About Us
The Fessenden School is an independent day and boarding school serving 540 students in Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 9 in West Newton, MA. Our mission is to cultivate each boy’s talents and develop in balance his character, mind, and body in an inclusive and joyful community. For over 100 years, The Fessenden School has been committed to the education of boys, with facilities, curriculum, and programs designed to meet their unique needs.
Position Summary
The Fessenden School seeks an experienced and passionate Crew Coach to work with boys in Grades 7–9. The Crew Coach will foster teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal growth while instilling a strong understanding and appreciation of rowing. The ideal candidate will emphasize the school’s core values of honesty, compassion, and respect while coaching students to develop their skills and character on and off the water. This is a seasonal position running from April 1, 2025, to May 23, 2025, with daily practices held at Community Rowing, Inc. (CRI) in Brighton, MA.
Key Responsibilities
- Teach and Model Core Values: Inspire students to practice honesty, compassion, and respect through sportsmanship, teamwork, and perseverance.
- Plan and Lead Practices: Oversee daily practices from 2:20–4:20 p.m., teaching rowing techniques, racing strategies, and self-care to support physical and mental development.
- Mentor Student-Athletes: Develop relationships with students to build their confidence, resilience, and leadership skills both on and off the water.
- Collaborate with Head Coach: Partner on seating decisions, training plans, equipment maintenance, and race preparation.
- Instill Respect for the River: Teach students their responsibilities on the Charles River, including boathouse etiquette, rowing safety, and stewardship of the equipment and environment.
- Ensure Safety: Operate motorized coaching launches safely and supervise students during practice sessions.
- Drive Team Transportation: Occasionally transport students to and from practices in a school van.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Prior experience coaching rowing or equivalent experience as a competitive rower.
- Strong understanding of rowing technique and race preparation.
- Enthusiasm for working with middle school students and fostering their growth.
- Ability to build meaningful relationships and promote a positive, inclusive team culture.
- Active and valid driver’s license.
- Successful completion of a criminal background check.
Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years of coaching experience.
- Rowing experience at the collegiate level.
- Experience operating motorized coaching launches.
- Willingness to obtain CRI safety certifications (training can be provided).
Why Join Us?
At The Fessenden School, you will be part of a supportive and collaborative community that values character education, personal growth, and a commitment to excellence. As a Crew Coach, you will inspire students to achieve their best, build lifelong skills, and learn the value of teamwork and perseverance.
To Apply
Apply through Fessenden’s Career Site. Please include a resume and cover letter. The Fessenden School encourages applications from candidates with diverse or minority backgrounds.
