Introduction:
This position is located at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY. The primary purpose of this position is to serve as the Head Sailing Coach for the Inter-collegiate Dinghy Sailing Team, a varsity sport. Areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to; instructing the Sailing Team, recruiting, public relations, basic to advanced sailing and seamanship instruction, basic to intermediate boat repair and maintenance, social media team updates, scheduling and awards nomination.
Background:
The incumbent reports to and is supervised by the Director of Varsity Programs. The position and team is situated in the Waterfront Division, as opposed to the Athletic Department. The primary task of the position is to develop, manage in a sustainable manner, and coach the Varsity Inter-collegiate Dinghy Sailing Team. The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy has a premier sailing facility with nearby sailing area, ample storage, locker room and meeting spaces as well as a department of top-notch maintenance professionals.
Requirements of the position:
1. U.S. citizenship.
2. U.S. driver’s license
3. Four-year college degree.
4. Four years competing in intercollegiate sailing with All-America or All-Conference Awards.
5. Minimum of six years coaching youth, high school and/or collegiate sailors.
6. Active and past sailing success appropriate for coaching national-caliber college sailors.
Preferred experience for the position:
1. Active or past sailing experience in an Olympic sailing class.
2. Federal Service Academy / State Maritime School experience (as student or coach)
3. US Sailing Small Boat Instructor Level 3 or higher (or equivalent)
4. First Aid / CPR / AED training
Specific Duties and Responsibilities of the Position:
1. Develop and implement weekly, seasonal and annual practice and competition plans.
2. Provide instruction of the highest level in dinghy fleet and team racing to skilled members of the sailing team to prepare them for races, regattas and championships.
3. Provide proper motivation to the team members to reach their highest potential.
4. Travel with midshipmen teams in Inter-collegiate and open competition on weekends.
5. Provide technical expertise ensuring that maintenance, repairs and modifications are conducted safely and that the integrity and seaworthiness of vessels is not compromised.
6. Ensure the waterfront facility is prepared for home competitions to include inter-collegiate, inter-scholastic and junior regattas and that appropriate officials are assigned.
7. Recruit athlete sailors by actively instructing, racing and participating in the sport in a manner and style that attracts candidates to seek admission.
8. Meet with candidates, track, and travel to regattas to recruit highly qualified team members.
9. Provide content for website and social media updates on team activities.
Typical Schedule Information:
21 JUL – 15 NOV: Fall season. Practices, regattas, boat maintenance, recruiting
Weekly: Mon: Off; Tue – Thu: On-campus 10am – 7pm; Fri – Sun: Regatta travel & competition
16 NOV – 15 FEB: Winter season. Professional development time & recruiting.
Time away from campus with weekly check-in.
16 FEB – 15 JUN: Spring season. Practices, regattas, boat maintenance, recruiting
Weekly: Mon: Off; Tue – Thu: On-campus 10am – 7pm; Fri – Sun: Regatta travel & competition
16 JUN – 20 JUL: Summer Break
Knowledge and Experience Required by the Position:
1. Successful competition experience in small sailboat racing at National, Continental or World Championship level.
2. Minimum of three (3) years of experience racing on a team of the Inter-Collegiate Sailing Association.
3. Coaching experience in inter-collegiate competition at the National Championship level or equivalent.
4. Expert level knowledge of: sailboat racing rules, sailboat and sail handling techniques applicable to racing, and sailboat racing tactics and strategies as well as modern coaching methodologies.
5. Management experience with a team/group of 20-50 members.
6. Moderate experience in basic small boat maintenance and repair including rope splicing, hardware repair and replacement, fiberglass repair and maintenance and sail evaluation and maintenance.
Other Requirements:
Due to the nature of the position, working hours are atypical and general daily time requirements revolve around midshipman availability and the competition schedule. The typical weekday is Tuesday – Sunday and working hours are 1000 to 1900 and considerable weekend work in-season (July – October & March – May). During the off-season, coaches are encouraged to pursue professional development opportunities as approved by the Department Head.
Compensation:
$65,113 - $78,695 per year Federal GS position with benefits, no pension.
Inquiries:
Please direct all questions and inquiries to:
Rick Dominque
Director of Varsity Programs
516-726-6036
DominiqueR@USMMA.edu
Application:
Applicants should send resume, cover letter and phone contact information of three professional references via email to:
Rick Dominique
Director of Varsity Programs
DominiqueR@USMMA.edu