COUGAR CREW

ASSISTANT COACH 

2025-2026 

POSITION TERM:                    10 month (August 1, 2025 – May 31, 2026) 

Applications due by June 4

SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

This position will be responsible for the development of technically, mentally, and physically competitive student athletes to represent Washington State University Cougar Crew, a varsity club sport within University Recreation. Duties include implementing an effective training program, active and ongoing recruitment, and ensuring team compliance with University Recreation and Washington State University policies and procedures.   

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

  • Under the direction of the Cougar Crew Head Coach, recruit, train, and develop WSU student-athletes to compete successfully against college competition in a high-quality Men's and Women's Crew Sport Club.  Plan and supervise Cougar Crew practices according to industry best practices, appropriate skill progression, risk management, and safety as outlined by U.S. Rowing and University Recreation.  Assist in developing and instructing sport and position-specific systems and strategies, emphasizing tactical components.  Evaluate student-athletes to identify strengths and deficiencies and utilize information to design and deliver instructional opportunities to teach student-athletes how to improve technical and strategic execution.  Assist in conducting conditioning programs in coordination with strength and conditioning staff, following recognized and approved methods of improving power, speed, strength, and aerobic performance, consistent with industry safety and health standards.  Supervise the team at home and away competitions, providing necessary support to team members and ensuring appropriate team conduct.  Foster an environment that supports the well-being of student athletes.   
  • Work with the University Recreation Assistant Director for Sports & Youth Programs and the Cougar Crew Head Coach to recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate the Cougar Crew assistant coaching staff, including Graduate Assistants and volunteer coaches, according to University Recreation and Washington State University policies.  Conduct written semester evaluations for Graduate Assistants according to University policies.  
  • Abide by and comply with the policies of Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 (Title IX) including, but not limited to, ensuring that all Title IX matters are reported in accordance with applicable law, attend mandatory training concerning the University’s Executive Policy 15 (policy prohibiting discrimination and harassment),  
  • Abide by and comply with University rules and regulations relating to the conduct and administration of the Cougar Crew program.  Attend and complete all trainings required by University Recreation and the University, as directed by the Cougar Crew Head Coach and/or the University Recreation Assistant Director for Sports & Youth Programs.   
  • Serve as a first responder to injuries and other emergencies at practices and competitions. 
  • Operate university vehicles and boat trailers according to state and university policy in order to transport athletes to practice and competition; 
  • Complete and submit necessary paperwork and documentation regarding accidents, incidents, results, participation and practice plans in compliance with University Recreation and WSU policy.   
  • Perform and/or coordinate boat, facility and equipment maintenance with University Recreation Sport Club administrative staff as necessary; 
  • Work with University Recreation Sport Club administrative staff including Cougar Crew Head Coach, University Recreation staff and Crew Club student officers to plan competition, travel, purchase equipment and manage budget in accordance with University Recreation and WSU policy.  Assist in periodic review and evaluation of program goals, analyzing findings, identifying areas requiring improvement, and pursuing more efficient methods and processes. 
  • Complete and maintain all forms and records as required for student athlete academic and competitive eligibility and inform the athletes of applicable rules and regulations.   
  • Assist with or manage student-athlete recruitment process.  Successfully research, scout, evaluate and contact prospective student-athletes while operating within the scope of the team, University, conference and applicable regulations at all times. Collaborate with other department and university staff in designing official and unofficial visits in compliance with all University, conference and NCAA regulations.  Establish and develop relationships with appropriate high school and junior college officials, amateur club coaches, and coaches within the sport’s national governing body for positioning the university nationally.  Develop, maintain, and use master recruit databases to support decision-making, assessments, evaluations, and program review.  
  • Participate in events, activities, and/or efforts to foster support for the Crew Club 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Collegiate or club rowing coaching experience 
  • Ability to obtain US Rowing Level 2 Coaching certification within 6 months of hire. 
  • Ability to obtain American Red Cross AED/CPR/First Aid certification within 1 month of hire 
  • Must have or ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license and WSU van driver’s authorization within 1 month of hire. 
  • Ability to collaborate effectively as a member of a goal-oriented team. 
  • Demonstrated success in working with a diverse group of athletes. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • 2 or more years of competitive crew coaching experience at the collegiate club or varsity level 
  • Level 2 or higher US Rowing Coaching certification 
  • Experience in maintaining and transporting rowing equipment 
  • Experience in rowing club administration 
  • Experience in fundraising and donor development 
  • Success in recruiting new and experienced rowers 
  • Strong communication, organizational, and leadership/management skills. 

 

MONTHLY SALARY: $3500 - $4000 (10 months) 

Benefits: WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts; training and development; and employee tuition waiver. For a more detailed summary of benefits offered by WSU for Faculty please review the summary of benefits for WSU Faculty and Total Compensation. 

BACKGROUND CHECK:

This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made. 

 

Required Documents: 

  1. Resume 
  2. Cover Letter 
  3. Contact information (email and phone number) of a minimum of 2 professional references.

Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements. 

Washington State University encourages all qualified candidates to apply, including members of the military and veterans, and persons with disabilities. WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens.  All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. 

WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or hrs@wsu.edu. 

Notice of Non-Discrimination  

In matters of admission, employment, housing or services, or in the educational programs or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract. Inquiries about the application of federal and state laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, ADA/Section 504, and implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment, can be made verbally or in writing to WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights, the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, or both. More information, resources, and contact information are available here: https://ccr.wsu.edu/notice-of-nondiscrimination/.

Apply here