Located on Bainbridge Island, Washington, Friends of Bainbridge Island High School Sailing (FOBIHSS) seeks an experienced and proactive Head Sailing Coach.
This is a contract position for the period from September 2, 2025-November 4, 2025, with some flexibility regarding the start date. This position could potentially be expanded include the summer 2025 (commencing as early as July 1, 2025) and spring 2026 sailing seasons and beyond. Concurrent part-time work as Sailing Assistant Recreation Program Coordinator with the Bainbridge Island Metropolitan Park & Recreation District is also possible (separate application required).
The Head Sailing Coach will lead the Bainbridge Island High School Sailing Team and oversee local practices and regattas.
FOBIHSS is the non-profit corporation that funds and supports the Bainbridge Island High School Sailing Team. Reporting directly to the FOBIHSS Board of Directors, the successful candidate will organize and execute practice sessions and lead on-water coaching for practices and regattas.
The role demands excellent organizational skills, effective communication abilities, and a deep understanding of sailing dynamics and program management. Professional development should also be a goal throughout the term.
Licenses & Certifications:
- US Sailing Level 1 or higher certification (level 3 race coach preferred).
- Basic First Aid/CPR/AED (valid for two years, training available).
- Must pass a background check and motor vehicle driving record check.
- Ability to expertly operate a powerboat (US Safe Powerboating certified, preferred)
- Washington State Boater Ed Card and Driver’s License.
- SafeSport certified (yearly short online training required).
Physical Demands & Work Environment:
- Must be self-motivated and substantially self-directed.
- Must be able to comply with FOBIHSS policies and procedures.
- Must be able to carry at least 35 lbs. (approx. weight of one 5 gal. gas tank).
- Must work evenings as required.
- Must work outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Must work on weekends as required.
- Must have demonstrated ability to work with and relate well to youth sailors and parents.
Essential Duties:
- Lead the Bainbridge Island High School Sailing Team, including practice planning and on-water coaching – FJs, ILCA, and Keelboat.
- Manage HS team captains, team formation, routines, sailing/racing skills and knowledge development, basic athletic care, goals, positive culture, focus on sportsmanship, and regatta preparation.
- Follow an established scope and sequence and create daily lesson plans to share with sailors, assistant coaches, and volunteers.
- Be a role model for youth sailors and other coaches.
- Recruit, retain (subject to FOBIHSS approval), schedule, and supervise paid assistant coaches and volunteers to assist with training and regattas as needed.
- Maintain a log for equipment maintenance and teach sailors equipment care.
- Oversee and coordinate routine fleet transportation and maintenance, including repairs, parts orders, and proper storage.
- Communicate proactively and respond promptly to both email and phone inquiries during working hours.
- Register the HS team for regattas by the coaches’ deadline and decide regatta logistics (boats, trailers, pairings, etc.).
- Work closely with FOBIHSS team volunteer leads in charge of travel logistics, PR, fundraising, schedule and roster (TeamSnap), regattas/clinics, etc. and assist as needed.
- Ensure team participation in as many regattas as possible. In recent years, in addition to local regattas, the team has participated in ISSA/PCISA Girls’ National Invitational, Cressy Singlehanded Nationals, Atlantic Coast Championships, Rose Bowl, ISSA Fleet Racing Championship (Mallory Trophy), NIT (National Invitational Team Racing Tournament), and ISSA Baker Team Race National Championship.
- Maintain required certifications and pursue ongoing professional development opportunities.
Board & Partnerships:
- Serve as a non-voting member of the FOBIHSS Board; attend and participate in meetings.
- Keep board informed of team issues, concerns, events, logistical needs, and progress.
- Maintain relationships with local partners, including Bainbridge HS, Bainbridge Island Parks and Recreation District and Port Madison Yacht Club, and advocate for the team.
- Network and collaborate with other Northwest coaches; engage in district meetings and clinics.
- Coordinate logistics for at least one Bainbridge-hosted school-year regatta or clinic.
Education & Experience:
- Prior coaching, preferably high school or collegiate.
- Competitive collegiate or international racing, preferred.
- Substantial dinghy racing, required.
- Bachelor’s Degree, required.
- Experience working with youth sailors, required.
- Extensive powerboat-driving, required.
Compensation
- Compensation range: $10,000-$12,000, depending on experience, for a 2-month contract (September 2, 2025-November 4, 2025, with some flexibility regarding the start date). If applicable, summer 2025 and spring 2026 compensation to be determined depending on experience.