The Opportunity

Cornell University is seeking its next Henry E. Bartels ‘48 Head Coach of Men's Lightweight Rowing to lead one of the most storied and tradition-rich programs in collegiate rowing.

Cornell rowing traces its roots to 1873, making it one of the oldest rowing traditions in the United States. Since the introduction of lightweight rowing in 1920, Cornell crews have established themselves among the nation's elite, capturing multiple EARC championships and IRA national titles while developing generations of scholar-athletes, Olympians, and leaders. 

Today, Cornell Lightweight Rowing combines a proud competitive tradition, exceptional facilities, a dedicated alumni network, and the academic distinction of an Ivy League education. The next Head Coach will have the opportunity to build upon that foundation while shaping the future of one of collegiate rowing's most respected programs.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $85,000-100,000; final offer will depend on relevant experience, skills, and qualifications. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

What You Will Do

You will coach, recruit, and lead a nationally competitive lightweight rowing program while mentoring student-athletes pursuing one of the world's premier academic experiences.

 Key responsibilities include:

• Lead all coaching and competitive operations, including practice planning, race preparation, athlete development, strategy, and team culture.
• Promote student-athlete wellbeing, fostering an environment that prioritizes physical health, mental health, academic success, personal accountability, and belonging.
• Recruit, develop, and retain exceptional student-athletes capable of thriving both athletically and academically within Cornell's rigorous educational environment.
• Oversee program administration, including scheduling, travel, equipment management, budgeting, and NCAA, EARC, Ivy League, and University compliance.
• Hire, supervise, and mentor assistant coaches, fostering professional growth and operational excellence.
• Cultivate relationships with alumni, parents, and donors, supporting fundraising and stewardship efforts that advance the long-term success of the program.
• Partner across Cornell Athletics with admissions, compliance, academic support, sports medicine, strength & conditioning, communications, and student-athlete services professionals.

The Cornell Rowing Center

The Cornell Rowing Center serves as the home for Cornell's rowing programs and supports approximately 150 men and women student-athletes. The facility sits on the inlet at the 1,700-meter mark of Cornell's 2,000-meter racecourse and opens directly onto Cayuga Lake, providing virtually unlimited training water in one of the most scenic rowing environments in collegiate athletics.

At the heart of the complex is the historic John Collyer '17 Boathouse which includes dedicated team spaces, meeting rooms, locker rooms, shell storage, a rowing tradition room, and expansive indoor training areas designed to support year-round athletic development.

The Cornell Rowing Association (CRA)

One of Cornell Lightweight Rowing's greatest strengths is its alumni network. The Cornell Rowing Association (CRA) has supported Cornell Rowing since 1976 and remains deeply committed to the success of current and future generations of student-athletes. Through mentorship, engagement, advocacy, events, and philanthropic support, the rowing alumni community plays a meaningful role in preserving tradition and advancing the future of the program.

Who We Are Looking For

We are looking for a strong culture-builder, coach, and tactician who also has a growth mindset, works hard, brings grit and resilience to the job, and adds real value to the lives of their student-athletes and the program’s alumni, as well as to the broader Cornell coaching community. We value leaders who are committed to the holistic development of student-athletes and who help create a culture of trust, accountability, and excellence. The qualities below describe what we mean by that.

• Curious - Intuitive, interpersonally excellent, and self-aware, with good judgment. Actively pursues new knowledge and skills, uses mentors and educational resources well, and contributes to the growth of others. Demonstrates strong listening skills and discernment.
• Capable - Has a compelling vision for the program. Hungry, self-motivated, and takes initiative - while including others and staying community-minded. Is someone others will enthusiastically follow. Demonstrates the skill set to manage a budget and handle administrative responsibility with care.
• Caring - Genuinely cares about and connects with student-athletes and colleagues. Brings positive energy, optimism, and passion. Puts team over self and defines success collectively rather than individually. Prioritizes student-athlete wellbeing - physical and mental - and communicates in a way that is respectful, proactive, constructive, and consistent.
• Cornell Enthusiasm - Understands and is genuinely excited about what makes Cornell unique - the people, the weather, the location, the league, the level of competition, and academic rigor.
• Character and Integrity - Demonstrated commitment to rules and procedures. Honest and trustworthy across personal and professional domains. Shows the courage and capacity to make and execute thoughtful, difficult decisions, with a balance of confidence and humility. Committed to recruiting and mentoring staff and student-athletes of equally high character.
• Championship Mentality - Understands what it takes to build a competitive program, ideally drawing on firsthand experience as part of a championship-level team.

