Job Description:
Fairfield University is a modern, Jesuit Catholic University, rooted in one of the world’s oldest intellectual and spiritual traditions. More than 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students from 36 states, 47 foreign countries, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico are enrolled in the University’s five schools. In the spirit of rigorous and sympathetic inquiry into all dimensions of human experience, Fairfield welcomes students from diverse backgrounds to share ideas and engage in open conversations. The University is located in the heart of a region where the future takes shape, on a stunning campus on the Connecticut coast just an hour from New York City.
Job Description:
Fairfield University Athletics is seeking applicants for the position of Associate Director of Rowing / Head Coach of Men’s Rowing. The Associate Director of Rowing / Head Coach will be responsible for directing all phases of a championship-caliber Division I Men’s Rowing program, with an expectation to compete and succeed at the regional and national levels. The Head Coach must operate within the framework and governance of the IRA, consistent with the goals and objectives of the University and the Department of Athletics.
Essential Functions:
1. The authority and responsibility for a successful Men’s Rowing Program includes but is not limited to:
Overseeing and participating in the effective recruitment of student-athletes in collaboration with the Office of Admissions and Office of Financial Aid
Preparing the team for competition during a traditional and non-traditional season
Overseeing and providing counseling, training and conditioning of student-athletes
Fostering a supportive team culture that maximizes success on and off the water.
Helping to maintain the academic progress of all student-athletes through interaction with Student-Athlete Success staff and Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR)
Job Description:
Fairfield University is a modern, Jesuit Catholic University, rooted in one of the world’s oldest intellectual and spiritual traditions. More than 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students from 36 states, 47 foreign countries, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico are enrolled in the University’s five schools. In the spirit of rigorous and sympathetic inquiry into all dimensions of human experience, Fairfield welcomes students from diverse backgrounds to share ideas and engage in open conversations. The University is located in the heart of a region where the future takes shape, on a stunning campus on the Connecticut coast just an hour from New York City.
Job Description:
Fairfield University Athletics is seeking applicants for the position of Associate Director of Rowing / Head Coach of Men’s Rowing. The Associate Director of Rowing / Head Coach will be responsible for directing all phases of a championship-caliber Division I Men’s Rowing program, with an expectation to compete and succeed at the regional and national levels. The Head Coach must operate within the framework and governance of the IRA, consistent with the goals and objectives of the University and the Department of Athletics.
Essential Functions:
1. The authority and responsibility for a successful Men’s Rowing Program includes but is not limited to:
Overseeing and participating in the effective recruitment of student-athletes in collaboration with the Office of Admissions and Office of Financial Aid
Preparing the team for competition during a traditional and non-traditional season
Overseeing and providing counseling, training and conditioning of student-athletes
Fostering a supportive team culture that maximizes success on and off the water.
Helping to maintain the academic progress of all student-athletes through interaction with Student-Athlete Success staff and Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR)
Working collaboratively with the Sports Medicine and Sports Performance staff as extensions of the Men’s Rowing coaching staff to ensure proper and safe student-athlete development
Acting as a University representative for alumni and University functions as coordinated by the Athletics Advancement staff
Adhering to all University and IRA rules and regulations
Coordinating travel arrangements with the program sport administrator and coordinator of business operations
Managing team in a fair, honest, highly organized/efficient and financially responsible manner
Scheduling competitions
2. Responsible for a men’s rowing program that operates within and fosters an atmosphere of compliance with IRA and University rules and regulations:
Ensuring compliance with IRA and University rules in the Men’s Rowing program with the assistance of university compliance staff
Reporting of suspected or confirmed rules violations on a timely basis.
Maintaining accurate files and documentation including information for the annual report, recruiting, etc.
Continuing education with university compliance staff regarding NCAA and conference rule changes.
3. Responsible for the management of staff:
Hiring and evaluating performance of assistant coach and student staff.
Communicating effectively with the rowing staff and administrative staff on all pertinent departmental and University matters.
Maintaining a program climate conducive to the professional growth of staff including rules, education, and departmental information
4. Responsible for the planning of the Men’s Rowing program:
Planning and arranging the Men’s Rowing team’s schedule which will be developed in consultation with the program’s sport administrator, Director of Rowing, as well as the Vice President for Athletics. The schedule shall meet University objectives and comply with obligations under IRA rules.
Meeting regularly with the program’s sport administrator and Director of Rowing to ensure a clear understanding and a continuing dialogue regarding all aspects of the program.
Engaging in periodic/annual evaluative discussions with the sport administrator, Director of Rowing, and Vice President for Athletics to ensure optimal operation and success of the program.
Recommending and effectively implementing proposed improvements to maintain the success of the Men’s Rowing program.
5. Responsible for the preparation and proper control of Men’s Rowing budget in coordination with the Director of Rowing:
Planning and forecasting for costs and expenses of assigned budget.
Recommending appropriate changes in the annual budget requests.
