Salt Lake City, Utah – Rowland Hall, a distinguished independent school in Salt Lake City with a rich history dating back to 1867, is actively seeking an Assistant FIS Coach, Academic Liaison for its nationally recognized Rowmark Ski Academy. This pivotal, full-time, year-round exempt position, slated to commence on July 1, 2026, underscores the institution’s unwavering commitment to fostering holistic development, empowering student-athletes to excel simultaneously in elite alpine ski racing and rigorous academic pursuits. The role is designed to integrate seamlessly into Rowmark’s high-performance structure, working in close collaboration with Head FIS Coaches, the Head Conditioning Coach, Team Manager, and the Rowland Hall Academic Coordinator to provide comprehensive support for athletes within the FIS program and across the academy.
Rowland Hall: A Century and a Half of Transformational Education
Founded in the post-Civil War era of 1867, Rowland Hall has evolved into a premier educational institution serving approximately 1,000 students from preschool through grade 12. Its enduring mission centers on developing "people the world needs" through a transformational education that meticulously builds agency, cultivates purpose, and fosters global connection. This educational philosophy is rooted in empowering students to not only acquire knowledge but also to leverage it to make a tangible, positive impact on society.
The school’s pedagogical approach emphasizes excellence in teaching and learning, delivered through a robust array of academic and co-curricular programs. These programs are intentionally designed to challenge students comprehensively, extending beyond traditional classroom boundaries. Experiential learning opportunities, vibrant artistic expression, and competitive athletics are integral components of the Rowland Hall experience. The institution prides itself on nurturing curiosity, compassion, and joy throughout the learning process, thereby preparing its graduates to think critically, innovate, and lead with unwavering purpose in an increasingly complex world.
Strategically located in the vibrant urban landscape of Salt Lake City, near the majestic Wasatch Mountain Range and directly adjacent to the prestigious University of Utah, Rowland Hall benefits from a unique geographical and intellectual ecosystem. This prime location not only offers unparalleled access to outdoor recreational activities, a boon for its ski academy, but also attracts a diverse community of families drawn to its academic rigor and supportive environment. The proximity to the University of Utah facilitates potential collaborations and provides an inspiring academic backdrop for students. A cornerstone of Rowland Hall’s success lies in its dedication to recruiting and retaining top-tier educators and staff. This commitment is actualized through substantial professional development opportunities, competitive compensation packages, and the cultivation of a close-knit, supportive professional environment, all of which contribute directly to the high quality of education and mentorship provided to its students.
Rowmark Ski Academy: Forging Champions Since 1982
Rowmark Ski Academy, established in 1982 as a specialized division of Rowland Hall, stands as a testament to the school’s dedication to athletic excellence. It masterfully combines elite alpine ski racing training with a demanding academic experience, creating a unique pathway for aspiring athletes. Over its four-decade history, Rowmark has consistently earned its reputation among the nation’s top ski-racing programs. A significant benchmark of its distinction is being one of the first clubs in the United States to achieve US Ski & Snowboard Gold Certification, a rigorous standard that attests to its comprehensive program quality, coaching expertise, athlete development pathways, and safety protocols.
The academy’s illustrious alumni roster includes Olympians, World Champions, and numerous NCAA All-Americans, underscoring its profound impact on the landscape of American alpine skiing. These athletes not only achieve individual success but also serve as inspirational figures, demonstrating the potential when academic support and athletic prowess are cultivated in tandem. Rowmark Ski Academy caters to full-time student-athletes in grades 9 through 12 who are concurrently enrolled at Rowland Hall, ensuring that their academic journey remains central to their development. Furthermore, the academy extends its reach through a robust three-tiered Junior Program, specifically designed for Rowland Hall students in grades 3 through 8. This tiered approach provides a progressive development pathway, nurturing talent from a young age and instilling fundamental skills and a passion for the sport.
Athletes within the Rowmark program compete fiercely in the Intermountain Division of US Ski & Snowboard, a highly competitive regional circuit that serves as a crucial stepping stone to national and international competitions. Their training regimen is conducted at world-class facilities, including the historic Utah Olympic Park and Park City Mountain Resort’s renowned 2002 Olympic Race Arena. These venues, with their Olympic legacy and state-of-the-art infrastructure, provide unparalleled training environments, offering diverse terrain, consistent snow conditions, and access to advanced technical setups essential for honing elite ski racing skills. The ability to train in such prestigious locations is a significant draw for student-athletes seeking to reach the pinnacle of their sport.
The Assistant FIS Coach, Academic Liaison: A Dual Mandate for Success
The newly announced Assistant FIS Coach, Academic Liaison position is strategically designed to provide a critical nexus between the demanding worlds of elite athletics and rigorous academics. This role is far more than a coaching position; it is a holistic support system for Rowmark’s FIS (International Ski Federation) student-athletes. FIS racing represents a pivotal stage in an alpine ski racer’s career, often involving extensive travel, intense competition, and significant time away from traditional classroom settings. The incumbent will play an indispensable role in ensuring these athletes not only achieve their athletic potential but also maintain and advance their academic standing.
