Assistant Rowing Coach

This is a fixed term role from September 2025 to July 2026.

The role

Based primarily between Headington Campus and the Oxford Brookes University Boathouse in Cholsey, and reporting to the two Head Rowing Coaches (Men’s and Women’s), the Assistant Rowing Coach will play a central role in the planning and delivery of high-quality rowing coaching within the university’s rowing programmes. The post-holder will support the upkeep and operational readiness of the boat fleet, and support student-athletes in achieving their full athletic potential while aligning with the performance objectives of the Boat Club and the Directorate of Sport & Active Wellness. The role will involve close collaboration with the head coaches, sport science practitioners, and other key staff involved in student wellbeing and development. 

About the team

Oxford Brookes University Boat Club (OBUBC) is one of the UK's leading university rowing programmes, delivering success at BUCS, Henley Women’s Regatta and Henley Royal Regatta, and at international levels. The coaching team sits within the Directorate of Sport & Active Wellness and is supported by a multidisciplinary team including Strength & Conditioning, Physio, Nutrition, Psychology, and other wellbeing specialists. The wider directorate is committed to delivering a wide ranging student sport programme and activities across a broad spectrum of participation and performance levels, with a focus on innovation, student-centred development, and staff collaboration. 

What will I be doing?

• Delivering daily coaching to student-athletes, including water sessions, ergometer training, and land-based conditioning.
• Supporting the technical and tactical development of athletes across a range of experience levels.
• Supporting the upkeep and operational readiness of the Boat Club fleet, including monitoring equipment condition, coordinating basic maintenance, and liaising with external suppliers for servicing and repairs.
• Leading or assisting in the preparation of crews for BUCS competitions, domestic regattas, and international events.
• Monitoring athlete performance and training data in collaboration with the head coaches and sport science support team.
• Maintaining a safe and inclusive training environment, upholding university values and national governing body policies.
• Liaising with other university colleagues and student committee members to support the holistic development of student-athletes.
• Contributing to recruitment and talent ID both domestically and internationally.

What skills do I need?

The full list can be found in the Job Description.

Essential:

• Relevant coaching experience (rowing or transferrable sport) and/or ‘boatman’/technical knowledge of rowing equipment.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage priorities.

Desirable:

• Experience in university club settings.
• British Rowing Senior Club Coach (Level 2) with the ability to obtain within 12 months.
• RYA Level II Powerboat Handling certificate.
• Experience as an athlete or coach using the Peach telemetry system.

About the location

This role is primarily split between being based on our Headington campus and based at the Boathouse in Cholsey, with occasional travel to national/international competitions and training camps. The boathouse is a purpose-built high-performance training venue on the River Thames, around 35 minutes from the main university site in Oxford. Due to the nature of the role, it will require a full-time, in-person presence with early morning, evening, and weekend working patterns standard during term time and competition periods.

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