Description:
About Red Shed
Red Shed is a world-class rowing facility with a mission: “Rowing for All.”
We believe rowing is more than just a sport; it’s a powerful agent of positive transformation for our community.
In addition to rowing programs for all ages and abilities, we offer a public gym, group exercise classes, a state-of-the-art recovery centre, and a range of community activities. As part of our not-for-profit mission, Red Shed also features an on-site café and a lakeside multifunction space for events.
Our vision is to build a vibrant community where everyone can discover their potential, enjoy the sport of rowing, and build meaningful connections. Our team is driven by the values of community, commitment, opportunity, and fun.
Purpose of the Role
The Head of Rowing is responsible for the strategic growth, coordination, and overall success of rowing programs at Red Shed.
This newly created leadership role drives participation, supports coaching development, strengthens partnerships, and ensures high-quality program delivery aligned with Red Shed’s mission of Rowing for All.
The role combines operational oversight with big-picture thinking - ensuring Red Shed remains a hub for inclusive, community-led rowing from dawn to dusk.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy & Growth
- Design and implement a long-term growth strategy across schools, adult, youth, and adaptive programs.
- Identify gaps and opportunities to increase usage across mornings, daytime, and weekends.
- Use data, feedback, and program analysis to guide decisions.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Build & maintain relationships with Rowing ACT, Rowing Australia, and schools.
- Represent Red Shed at relevant meetings, forums, or rowing community events and as a coach, where required.
- Collaborate with internal departments (e.g., gym, wellness) to drive cross-program engagement.
Coach Leadership
- Line manage the Head Rowing Coach and oversee sessional coaches.
- Lead coach development, onboarding, mentoring, and scheduling.
- Set delivery standards and drive alignment with Red Shed’s values.
Operational Oversight
- Oversee logistics, rowing equipment use, coach boat use, and safety systems.
- Take proactive responsibility for the care, maintenance, and damage prevention of Red Shed rowing boats, oars, motorboats, tinnies, ergs, and associated equipment.
- Document equipment damage, implement reporting systems, and ensure coaches are trained in safe equipment handling and boat driving (including lake safety awareness).
- Lead continuous improvement of infrastructure, systems, and operational delivery.
Hands-On Coaching (approx. 25% of Role)
- Deliver or support sessions as needed to fill gaps or launch new initiatives.
- Maintain a visible and supportive presence across programs.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Strong leadership experience in rowing or community sport, including coaching team management and program delivery.
- Proven ability to grow programs, increase participation, and build sustainable systems.
- Demonstrated resilience and ability to maintain high standards under pressure and through operational challenges.
- Strong communication, planning, and decision-making skills.
- Rowing Australia Level 1 coaching accreditation (Level 2 preferred).
- First Aid, WWVP clearance, and boat licence (or willingness to obtain).
Essential Requirements
- Relevant Coaching Accreditation
- Level 1 Coaching Accreditation
- First Aid Certificate
- Working with Children / Working with Vulnerable People Check
Desirable Criteria
- Level 2 Coaching Accreditation