On the technical side, we are also looking for:

• Bachelor's degree with at least 5 years of coaching experience at a relevant level and institution type, with NCAA Division I experience strongly preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Demonstrated passion & proven success in rowing (lightweight rowing, ideally) and intentional development of coaching skills - technical and tactical - along with a track record of developing student-athletes and contributing to the sport in a leadership capacity
• Evidence of supporting student-athletes in health and safety, academic success, cross-cultural awareness, and an inclusive team environment
• Real energy for recruiting - and the ability to recruit and develop student-athletes from varied backgrounds, deploying resources strategically and engaging the alumni network appropriately
• Strong written and spoken communication, genuine enthusiasm for the external-facing parts of the role, and demonstrated success in or capacity for fundraising
• Relevant coaching certifications and education
• Knowledge of NCAA and Ivy League rules and regulations as well as proficiency with computers and required software, familiarity with ARMS software, video editing software, and other athletic-specific technology skills preferred.
• Given this role will participate in driving, trailer towing, and safety launch/motorboat operation, must have and maintain a clean and valid driver’s license and DOT and NYS water safety certification (NYS certification may be earned immediately post-hire).

Why Ithaca

Nestled in NY’s Finger Lakes Region, Ithaca is a vibrant small city with an active cultural scene, excellent schools, and a community that has welcomed generations of coaches and their families. The winters can seem long, and we won't pretend otherwise! But the natural surroundings feature incredible beauty and outdoor adventure opportunities, and the quality of life is truly excellent.

Why Cornell Athletics and Student & Campus Life

Cornell Athletics & Physical Education, housed within Cornell Student and Campus Life (SCL) division, fields teams in 37 intercollegiate sports and provides a comprehensive physical education program. The university is committed to excellence in academics and athletics, gender equity and diversity in its programs, and a well-balanced, broad-based intercollegiate athletics program.

As part of this division, Student and Campus Life (SCL) inspires transformation in all Cornell students on their journey of individual, academic, and personal evolution. Our division is comprised of leading student affairs experts who support our campus on pressing student life matters including public service, health, wellbeing, connection and belonging, residential living, food services, sports, recreation, career services, and student activities and organizations including sorority and fraternity life. We provide support and services to roughly 25,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students on multiple campuses in the U.S. and abroad.

The Athletics department is home to many national and league champions, coaches with expertise of the highest degree, dedicated staff, and thoughtful administrators. Our nearly 1,150 student-athletes are known as scholars as well as elite athletes, and they come to Cornell anticipating and contributing to a world-class educational and training environment. They also give back to the department, campus, and community by participating in community service, research, and community-engaged learning; serving as student leaders and members of student organizations; and supporting their fellow student-athletes in competition and beyond.

Having nearly completed over $65M in facility improvements over the past two years and continuing to generate momentum to inspire deeper student and alumni engagement and giving, while working collaboratively across the campus as partners toward a shared mission, there is no better time to become Big Red!    

   

University Job Title:

Head Coach, Men's Lightweight Rowing

   

Job Family:

Athletics & Physical Education

   

Level:

G

   

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

   

Pay Range:

Refer to Posting Language

   

Remote Option Availability:

Onsite

   

Company:

Endowed

   

Contact Name:

Bri Muscente

   

Contact Email:

bmm249@cornell.edu

   

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Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

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2026-07-24