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.