The only source of knowledge is experience.
— Albert Einstein
Develop leadership skills that will serve you throughout life
At Sparks, we are committed to creating an inclusive community that focuses on growth through rowing. Our rowing experiences taught us that if we are devoted to our team and do everything with passion, then we are primed for exponential growth.
If you reminisce of your days as an athlete - where hard work and dedication brought camaraderie and meaningful growth - then the Sparks team could be a great fit for you.
Please take a few minutes to browse the current opportunities that are available at Sparks..
Program Leader
“Being a program leader at Sparks was unlike any other experience I've had in rowing. I would describe it as a cross between camp counseling and an educational conference on steroids - focused on my own growth so I could grow others.” —2019 PL
As a Program Leader, the one characteristic you must have is courage. To see tangible growth in your campers, you must courageously step outside of your comfort zone and be a leader.
If you're willing to invest in yourself and the community, you will benefit from having experienced, passionate, and caring colleagues who are willing to help you grow.
Your leadership development will have meaningful impact on the growth of our campers and will serve you your entire career!
Responsibilities for Program Leaders
- Help build community amongst campers and staff
- Run large and small group activities and reflective discussions
- Support campers, staff, and coaches during camp
- Lead Associate Program Leaders (APLs)
- Support camp operations and logistics
Through constant conversations with campers and your peers, you will experience the tremendous impact of positive culture—the type of culture that encourages staff and athlete to continually grow and achieve the goals that are set before them. By the end of camp, each camper should leave with deeper insights and a greater passion for rowing.
Similarly, you will leave with strong bonds with some of the most passionate individuals in the rowing community. Along with your newfound relationships, you will have a lasting ability to step up and lead in whatever situation you find yourself in.
Sparks Program Leader Spotlight
Asiya Mahmud went from being a PL to a US Junior National Team Coach.
Daniela Susnara went from being a PL to a PD to the Program Coordinator for Community Education at the University of Alabama.
Preferred Qualifications & Experience
- Minimum 21 years old
- Bachelor's Degree
- Teaching or coaching experience on the junior or collegiate level
- Medical Training (CPR/First Aid)
- A background and/or understanding of the field of experiential education
- An interest in programmatic culture, coaching pedagogy, and/or general education
- Psycho-social skills, self-awareness, authenticity, and kind-heartedness
- Able to easily travel to camp locations
If you are ready to work with some amazing coaches and rowing clubs, then apply for our Program Leader position today!
Apply NowMore Opportunities at Sparks
Associate Program Leader (college-age athlete)
“My experience in the APL role at Sparks was both enjoyable and rewarding. I loved having the opportunity to work with all the campers and staff members, and had just as much fun as when I was a camper myself. The role also helped me develop communication and organizational skills that have been invaluable to me.” —2018 APL
If you are a college age rower/coxswain our APL position is a great opportunity to improve yourself both as an athlete and a leader!
Being close to the age of our campers, it is easier to foster a relationship where our campers are comfortable in seeking you out for advice. This will give you many opportunities to improve your communication skills and makes you an invaluable member of the community.
You can uniquely relate to and support campers through the challenges of youth rowing and life.
In exchange for bringing this invaluable ingredient to camp, Sparks provides APLs a rich learning environment built from raw, authentic experiences, impactful responsibility, and mentorship from highly accomplished educators.
Sparks also provides room, board, and opportunities to train with or without coaching, all with the backdrop of an historic northeastern city.
Responsibilities for APLs
- Camp operations: work alongside other staff to support the safe progression of camp
- Leadership development: APLs engage a structured leadership development curriculum
- Connection: engage with athletes and discuss their questions or concerns about camp, rowing, and life
- Activities and discussions: participate in and learn to facilitate reflective conversations
- Photo and videography: capture camp digitally and work with the Sparks social media manager to share the experience
Preferred Qualifications & Experience
- Kind-heartedness, an interest in education or leadership, and strong psycho-social skills
- Adaptability in the face of barriers or changes
- High school diploma
- Age 18 or older
- 1 year rowing experience
- Able to easily travel to camp locations (Boston, New York, or Philadelphia)
- Previous experience in experiential education or adventure is a plus
- Medical training (CPR/First Aid, Wilderness First Responder/WFR, EMT certification, or other) is a plus
- Experience with photography, videography, or digital marketing is a plus
It is our hope that, following the program, you progress into other positively impactful roles at Sparks, in education, or wherever fulfills your desire for adventure and growth.
Assistant Program Directors (APDs)
As an Assistant Program Director your role will be to support the Program Leader and Associate Program Leader roles in day-to-day operations and logistics.
Your duties will be similar to a Program Leader with the major difference being scope. A Program Leader is responsible for their specific group while an APD is responsible for the entire camp.
Contact us for more information on this role.
Program Directors
The ideal Program Director is a highly qualified individual that fits our culture and has a track record of managing successful programs.
Contact us to learn more about this role.