First-Year Profcoach M.S.R.V. Saurus

Welcome to Maastricht University!
Are you looking for a challenging position as head coach at an ambitious rowing club in the most international student city in the Netherlands? Then apply now for this position, starting September 1, 2026, at M.S.R.V. Saurus.

First-Year Profcoach M.S.R.V. Saurus

• Our goal: Within UM SPORTS, we contribute to the athletic and personal development of students. For M.S.R.V. Saurus, this means strengthening the competitive rowing section by ensuring continuity, quality, and growth in coaching and talent development.
• Your colleagues: You will work closely with the racing commissioner, the board of M.S.R.V. Saurus, and the (student) coaches of the first-year crews. You will also be in contact with UM SPORTS and external parties such as the KNRB (Royal Dutch Rowing Federation).

As a professional coach at Saurus, you are able to further develop and professionalize the competitive section within a club characterized by a combination of sporting ambition and sociability. You must take into account that the intake of first-year competitive rowers can vary each year in both quality and quantity. This requires a coach who not only has the right expertise but is also communicatively strong and able to deal creatively and flexibly with the specific circumstances at M.S.R.V. Saurus.

About M.S.R.V. Saurus
M.S.R.V. Saurus is a dynamic and ambitious rowing club in the international student city of Maastricht. Since 2011, the club has had a new building along the Zuid-Willemsvaart canal, with a well-equipped fleet in the boathouse. From here, rowers train daily on the excellent waters of the Zuid-Willemsvaart.

M.S.R.V. Saurus is a club where the high-performance sports climate continues to grow, as stated in its multi-year policy:
“Saurus has a winning mentality embraced across the entire club, bringing us closer each year to the top of Dutch rowing.”

What you do

In consultation with the racing commissioner, the First-Year Professional Coach is responsible for:

• Developing an annual plan including technical strategy and training schedules
• Training and supervising first-year coaches (including collaboration with KNRB courses)
• Selecting first-year competitive crews
• Setting and monitoring realistic interim and final goals
• Monitoring training progress and making adjustments when necessary
• Ensuring continuity in coaching, technique, and talent development
• Advising on and contributing to the club’s long-term vision
• Contributing to the sustainable athletic growth of Saurus

Ready to set the course for the coming years? We look forward to meeting you.

What you bring

We are not focused on checklists, but on who you are and what you bring. Do you recognize yourself in this?

• At least a higher professional education (HBO) level of thinking and working
• RC3 coaching license (RC4 is a plus) or equivalent experience
• Strong communication and organizational skills with crews, coaches, board members, and external parties, with good command of Dutch and English (spoken and written)
• A clear vision on developing rowing talent in the short and long term
• Experience guiding coaches of first-year or beginner rowing crews
• Affinity with student rowing, including working with committees, boards, and changing cohorts
• Ability to provide structure within a student organization in collaboration with the board
• Availability of 16 hours per week, spread over at least 3 days, with occasional weekend work due to national competitions and (international) training camps
  
  

What we offer

At Maastricht University, you will work in an international, open, and engaged environment. We offer:

• A one-year contract (0.38 FTE, 722 hours annually), with extension upon mutual satisfaction
• A gross monthly salary between €3,382 and €4,484 (based on full-time employment of 38 hours/week), excluding 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end bonus
• 29 vacation days (based on full-time) and four additional public holidays
• Flexible working hours
• Freedom and autonomy to organize your work and develop your own ideas
• A good pension scheme via ABP, corporate fitness, and free access to a wide range of sports facilities
• An inspiring work environment in the heart of Europe
  
  

Interested?
More information about UM SPORTS can be found on our website. For questions about the position or working at our university, contact Lieke de Wit (sports coordinator) at lieke.dewit@maastrichtuniversity.nl or +31 6 18605652. The closing date for applications is May 17, 2026.

First-round interviews will take place in the week of May 18. A trial training session is part of the selection procedure.

The vacancy is open to both internal and external candidates. In case of equal suitability, internal candidates will be given preference.

Apply via the button below. We look forward to getting to know you!

UM SPORTS
UM SPORTS, part of the Student Services Centre of Maastricht University, organizes sports programs for students, staff, alumni, and external participants, including students from Zuyd University of Applied Sciences and other institutions. With a diverse offering (around 65 activities), 34 student sports clubs, events, and student-friendly pricing, there is something for everyone.

The international character of Maastricht University is strongly reflected in UM SPORTS, both among members and staff. Activities are mainly offered bilingually (Dutch and English), ensuring accessibility for all.

The UM SPORTS team consists of over 130 employees, including sports instructors, trainers, front desk staff, and office staff. Many are (former) students of Maastricht University and share a passion for sports and movement.

About Maastricht University
At Maastricht University, we work together to find solutions that help move the world forward. With 23,300 students and 5,400 staff across 5 cities, 6 faculties, and over 70 research institutes in the Euregio region, you will have the opportunity to push boundaries and discover new opportunities—for yourself and for the world around you.

Maastricht University prefers to contact candidates directly and kindly requests no acquisition or offers from agencies or intermediaries.

Maastricht University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. We believe diversity among staff and students enhances the quality of research and education. Through inclusive policies and innovative projects, we aim to create equal opportunities and encourage you to apply.