Head of Rugby

Head of Rugby

Shawnigan Lake School is a leading independent co-educational boarding school for ages 12-18 (grades 8-12) on Canada’s beautiful west coast. Our world-class facilities situated on a stunning 270-acre campus include ten boarding houses, outstanding sports facilities, a theatre, film lab, an observatory, salmon hatchery, rowing crew house on the lake, dance studio, state of the art learning commons and library, recording studio, and robotics lab. Our diverse, inter-disciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.

For more information, explore our Shawnigan at a Glance.

Staff endorse our School’s values (Curiosity, Compassion, Community and Courage) and are deeply committed to our mission: Spark Minds, Kindle Hearts, Forge Futures.

Shawnigan Lake School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff (and volunteers) to share this commitment. Candidates will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with previous employers and a vulnerable sector criminal record check.

JOB DESCRIPTION

HEAD OF RUGBY

The Head of Rugby works closely with the Director of Athletics to ensure that rugby is fully aligned with the Shawnigan Sports Strategy and Sporting Philosophy, contributing to the broader strategic goals of the Athletics Department and the School.

Shawnigan rugby runs 7 teams across the men's and woman's programs and the Head of Rugby will support the coaches in charge of those teams to deliver exceptional playing and developmental experiences. The Head of Rugby will support the growth of athletes throughout the year, as well as coordinating each team's respective competitive season (Fall for grade 8, Spring for grades 9-12).

A key responsibility of the role will be helping to plan and deliver the 2028 Centenary of Rugby at Shawnigan, ensuring that this significant milestone celebrates the history and legacy of rugby at the School while also creating a vision for its future.

The Head of Rugby will promote the “one sport – one club” philosophy, ensuring that all participants are valued members of the Shawnigan rugby community and that the program provides meaningful opportunities for students of varying levels of experience and ability.

We offer a competitive compensation package and a nurturing, family-friendly workplace.

Appointment: Permanent appointment. Full-time 0.8 FTE to 1.0 FTE position.

Compensation: $70,000 - $90,000 per year. Starting salary is determined based on the successful candidate’s knowledge, experience, and internal parity. Salary will be prorated to FTE.

• After 3 months of employment, a full benefits package and RRSP with employer-matched contributions, paid vacation, a flexible work environment, and a nurturing family-friendly workplace.
• Subsidized lunch to enjoy delicious meals provided on-site.
• Campus Gym and Wellness Centre access

Start Date: Immediate (consideration for a later start date may be given).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE

• Strategic & Centenary Leadership: Spearhead the 3–5-year Rugby Strategic Plan aligned with the Shawnigan Sports Strategy and play a central role in planning the 2028 Rugby Centenary celebrations.
• Coaching & Player Development: Establish technical/tactical standards, mentor coaching staff across all levels, and collaborate with PE, S&C, and Athletic Therapy teams.
• High-Performance Pathways: Oversee competitive fixtures, domestic and international tours, and elite pathways while leveraging Shawnigan’s MOU partnership with Rugby Canada.
• Community Engagement: Champion a strong network with parents, alumni, and local rugby partners (e.g., Thunder Indigenous Rugby and BC Rugby).
• Operations & Innovation: Lead Shawnigan summer rugby camps, manage the program budget, and utilize performance technology (Veo analysis) at the Hyde-Lay Pavilion.

REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum World Rugby / NCCP Level 2 certification (or equivalent) and 5+ years of significant coaching experience, including high-performance, elite, or representative levels.
• Proven track record in program design, player development, and LTAD principles.
• Excellent knowledge of relevant World Rugby modules, including Rugby Ready, Tackle Ready, Introduction to Coaching, Key Factor Analysis, and Functional Role Analysis.
• Experience with strategic planning, community engagement, and program development would be an asset.
• Demonstrated leadership with a genuine commitment to mentoring and developing young athletes through sport.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships across players, parents, and staff.
• Proven track record in operational organization, event coordination, and proactive problem-solving.

NEXT STEPS

To apply, please submit a copy of your resume/CV and cover letter via the "apply for this job" button on this page.

We ask you to please provide references at the shortlist stage of the recruitment process.

Shawnigan Lake School is an equal opportunity employer committed to establishing an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment for all. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or any other basis protected by applicable law.

We express our appreciation to all applicants for their interest in this position, however only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Competition closes when filled.