The primary responsibilities of this multifaceted role are anticipated to encompass both on-snow coaching duties and comprehensive academic oversight. On the athletic front, the Assistant FIS Coach will contribute directly to the daily training environment. This includes, but is not limited to, providing expert on-snow instruction and technical feedback, assisting in the design and execution of training drills, implementing video analysis to refine technique, and supporting dryland conditioning programs. The individual will be instrumental in preparing athletes for competition, offering guidance on race strategy, equipment preparation, and mental readiness. Furthermore, this role will involve direct support during competitions, including course inspection, race-day coaching, and managing logistical aspects of travel and accommodation for events, which often span multiple states and countries. The physical demands of the role are substantial, requiring the ability to stand for extended periods in challenging weather conditions, lift heavy equipment, and demonstrate skiing techniques, all while navigating mountainous terrain.
Crucially, the academic liaison component of the role will focus on ensuring the educational success of these high-performance athletes. This involves meticulously monitoring student-athletes’ academic progress, acting as the primary point of contact and facilitator between athletes, their teachers, and the Rowland Hall Academic Coordinator. The liaison will assist in developing personalized academic plans, coordinating with faculty for missed assignments or extensions due to travel, and arranging for tutoring or additional academic support as needed. A key aspect will be teaching effective time management and organizational skills, empowering student-athletes to balance their demanding training and competition schedules with their academic responsibilities. The liaison will also play a vital role in communicating academic expectations and performance to student-athletes and their families, fostering an environment where academic achievement is as highly valued as athletic success. This dual focus directly addresses the unique challenges faced by elite student-athletes, helping them navigate the complexities of their demanding schedules while ensuring their long-term educational and career prospects remain robust.
Essential Skills and Professional Requirements
Candidates for the Assistant FIS Coach, Academic Liaison position are expected to possess a unique blend of coaching expertise, academic support capabilities, and personal attributes. From an athletic perspective, demonstrably strong alpine ski racing experience is paramount, ideally with coaching certifications at the FIS level or the ability to swiftly obtain them. This includes a deep technical understanding of ski racing fundamentals, tactics, and equipment, coupled with a proven ability to teach and motivate young athletes. Experience in video analysis, course setting, and race preparation is highly valued.
On the academic front, candidates must exhibit exceptional organizational and communication skills, vital for coordinating with multiple stakeholders including students, parents, teachers, and school administration. A keen understanding of academic demands and the pressures faced by student-athletes is essential, alongside a patient and supportive mentorship approach. The ability to foster a positive, disciplined, and academically-focused environment is critical. General requirements include a high degree of professionalism, strong leadership qualities, a collaborative spirit for teamwork, and adaptability to the dynamic nature of both competitive sports and school schedules. A valid driver’s license will be necessary for transportation related to training and competitions. The ideal candidate will demonstrate an unwavering passion for youth development, committed to nurturing both the athletic prowess and intellectual growth of each student-athlete.
Broader Implications and Rowland Hall’s Vision for Student-Athletes
The creation and strategic timing of this position, with its July 1, 2026 start date, signal Rowland Hall and Rowmark Ski Academy’s forward-thinking approach and long-term vision. It reflects a growing recognition within elite youth sports that specialized support is indispensable for fostering truly holistic development. In an era where student-athletes face immense pressure to excel in both their sport and their studies, roles like the Assistant FIS Coach, Academic Liaison become critical differentiators for programs aiming to produce well-rounded individuals, not just athletic specialists.
This role reinforces Rowmark’s competitive edge, ensuring that its athletes are not forced to compromise their academic future for athletic glory, or vice-versa. By providing a dedicated professional to bridge this gap, Rowmark strengthens its appeal to families seeking an institution that prioritizes both pathways equally. It exemplifies Rowland Hall’s institutional commitment to its mission of developing individuals with agency and purpose, demonstrating that true transformation encompasses intellectual rigor, physical prowess, and personal resilience.
Inferred statements from leadership would likely underscore this commitment. The Rowmark Ski Academy Director might emphasize, "This position is crucial for maintaining our standard of excellence, ensuring our student-athletes thrive both on the slopes and in the classroom. It’s about providing the comprehensive support they need to succeed in every facet of their demanding lives." Similarly, a representative from Rowland Hall’s academic leadership could state, "Our commitment to developing the ‘whole person’ is exemplified by roles like this. It ensures that our unique student population, balancing elite athletic training with rigorous academics, receives unparalleled support, preparing them for success long after their racing careers." This strategic investment in specialized personnel is a testament to the school’s dedication to its unique blend of academic and athletic excellence, positioning its student-athletes for success in collegiate sports, higher education, and beyond.
Employment Details and Equal Opportunity Commitment
This full-time, year-round exempt position includes a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting Rowland Hall’s commitment to its employees. The Assistant FIS Coach, Academic Liaison will report directly to the Rowmark Ski Academy Director, ensuring direct communication and alignment with the academy’s strategic goals and daily operations.
Rowland Hall is an ardent equal opportunity employer, upholding the principle that every individual deserves equal opportunity. The institution explicitly prohibits discrimination based on sex, color, race, ancestry, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal or state anti-discrimination laws. This commitment extends to all facets of employment practices, including recruitment, hiring, selection, compensation, benefits, transfers, promotions, training, discipline, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. Rowland Hall’s dedication to diversity and inclusion ensures a fair and equitable environment for all prospective and current employees, reflecting its broader mission of fostering a globally connected and compassionate community.
