaching and a passion for athlete development.
- Other info: Term-time role with potential for additional sessions and career growth.
Wolfson College Boat Club at the University of Cambridge is recruiting a committed rowing coach to lead the club’s Second Men’s Boat (M2), focused on developing athletes on a pathway toward the First Boat. The role is term-time only and involves delivering 4–5 weekly water sessions, with early weekday morning and late-morning weekend meet times.
The successful candidate may either deliver a full training programme provided by the Men’s Head Coach or design and run their own. The position is offered on a termly contract for 40 paid water sessions (plus 2 compensated land sessions), capped at £1,000 per term, initially for Lent 2026, working mainly with post-novice adult rowers in a mature-only (aged 21+) Cambridge college environment.
This role is focused around guiding development athletes on a pathway towards the First Boat (M1), working with a group of athletes who are driven to improve and race competitively. The successful candidate will lead all water training for the M2 crew during term time only. The crew will train 3–4 times per week on the water. Meet times will primarily be on weekday mornings from lighting-down time, aiming to have returned to the boathouse by no later than 08:40, and from 11:00 onwards on weekend days.
Water sessions are typically 75 minutes long, not usually extending to 2 hours. Bank-partying during races is also encouraged and compensated – we will be endeavouring to enter the crew into multiple on-CAm races throughout the term, as well as Lent Bumps in the final week of term.
Our Men’s Head Coach is happy to provide a full Men’s side term-long training programme for the successful candidate to execute with the M2 crew; equally, applicants who wish to design and run their own land and water programme with the crew will be supported in doing so. Our Men’s Head Coach will be away for certain weekends during Lent Term 2026, and so there is the opportunity for the successful candidate to be paid for additional sessions with the M1 squad when he is away.
The contracts at WCBC are termly, and will cover 40 paid water sessions (with 2 land sessions being compensated for) per term, with an overall termly payment cap of £1,000. The contract would initially be for Lent 2026, with the opportunity for another contract to be offered for Easter 2026, too, if all parties agree at the end of Lent 2026.
Wolfson College is a mature-only college, meaning the athletes are current students who are aged 21 and above. The M2 crew will be composed of mainly rowers who have one term’s worth of rowing experience (having been novice rowers in Michaelmas term 2025).
Schedule contingent on rowers and coaches availabilities – will be known and circulated much earlier than the start of Term (20/01/2026).
Salary: £25/session, up to a maximum of £1000/term. Type: 40 water sessions across the term. Application Dates: From Friday 28th November 2025 to Friday 16th January 2026.
Wolfson College Boat Club (University of Cambridge) – Men’s Coach (Second Boat) employer: British Rowing
Contact Detail:
British Rowing Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Wolfson College Boat Club (University of Cambridge) – Men’s Coach (Second Boat)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the rowing community! Attend local events or training sessions to meet potential colleagues and athletes. Networking can open doors and give you insights into what clubs like Wolfson College are really looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for coaching! When you get the chance to chat with club members or during interviews, share your coaching philosophy and how you plan to develop the M2 crew. Let them see your enthusiasm for helping athletes grow.
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible and ready to adapt! Whether it’s following a training programme or creating your own, demonstrate that you can tailor your approach to fit the needs of the rowers. This shows you're committed to their success.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Wolfson College Boat Club team!
We think you need these skills to ace Wolfson College Boat Club (University of Cambridge) – Men’s Coach (Second Boat)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Rowing: Let us see your enthusiasm for rowing in your application! Share your experiences, whether as a coach or rower, and how they’ve shaped your approach to coaching. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about helping others improve.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the role at Wolfson College Boat Club. Highlight your coaching philosophy and how it aligns with our goals for the Second Men’s Boat. We want to know why you’re the perfect fit for our team!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see your qualifications and passion.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at British Rowing
✨Know Your Rowing
Make sure you brush up on your rowing knowledge and coaching techniques. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of post-novice adult rowers and how to develop them towards the First Boat. Being able to discuss training strategies and athlete development will show your commitment and expertise.
✨Prepare a Training Plan
Whether you plan to execute the provided training programme or create your own, come prepared with ideas. Think about how you would structure the 4-5 weekly water sessions and what land training could complement it. This will demonstrate your initiative and readiness to take on the role.
✨Show Your Passion for Coaching
During the interview, convey your enthusiasm for coaching and working with athletes. Share any previous experiences that highlight your dedication and ability to motivate others. A genuine passion can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the club, its culture, and the expectations for the role. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you. Questions about the M2 crew's dynamics or the Head Coach's vision can spark engaging conversations.