Job Description - Head Coach
The University of Michigan Sailing Team
The University of Michigan Sailing Team (the “Team”) is seeking a part-time sailing coach to help lead practices, develop skills and maintain team cohesion. The Team is a student-run, national-level competitor within the Midwest Conference of the Intercollegiate Sailing Association.
The Team desires a strong candidate to help lead its continued success at both the Midwest and National levels. The ideal candidate will lead practices, coach at major regattas, advise the executive board, and provide continuity during transitions of the executive board.
Responsibilities
Lead practices
Prepare and lead drills and chalk talks for each practice (3 scheduled per week)
Provide feedback for sailor development on and off the water
Coach and ensure the safety of sailors during practice from a powerboat (provided)
Coach National-level regattas
Travel to 3-6 national-qualifying or national championship-level regattas per year
Aid in boat pairings and select starting rotations for regattas in the best interest of the team
Actively coach and make pairing & rotation adjustments in order for the team to achieve the best possible competitive results
Be knowledgeable in the Racing Rules of Sailing, ICSA and MCSA By-Laws, and ICSA and MCSA Procedural Rules
Advise the Executive Board
Work with the board semesterly to set sailing-related goals and plans
Provide advisory input on regatta selection and pairs
Advise on other team decisions when necessary
Implement the disciplinary process outlined in the team’s constitution
Help provide continuity during Executive Board transitions
Communicate long-term goals and initiatives between boards
Physical Conditions
Able to lift up to 50 pounds in a safe manner
Willing to work in wet, damp, or cold conditions
Capable of operating a powerboat safely
Logistics
Compensation:
$5,000 per semester
Performance-based incentives for qualifying for ICSA National regattas
Stipend for travel regattas
Practice:
Location: Michigan Sailing Club (Baseline Lake, Pinckney, Michigan)
Practices: Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 3:30 - 7:00 pm
Season duration:
Fall: First week of the University of Michigan academic calendar until the first week of November
Winter: First weather-permitting week (typically March 15-20) until the end of the team’s National Championship aspirations (late May/early June)
Monday meetings:
Location: Central campus (exact location varies)
Frequency: 1-2 times per semester, as the coach’s schedule permits; the team meets every Monday during the Fall and Winter academic semesters at 7 pm
Required Qualifications
Ability to work with people of different backgrounds
Ability to run practices in a safe and efficient manner
US Sailing Level 1 Instructor certification
CPR/AED/First Aid Certification
Michigan Boating Safety Certificate
Familiarity with operating a powerboat
Experience with fleet and team racing
Desired Qualifications
Experience with fleet and team racing in FJs or 420s
Successful sailing experience on a college sailing team
Ability to conduct minor maintenance work on equipment
Prior coaching experience
US Sailing Level 2 or 3 Instructor certification
Maintain a long-term relationship with the Michigan Sailing Club
If interested, please contact sailing.exec@umich.edu with a resume and your contact information so we can reach out to you with next steps.