Canoe Kayak Canada (CKC) is inviting applications for the role of National Sprint Kayak Coach.
Canoe Kayak Canada (CKC) is the national governing body for competitive paddling in Canada. We are a volunteer-led and staff-driven organization made up of athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, staff, and supporters from coast to coast, all working together to develop world-class athletes and grow the sport across the country.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced, passionate, and collaborative National Sprint Kayak Coach to join our High-Performance team.
Working alongside the National Team Head Coach, National Discipline Coaches, and Chief Technical Officer, the successful candidate will help design and deliver world-class training and competition programs that support Canadian athletes in achieving podium performances at the Olympic Games, World Championships, and other major international competitions.
This permanent position is based at the National Training Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and requires extensive domestic and international travel throughout the year for training camps and competitions.
As part of Canoe Kayak Canada’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented groups within our technical leadership team.
Core Responsibilities
High-Performance Coaching
- Assist in the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of national team training and competition programs.
- Support athlete preparation for World Championships, Olympic Games, and other international competitions.
- Develop, monitor, and evaluate individualized athlete training plans in collaboration with the High-Performance coaching team.
- Work closely with athletes to monitor progress, provide technical feedback, and support long-term athlete development.
- Assist with Team Red programming alongside the National Development Coach.
- Support athlete selection processes in accordance with published selection criteria.
- Establish and maintain regular communication with athletes, personal coaches, provincial organizations, and clubs.
- Help identify performance objectives for training camps and competitions and communicate expectations to athletes.
Program Development & Leadership
- Contribute to the development and implementation of CKC’s High-Performance Plan.
- Collaborate with the National Team Head Coach and National Discipline Coaches to deliver annual competition and training plans.
- Assist in the operation of the National Training Centre and work collaboratively with the Canadian Sport Centre Atlantic.
- Contribute to athlete monitoring programs, including physiological, psychological, medical, and technical testing in collaboration with Integrated Support Team (IST) providers.
- Produce operational and technical reports as required.
- Assist with financial planning, budgeting, and reporting for national team projects and training camps.
- Support the preparation of annual program plans, equipment requirements, and competition schedules.
Leadership & Collaboration
- Represent Canoe Kayak Canada professionally while interacting with athletes, coaches, officials, sponsors, partners, and international federations.
- Work collaboratively with the Chief Technical Officer, National Team Head Coach, National Discipline Coaches, National Development Coach, and National Team Manager.
- Participate in High-Performance planning and organizational decision-making as requested.
- Attend High-Performance Committee, Sprint Racing Council, Annual General Meetings, and other meetings as required.
- Promote the National Team program to members, sponsors, and the broader paddling community.
- Perform additional duties that support the objectives of CKC’s High-Performance program.
Qualifications & Experience
Education
- Degree in kinesiology, sport science, coaching, physical education, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) Competition Development Certification or an equivalent international coaching qualification.
- Willingness to pursue ongoing professional development, including the NCCP Advanced Coaching Diploma.
Experience
- Demonstrated success coaching athletes at the national and/or international level.
- Extensive high-performance coaching experience, or equivalent experience as an international sprint athlete.
- Strong understanding of Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) principles and athlete pathway development.
- Experience working within multidisciplinary High-Performance environments.
Skills You Will Bring to the Role
- Excellent leadership and athlete management skills.
- Strong planning, organizational, and project management abilities.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary coaching team.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Commitment to continuous learning and evidence-based coaching practices.
- Adaptability, innovation, professionalism, and a strong commitment to athlete success.
- Strong computer literacy and experience using coaching and athlete monitoring software.
- Bilingualism (English and French) is considered an asset.
Travel
This role requires extensive travel throughout Canada and internationally, including extended periods away from home for training camps, international regattas, and major championships.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and cover letter electronically to the attention of Ian Mortimer, Chief Technical Officer, at imortimer@canoekayak.ca.
Applications will be accepted until September 10, 2026. While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.