Henry E. Bartels ‘48 Head Coach of Men's Lightweight Rowing

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 han