At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the rowing programme and develop new athletes in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Durham University Boat Club, one of the UK's top rowing programmes.
- Benefits: Gain coaching experience, work with elite athletes, and enjoy a vibrant team culture.
- Other info: Flexible hours, opportunities for professional growth, and a chance to be part of a winning team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on aspiring rowers and contribute to their success.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, coaching experience, and a passion for athlete development.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Durham University Boat Club (DUBC) is seeking an Assistant Rowing Coach to support in the day-to-day running of the rowing programme, focusing on the development of new and emerging athletes. DUBC is one of the UK’s most successful university rowing programmes, combining elite-level competition with a strong development pathway for student athletes. The club fields competitive crews at BUCS, Henley Royal Regatta, and international level. Our coaching philosophy prioritises athlete development, technical excellence, and a culture of performance, teamwork, and wellbeing.
The Development Rowing Coach will play a central role in supporting the day-to-day running of the rowing programme, focusing on the development of new and emerging athletes. Working closely with the Head and Lead Coaches, the postholder will lead the Learn to Row and Development Squad programmes, manage the Junior High-Performance Programme, and contribute to the progression of athletes into senior performance squads. This role is ideal for an ambitious and motivated coach who is passionate about athlete development and wants to contribute to one of the UK’s top university rowing environments.
What you need to demonstrate when you apply:
- Five GCSEs at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics or equivalent experience.
- Experience of working in a high-level rowing programme or having relevant qualifications for the role.
- Experience of managing time to meet deadlines.
- Good spoken and written communication skills.
- Good digital skills including experience in using digital devices and apps including Microsoft Office and performance analysis tools.
- Knowledge relevant to the role ideally supported by relevant courses or certifications (e.g. British Rowing Level 2 Coach or equivalent qualification).
- Proven ability to coach, motivate, and inspire athletes of varying abilities.
- Committed to continuing professional development.
- Ability to provide support for sport development projects.
- Knowledge of health and safety issues (such as risk assessments, athlete welfare, inclusivity, and safe sport practices).
- Ability to solve problems and resolve straightforward issues yourself and as part of a team.
- Understanding of the UK rowing and university sport landscape, including British Rowing and BUCS structures.
- Experience in athlete talent identification and progression pathways.
- RYA Powerboat Level 2 or equivalent boat handling qualification.
- UKAD Clean Coach Award (or willingness to obtain).
- Trailer towing licence.
- Experience supporting junior or youth development programmes.
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and travel for competition.
Any questions or if you would like more information about the role please contact William Fletcher (Head of Rowing) via william.fletcher@durham.ac.uk.
Type: Full Time (35 hours per week)
Application Dates: From Tuesday 4th November 2025 to Monday 17th November 2025.
Durham University Boat Club – Assistant Rowing Coach in North East employer: British Rowing
Durham University Boat Club offers a dynamic and supportive environment for aspiring coaches, where you can develop your skills while contributing to one of the UK's leading university rowing programmes. With a strong emphasis on athlete development, teamwork, and wellbeing, DUBC provides excellent opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work alongside experienced coaches in a vibrant university setting. Join us in fostering the next generation of rowing talent and be part of a community that values performance and inclusivity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Durham University Boat Club – Assistant Rowing Coach in North East
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
Dive into your local sports scene! Attend community games, coaching sessions, and meet-ups. Building relationships with coaches and team managers can help you uncover job opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
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We think you need these skills to ace Durham University Boat Club – Assistant Rowing Coach in North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sports and recreation shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the industry and how it's shaped your career choices. Sharing specific experiences, like managing a team or organising an event, can really make you stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, focus on any relevant internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs related to sports and recreation management. Make sure to quantify your achievements – did you increase team participation by a certain percentage or successfully lead a project? Numbers speak volumes!
Tailor Your CV for Sports Management:Use a CV format that emphasises your skills in leadership, teamwork, and event coordination. Don’t forget to include specific training or certifications that relate to sports management, as these can set you apart from other applicants. We love seeing candidates with relevant qualifications!
Express Your Long-Term Goals:In your application, we want to see your career aspirations in sports management. Don’t hesitate to include how you envision your future in this industry and how joining British Rowing aligns with those goals. We’re looking for candidates who are not just a perfect fit for the role but are also excited about growing with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at British Rowing
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with British Rowing, make sure to express your genuine love for sports and recreation. Share experiences that showcase your passion, whether it's managing a local sports team, organising events, or simply being an active participant in various activities. This helps them see you're not just a fit on paper, but also someone who truly cares about the field.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
This role is all about managing resources and people, so be ready to discuss your leadership and organisational skills. Prepare some examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, particularly in a sports or recreation setting. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to make your answers concise and impactful.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. You might be asked how you would handle a tricky situation, such as resolving a conflict between team members or managing a crisis during a major event. Think through these scenarios and practice how you’d articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Demonstrate Enthusiasm for Team Collaboration
In the sports and recreation management field, teamwork is essential. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you work within a team and foster a collaborative environment. Share success stories where teamwork led to a positive outcome, emphasising how you built relationships and encouraged participation among team members to achieve a common goal.
