The position

The Head of Rowing provides strategic and operational leadership of the CGGS Rowing Program, working under the direction of the Head of Sport to deliver a safe, inclusive and high-quality rowing experience aligned with the values and educational mission of Canberra Girls Grammar School. The role leads athletes, coaches and program operations, oversees coaching and development pathways, equipment and logistics, and coordinates regattas and camps, while supporting student wellbeing, safeguarding responsibilities and a positive program culture. As a visible representative of CGGS, the position builds strong relationships with students, families, staff and the wider rowing community.

The rowing program at Canberra Girls Grammar School aims to develop both athletic performance and leadership, resilience, teamwork and personal excellence in alignment with the School’s educational philosophy.

This position requires weekend and out of usual hours work as a part of the role, including interstate and international trips as necessary.

Key responsibilities

Leadership & Program Management

• Work collaboratively with and under the direction of the Head of Sport to develop, implement and review the CGGS Rowing Strategic and Operational Plans.
• Promote the values and goals of CGGS Rowing and foster a positive, inclusive and high-performance culture.
• Provide day-to-day leadership of the rowing program, staff and athletes in alignment with School expectations.
• Represent CGGS Rowing professionally within the School and broader rowing community.

Coaching & Athlete Development

• Recruit, induct, support and performance manage rowing coaches in line with School processes.
• Design and oversee athlete development pathways, training structures and selection processes that are transparent, fair and consistent.
• Ensure coaching, strength and conditioning programs are age and ability appropriate and aligned with training and competition goals.
• Provide feedback processes that support athlete, coach and program development.

Operations, Equipment & Administration

• Manage program planning, scheduling, competitions, regattas, camps, tours, registrations and communications.
• Prepare, manage and monitor the rowing program budget in collaboration with the Head of Sport and relevant staff.
• Oversee all rowing equipment and fleet operations, including boats, oars, launches and rowing equipment. This can include driving the fleet to interstate regattas and planning, coordinating, and supervising the safe loading and unloading of the boat trailer.
• Maintain an accurate asset register and implement regular maintenance and repair schedules to ensure safety, performance and asset longevity.
• Work closely with Maintenance staff regarding the management of the rowing shed and facilities.

Regattas, Camps & Events

• Plan, coordinate and attend all regattas and camps throughout the season.
• Determine regatta entries and complete associated administration and registrations.
• Ensure clear and timely communication with students and families regarding events and logistics.
• Lead key rowing events including inductions, camps and presentations.
• Provide active leadership in student supervision and overnight care.

Wellbeing, Risk & Pastoral Care

• Foster a safe, supportive and inclusive environment that balances academic, training and co-curricular commitments.
• Monitor student wellbeing and provide pastoral support, referring appropriately when required.
• Ensure compliance with CGGS policies including Child Protection, WHS, Risk Management and Water Safety. This includes developing and documenting risk assessments for all training sessions, regattas, and camps.
• Maintain clear behavioural expectations and professional standards for students, coaches and families.

Communication & Relationships

• Act as the primary point of contact for rowers and parents/guardians.
• Communicate program information clearly, professionally and in a timely manner.
• Build strong relationships with CGGS staff, parent groups, student leaders and external rowing organisations.
• Represent CGGS at relevant rowing and school sport meetings as required.

Additional Duties

• The role holder may be required to coach a CGGS rowing crew.
• Attend and support additional cocurricular activities, sporting events or tours as required.
• Undertake other duties as directed

To note: It is the nature of the work at CGGS that tasks and responsibilities are, in many circumstances, unpredictable and varied. All staff members are therefore expected to work in a flexible way when the occasion arises and undertake tasks that are not specifically covered in the position description.

Skills and experience

Essential

• Demonstrated leadership experience in managing a school-based or performance rowing program.
• Current Rowing Australia Level 2 Coaching Accreditation.
• Strong knowledge of rowing coaching principles, athlete development pathways and regatta structures.
• Proven experience recruiting, leading and developing rowing coaches.
• Demonstrated experience in the management, maintenance and repair of rowing boats and equipment.
• Ability to manage program operations including planning, logistics, regattas, camps and communications.
• Experience managing budgets and operating within organisational financial processes.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and organisational skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to student wellbeing, inclusive participation and safeguarding responsibilities.
• Sound knowledge of Child Protection, WHS, Risk Management and Water Safety requirements.
• A current first aid certificate
• Capacity to work collaboratively within a reporting structure and represent the School professionally.
• Boat licence
• Drivers licence

Desirable

• Rowing Australia Level 3 Coaching Accreditation.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in sport, education or coaching.
• Experience working within an independent or secondary school environment.
• Experience aligning school rowing programs with State and National rowing pathways.
• Experience in long-term fleet planning and equipment replacement.
• Boatman experience and skills
• Medium rigid licence or ability to obtain

A full position description can be found on the Employment page of our website: cggs.act.edu.au/careers

Working at CGGS: The details
Your place. Your purpose. Your possible. 

Your key benefits:

• Competitive remuneration package.
• Discounted school fees.
• Free onsite gym and heated pool.
• Salary sacrifice options.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Flu vaccinations.

Your professional advancement:

• A generous professional learning budget.
• Formal appraisal process for professional development and career advancement.
• First Aid training.