Sailing Coach

About Portsmouth Abbey School Portsmouth Abbey School is a coeducational Catholic boarding and day school for students in grades 9 through 12. Founded in 1926 by the English Benedictine Congregation, the School is located on a 525-acre campus along Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay, less than 30 minutes south of Providence and 20 minutes from Newport. Portsmouth Abbey combines a classical education in the Catholic intellectual tradition with Benedictine values. With 350 students, the School believes that the love of learning leads to the desire for God, and that the quest for intellectual understanding propels students to the search for ultimate meaning. The School is known for encouraging students to engage passionately in academic and intellectual pursuits, innovative electives and extensive opportunities in athletics and the performing and visual arts as well as a commitment to service and a focus on things that matter. Students are inspired to become the next generation’s leaders, stewards, innovators and problem solvers all the while grounded in Benedictine values of love of God and neighbor, humility, hospitality and a desire to serve the common good. Job Summary: Portsmouth Abbey seeks an experienced and successful individual to lead the coed sailing program at the Abbey. The coed sailing program runs end of February through end of May and supports a maximum of 24 student-sailors. Off-season activities, training sessions, and recruitment efforts may also demand additional time. Qualified applicants may be considered for a full-time teaching, staff or administrative position depending on the needs of the school and the candidate's educational and employment background. We seek dynamic individuals who will be an active part of our community in all aspects of a boarding school, living out our mission to help young men and women grow in knowledge and grace. Responsibilities • Be the visionary leader of the coed sailing program, cultivating a culture of excellence, competition, sportsmanship, and inclusivity. • Plan, organize, and deliver daily on-water and classroom sessions. • Teach racing tactics and strategies. • Create a positive and supportive team environment that promotes teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship P O R T S M O U T H A B B E Y S C H O O L • In collaboration with members of the admissions department, recruit talented and mission-aligned sailors • Plan, organize, and lead the annual coed sailing spring break trip • Install and enforce rigorous on water safety protocols • Supervise rigging and derigging. Assist with boat repairs, equipment checks, and coach boat maintenance • Supervise assistant coaches to develop program identity • Collaborate with the athletic administration to build a competitive regatta schedule • Communicate with the Bristol Yacht Club • Attend all team practices, regattas, meetings, and events as required • Drive school vehicles to transport students to practice and regattas • Build strong relationships with sailors, parents, and other coaches to create a positive culture and foster a love for sailing • Write end of season student reports on all varsity players • All other duties as assigned by the director of athletics or head of school Qualifications: • 4 years previous coaching experience at the prep or collegiate level. Playing experience at the collegiate level preferred • A bachelor’s degree • A deep understanding of NESSA Interscholastic Sailing Association, including its rules and policies • Ability to remain professional and courteous at all times, and while interacting with students, colleagues, and parents and caregivers about athletic performance, skills, playing time, including any game errors or losses • Clear communication skills both verbally and in writing. • High energy, initiative, and strong work ethic • Strong organizational skills and patience • Ability to multi-task and prioritize work • Alignment with the School’s mission of helping young men and women grow in knowledge and grace • Ability to work flexible hours and travel, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate team practices and regattas • A love of working with students P O R T S M O U T H A B B E Y S C H O O L Other Qualifications: • Experience in boarding schools preferred but not required • Desire to be engaged in a Catholic residential community • Alignment with the School’s mission oTips: Provide a summary of the role, what success in the position looks like, and how this role fits into the organization overall.