Crew Coach

About the Role

This is a unique and first-of-its-kind opportunity for KU Recreation Services and the KU Crew Club. The position is the first full-time Sport Club coach for the department, supported by a generous donation to the Endowment Association. In addition to financial support for the coaching position, KU Crew has received a $200,000 donation to support club operations and School of Business entrepreneurial programming, with potential for an additional $500,000 in matching funds. If fulfilled, KU Crew could receive nearly $1.5M to become one of the premier crew club programs in the country.

KU Recreation Services, a department within Student Affairs, enhances the quality of life for students, faculty, staff, affiliates, retirees, alumni, spouses, and domestic partners through fitness and wellness initiatives. The department provides state-of-the-art recreational programs, facilities, and services, including Fitness, Intramurals, Sport Clubs, and Outdoor Pursuits.

Responsibilities

• Program Administration (50%)
  • Recruit, train, and develop KU student-athletes to compete successfully in a high-quality Men's and Women's Crew program.
  • Plan and supervise KU Crew practices according to industry best practices, skill progression, risk management, and safety as outlined by U.S. Rowing and Recreation Services.
  • Establish and maintain a collaborative oversight relationship with student club officers in the organization, planning, and competitive direction of the club while preserving student leadership opportunities.
  • Work with Recreation Services administrative staff to arrange on- and off-campus practices, competitions, and travel in compliance with departmental and KU policy.
  • Supervise the team at home and away competitions, providing necessary support and ensuring appropriate team conduct.
  • Complete and submit necessary paperwork and documentation regarding results, participation, and practice outlines in a timely fashion.
  • Positively represent KU Crew in events, activities, and efforts to foster support for the club.
• Fundraising and Donor Development (20%)
  • Develop and execute an annual fundraising plan to support operating costs, travel, equipment, and coaching for the Crew Club.
  • Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors, alumni, parents, and friends of the program.
  • Track fundraising goals, progress, and outcomes; prepare regular reports for Recreation Services and Endowment Association administration.
  • Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with current and prospective donors.
  • Coordinate donor recognition efforts, including acknowledgments, naming opportunities, and appreciation events.
  • Develop and oversee an alumni engagement strategy.
• Equipment Management (15%)
  • Work with Recreation Services administrative staff and Crew Club student officers to purchase equipment in accordance with department and university policy.
  • Maintain equipment inventory to ensure safety standards are met.
  • Perform preventative maintenance and complete maintenance requests with Recreation Services when necessary.
  • Perform and/or coordinate boat and equipment maintenance with Recreation Services staff as needed.
• Risk Management (10%)
  • Operate university and Crew Club vehicles and boat trailers according to state and university policy to transport athletes to practice and competition.
  • Work with Crew Club student officers and Recreation Services administrative staff to ensure compliance with Sports Club procedures.
  • Complete and submit necessary paperwork and documentation regarding accidents and incidents in compliance with Recreation Services and KU policy.
• Other Duties (5%)
  • Serve on Recreation Services committees as needed.
  • Develop collaborative relationships with other departments across campus and participate on University committees to meet the goals of the Chancellor’s Strategic Initiatives.
  • Instruct CPR/AED trainings on a rotational basis.
  • Assist with other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Master’s degree or Bachelor’s degree plus three years of related experience. The required degree depends on the area of discipline.
• Collegiate or club rowing coaching experience, as evidenced in application materials.
• Experience managing complex organizations, teams, or multi-program operations, as evidenced in application materials.
• US Rowing Level 1 Coaching certification or willingness to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Ability to drive a shell trailer with competence or acquire the skill within 6 months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two or more years of competitive crew or varsity rowing coaching experience at the collegiate level.
• US Rowing Level 2 or higher Coaching certification.
• Fundraising, donor development, or nonprofit revenue generation experience.
• Experience maintaining and repairing rowing equipment.
• Ability or willingness to learn to drive a boat trailer.
• Experience in rowing club administration.
• Success in recruiting new and experienced rowers.

Pay

Advertised salary range: $49,600–$60,000.

This position is funded from Endowment funds through June 30, 2030, with potential for extension dependent upon additional Endowment funds. The role reports to the Senior Assistant Director of Programs and is a full-time, unclassified, non-exempt position.