Adaptive Assistant Coach

Job Type

Seasonal, part-time, non-exempt hourly

Supervisor

Community & Adaptive Senior Coach

Direct Reports

None

Apply

Submit the following to coaching@rownewyork.org with “Adaptive Assistant Coach” in the subject line: A resume A cover letter describing why you are interested in the position and your weekday morning availability

About Us: 

Row New York is a sports-based youth development non-profit organization founded on the premise that the discipline and teamwork that rowing instills, when combined with rigorous academic support, have the power to change lives. Our Youth Program serves high school student-athletes from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. It is a high dosage, year-round rowing and academic program with a goal of ensuring that 100% of our young people graduate high school and matriculate to college or begin an alternative post-secondary plan. In addition, we offer rowing for students with disabilities in NYC School District 75, Veterans, community organizations, and corporations looking for team-building opportunities. Lastly, Row New York offers summer camps and a fee-for-service rowing program for New York City independent high schools. Our programs are offered at two rowing sites: Upper Manhattan and Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

Position Summary: 

The Adaptive Assistant Coach’s primary focus will be to coach participants in Row New York’s School Day Adaptive (SDA) program, and other adaptive and community programs as needed. The Assistant Coach will work at the Queens boathouse in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. An excellent candidate has experience or interest in working with young people with disabilities, enjoys being outdoors and on water, and is committed to introducing the sport of rowing to a broader community. While rowing experience and familiarity with the sport is a strong plus, rowing experience is not necessarily required for this position. Adaptive Assistant Coaches will undergo a period of training and onboarding to learn the fundamentals of working with participants with disabilities, coaching, boathouse safety, teamwork, and best practices. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Prepare the adaptive rowing equipment and site in time for daily program by ensuring the dock, boats and ergs are set up, clean, and safe to use
• Help to coordinate responsibilities of teachers, paraprofessionals, and other school staff involved with programming
• Assist in leading warm-ups, coaching, and cool-downs
• Teach early fundamentals of the sport of rowing
• Support participants physically as needed

• Participate in practice planning and input attendance data and other program metrics 

• Foster and maintain positive relationships with all participants, school staff, and community members
• Basic maintenance and repair of equipment
• Attend required trainings and program-related events as needed

Qualifications:

• Experience working with individuals with cognitive or physical disabilities and/or willingness and desire to learn
• Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and a sense of humor
• A “can do” approach to tasks and challenges
• Ability to communicate clearly and directly, and collaborate well with staff members, participants, and school staff
• Ability to support an inclusive and equitable experience for all youth and staff
• Open to providing and receiving candid feedback 
• Rowing experience strongly preferred
• Training in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Recreational Therapy, or Kinesiology a plus
• Ability to swim and lift heavy objects (at least 30 pounds), as well as bend, stoop and kneel

Additional Requirements:

• In order to be eligible for the position, candidates must be available weekdays from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM in the fall (September – November). Priority will be given to those who are able to work five days per week.
• Please note that the training period preceding the SDA season can occur with more scheduling flexibility according to the candidate’s schedule.
• Assistant Coaches must become certified in First Aid/CPR, SafeSport, New York State safe boating and the ability to drive a coaching launch. As of January 2025, all coaches must maintain at least a Level 1 USRowing Coaching Certification. Fees and time spent completing required certifications are paid by Row New York. 

Schedule: Weekdays from 9:30am – 12:30pm from late Sept – Nov 2026 (approximate) and March – May 2027; Summer and Winter 2026 opportunities to be discussed  

Job Location: World’s Fair Boathouse, 35 Meadow Lake Trail, Queens NY 11375

To Apply:

Submit the following to coaching@rownewyork.org with “Adaptive Assistant Coach” in the subject line:

• A resume
• A cover letter describing why you are interested in the position and your weekday morning availability

Row New York is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage all candidates including people of color, women, Veterans, LGBTQIA+, older candidates and candidates with disabilities to apply. We appreciate all applicants, but please be advised that our capacity allows us to only respond to those best qualified for the position.