Head Coach MSRV Saurus

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 the position of professional coach at MSRV Saurus.

Job Description
Starting from the new rowing season (September 1, 2025), we are seeking a new professional coach to lead and support our first-year competitive crews and their coaching teams. The goal is to ensure continuity and promote athletic development within our competitive division.

To realize this ambition, we are looking for someone who thrives on creating the conditions in which both coaches and rowers can reach their full potential.

Together with the Commissioner of Rowing, the head coach is responsible for:
•    Creating the annual plan, including technical vision and training schedules.
•    Educating first-year coaches, possibly in cooperation with KNRB coaching courses.
•    Selecting first-year competitive crews.
•    Setting realistic interim and final goals for the first-year crews.
•    Overseeing and monitoring the execution of training programs and making adjustments if goals are not being met.
•    Contributing to long-term vision through consistency in knowledge, coaching, technique, and talent development.
•    Supporting the sustainable growth of Saurus as a strong rowing association.

Requirements
As a professional coach at Saurus, you are capable of further developing and professionalizing our competitive division in an association that combines athletic ambition with a lively social environment. You must take into account that the number and skill level of incoming first-year rowers may vary from year to year. This requires a coach who is not only knowledgeable but also communicative, creative, and flexible in dealing with Saurus’ specific circumstances.

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent level of thinking and working).
• RC3 license (RC4 preferred) or equivalent experience.
• Strong communication and organizational skills to work with rowers, coaches, the board, and external partners.
• A clear vision on short- and long-term rowing talent development.
• Experience coaching novice or first-year crews.
• Affinity with student rowing, including working with committees, boards, and changing generations. Ability to bring structure to a student organization in cooperation with the board.
• Availability for 16 hours per week spread over at least 3 days, with occasional weekend work due to national competitions and (international) training camps.
• Proficiency in both Dutch and English, spoken and written.

What we offer
As Rowing Coach at the Student Services Centre, you will be employed by the most international university in the Netherlands. We offer you:

• Good employment conditions. The position is graded in scale 8 according to UFO profile Sports Instructor, with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from €3218,00 and €4298,00 gross per month (based on a full-time employment of 38 hours per week). In addition to the monthly salary, an 8.0% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus apply.
•  An employment contract for a period of 12 months with a scope of 0,38 FTE. If proven suitable, the employment contract will be extended. 
• Maastricht University has various other great fringe benefits, such as a good pension scheme with the ABP and as a UM employee you can participate in company fitness and make use of the very extensive sports offer that we also offer to our students.
• Last but not least, the space and facilities to develop yourself: personally and in your field. We facilitate this by offering a wide range of training courses and we support them through various widely supported initiatives such as 'recognition and rewards'.
• A free membership to UM SPORTS!

The terms of employment at Maastricht University are largely set out in the collective labor agreement of Dutch Universities. In addition, local provisions specific to UM apply. For more information, click here.

Maastricht University
Why work at Maastricht University?

At Maastricht University (UM), everything revolves around the future. The future of our students, as we work to equip them with a solid, broad-based foundation for the rest of their lives. And the future of society, as we seek solutions through our research to issues from all around the world. Our six faculties combined provide a comprehensive package of study programmes and research.

In our teaching, we use the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method. Students work in small groups, looking for solutions to problems themselves. By discussing issues and working together to draw conclusions, formulate answers and present them to their peers, students develop essential skills for their future careers.

With over 22,300 students and more than 5,000 employees from all over the world, UM is home to a vibrant and inspiring international community.

Are you drawn to an international setting focused on education, science and scholarship? Are you keen to contribute however your skills and qualities allow? Our door is open to you! As a young European university, we value your talent and look forward to creating the future together.

Click here for more information about UM. 

UM SPORTS
UM SPORTS is the sports department of Maastricht University. While the sports offer is primarily aimed at students and staff, it is open to everyone. It includes over 60 different sports activities, fun events, and student-friendly prices. Due to the university's international nature, most activities are offered in English.
The UM SPORTS team consists of over 120 employees: sports instructors, trainers, front desk staff, and office personnel. Many are or were UM students and share a passion for sports and movement.

MSRV Saurus
MSRV Saurus is a dynamic and ambitious rowing association in the growing and international student city of Maastricht. The club boasts excellent rowing facilities, including a modern clubhouse built in 2011 and a well-equipped boathouse. Training takes place on the high-quality waters of the Zuid-Willemsvaart canal.

Saurus aims to foster a top-level sports climate throughout the club. As stated in our long-term policy: “Saurus has a winning mentality that is shared throughout the association and brings us closer to the top of Dutch rowing every year.”
 

Curious?
Would you like to know more about this great position? Feel free to contact Lieke de Wit at lieke.dewit@maastrichtuniversity.nl or +31 6 18605652 for more information. 

Applying?

Have you already made up your mind and want to become our new head coach? Then apply now, no later than June 15, 2025.

Please include your CV and cover letter with your application.
Initial interviews are preferably scheduled in the week of June 16.
A trial coaching day will be part of the selection process.
 

The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized.

Maastricht University is committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity in our staff and student population contributes to the quality of research and education at UM, and strive to enable this through inclusive policies and innovative projects led by teams of staff and students. We encourage you to apply for this position.