JOB POSTING

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Director of Rowing,
Cleveland Rowing Foundation

 

Seasonal, Full-Time | April - October
Cleveland, Ohio
Reports to: Executive Director

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About Us

Cleveland Rowing Foundation (CRF) exists to make rowing accessible, welcoming, and transformative for Northeast Ohio. As a shared community rowing center, CRF supports youth, collegiate, adaptive, adult, and corporate programs while partnering with schools and community organizations to remove barriers to participation.

 

Rowing has historically been seen as exclusive. At CRF, we are actively expanding access and building a rowing community that reflects the diversity and energy of Cleveland.

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Position Summary

The Director of Rowing serves as the Head Coach of CRF’s Community & Corporate Rowing programs, leading all programming, coach development, and community and revenue generating growth initiatives.

This role combines on the water leadership with entrepreneurial program building. The Director is responsible for:

• Designing and executing accessible community programming

• Expanding corporate rowing as a key revenue driver

• Recruiting and developing a strong pipeline of coaches

• Ensuring safe, inclusive, and high quality rowing experiences

The ideal candidate sees rowing not only as a competitive sport, but as a powerful tool for community connection, access, and positive impact.
 

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Responsibilities
 

1. Head Coach - Community & Corporate Rowing (Primary Focus)

• Lead and oversee all CRF community and corporate rowing programs

• Design and implement accessible learn to row pathways

• Develop new programming that increases participation and revenue

• Grow corporate rowing partnerships as a strategic entry point for new audiences

• Ensure a safe, welcoming, and inclusive culture on and off the water

• Oversee equipment readiness and boathouse safety in partnership with the Executive Director

 

2. Coaching Pipeline & Talent Development

• Recruit, mentor, and evaluate assistant coaches and volunteers

• Build and sustain a diverse coaching pipeline

• Establish clear standards for safety, inclusion, and coaching excellence

• Provide development opportunities and mentorship to emerging coaches

 

3. Program Growth & Community Partnerships

• Expand youth and community access, particularly among underrepresented rowers

• Cultivate partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and corporate organizations

• Collaborate with affiliated rowing programs to coordinate scheduling, equipment use, and shared best practices

• Support outreach, enrollment growth, and retention efforts

 

4. Operations & Organizational Support

• Manage seasonal program budgets and participation tracking

• Ensure compliance with USRowing and SafeSport standards

• Support fundraising initiatives and community events as needed

• Lead special projects (e.g., HOTC preparation, event execution, strategic initiatives) during lighter program periods

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Qualifications

Required

• Demonstrated rowing coaching experience 

• Experience coaching sweep and sculling

• Strong leadership and team development skills

• Commitment to expanding access and building inclusive athletic communities

• SafeSport and First Aid/CPR certification

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Preferred

• USRowing Level 1 certification (Level 2 progression a plus)

• Experience launching or scaling programs

• Background in youth development, corporate wellness, or community athletics

• Familiarity with Northeast Ohio rowing community

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Work Environment

• Significant on-the-water coaching

• Early mornings, evenings, and some weekends

• Launch driving and equipment handling required

• Travel to regattas and partner sites as needed​​

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IDEAL CANDIDATE ATTRIBUTES

• Entrepreneurial and growth-oriented.

• Community-minded and inclusive.

• Organized and operationally disciplined.

• Comfortable leading both on the water and behind the scenes.

• Energized by mentoring athletes and coaches at all levels.

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COMPENSATION

Seasonal Salary Range: $1,200-1,500/ week (April – September/October)
Compensation commensurate with experience.

Opportunities for:

• Professional development and USRowing certification support.

• Regional and national networking within the rowing community.

• Meaningful leadership in a growing, mission-driven organization.

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WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Significant outdoor and on-the-water coaching.

• Early mornings, evenings, and occasional weekends.

• Launch driving and equipment handling required.

• Travel to regattas and partner sites as needed.

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TO APPLY

Please submit:

• Resume

• Cover letter outlining your vision for expanding access to rowing in Cleveland

• Three professional references

• Salary expectations

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Start Date: April 2026​​

 

Cleveland Rowing Foundation is committed to building a rowing community where all individuals feel welcome, valued, and empowered to participate.