Approving all program expenditures throughout the fiscal year.
6. Work in the best interest of Athletics and the University by:
Being available for external engagement opportunities including media requests, broadcast interviews etc.
Leading a program that has a consistent track record of success.
In partnership with University Advancement, participate effectively in fundraising events and initiatives to enhance visibility of the program and secure financial support for current and future program needs.
7. Receive annual written approval from the Vice President for Athletics and University President prior to accepting any athletic related income and benefits from sources outside the institution including contractual agreements and letters of appointment; sources of income shall include but are not limited to: income from annuities; sports camps; housing benefits (including preferential housing arrangements); country club memberships; complimentary ticket sales; television and radio programs; and endorsements or consultations with athletics shoe, apparel or equipment manufacturers.
8. Participates in the professional development of the department. This involves:
Monitoring developments in intercollegiate athletics and the sport of rowing through membership in professional associations, attendance at workshops and seminars, and in the reading of professional literature
Promoting a courteous and professional image as a university representative
Attending departmental meetings and informing staff regarding relevant information
Ensuring student-athletes, individual and team efforts, are recognized
Communicating effectively with sport administrator concerning pertinent departmental matters
Representing the University in national, regional and local organizations
Supporting the University’s mission and Athletics Department Core Values including participating in community service activities as possible
9. Promote a safe and secure work environment:
Promoting the proper utilization of equipment, tools and staff,
Notifying proper authorities and supervisor immediately of any unsafe working conditions.
10. Perform other related duties as directed or dictated by supervisor.
EDUCATION:
A Bachelor’s degree is required. A Master’s degree is preferred.
EXPERIENCE:
A minimum of 3-5 years of collegiate coaching experience along with demonstrated management, organizational and leadership skills is required. Demonstrated coaching license/certification is preferred. Valid driving license with clean record plus experience in trailer driving equipment to competition.
In addition to the responsibilities specific to the Men’s Rowing program, the Associate Director of Rowing / Head Coach of Men’s Rowing will support the Director of Rowing in the administration, coordination, and strategic development of both the Men’s and Women’s Rowing programs. This includes, but is not limited to:
Assisting in shared operational responsibilities such as scheduling, equipment management, and team travel logistics.
Collaborating on training programs and shared facilities usage to ensure effective support for both programs.
Supporting the oversight of assistant coaches and staff working across both teams.
Contributing to long-term planning, program assessment, and the development of shared team culture and values.
Representing both programs at University, conference, and national functions as requested by the Director of Rowing.
Serving as a liaison to university departments, alumni, and external stakeholders on behalf of the full rowing program when needed.
This role requires a flexible, team-oriented approach to leadership, with a willingness to assist in all facets of the rowing program’s success.
Category:
Athletics - Admin
Performs such other duties, responsibilities, and activities as required by supervisor and as departmental/University needs indicate.
*Disclaimer
The above information indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain and should not be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, activities, and/or qualifications required or expected of employees assigned to this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change and new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a satisfactory background check.
Fairfield University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Fairfield University record compared to the conference
School | Conference Ranking | RPI | APR |
---|---|---|---|
Marist College | 1 of 6 | — | — |
Fairfield University | 2 of 6 | — | — |
Iona University | 4 of 6 | — | — |
Manhattan College | 6 of 6 | — | — |
Fairfield University record compared to the conference
School | Conference Ranking | RPI | APR |
---|---|---|---|
Merrimack College | — | — | 985 |
Iona University | — | — | — |
Manhattan College | — | — | 996 |
Fairfield University | 2 of 7 | — | 989 |
Marist College | 3 of 7 | — | 1000 |
Sacred Heart University | 4 of 7 | — | 995 |
Canisius College | 6 of 7 | — | 976 |
Fairfield University past performance
Season | Head Coach | Assistant Coach | Conference | Overall |
---|---|---|---|---|
2024-2025 |
![]() Luke Auger |
– | – | |
2023-2024 |
![]() Luke Auger |
– | – | |
2022-2023 |
![]() Luke Auger |
– | – | |
2021-2022 |
![]() Luke Auger |
– | – | |
2020-2021 |
![]() Casey Fuller |
– | – | |
2019-2020 |
![]() Casey Fuller |
– | – | |
2018-2019 |
David Patterson |
– | – | |
2017-2018 |
David Patterson |
– | – |
Fairfield University past performance
Season | Head Coach | Assistant Coach | Conference | Overall |
---|---|---|---|---|
2024-2025 |
David Patterson |
![]() Julianna Ruzbacki Departing
|
– | – |
2023-2024 |
David Patterson |
– | – | |
2022-2023 |
David Patterson |
– | – | |
2021-2022 |
David Patterson |
– | – | |
2020-2021 |
David Patterson |
– | – | |
2019-2020 |
David Patterson |
– | – | |
2018-2019 |
David Patterson |
– | – | |
2017-2018 |
David Patterson |
– | – |
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