Director of Racquets

ProTennisJobs.com; Norwalk (CT); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

The Shore and Country Club in Norwalk, CT seeks an experienced Director of Racquets to lead its tennis and pickleball programs. This leadership role emphasizes high-quality instruction, programming, and member engagement across all ages and abilities.

You will manage a team of racquets professionals, set strategic direction, and collaborate with the General Manager to grow the program and drive member satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of progressive experience in tennis or racquets operations, instruction, programming, or management.
• Proven leadership of tennis and pickleball programs in a service-oriented environment.
• Experience developing instructional programs, junior development initiatives, and member engagement opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Lead racquets department strategy and service standards.
• Recruit, train, and supervise racquets staff and volunteers.
• Plan staffing, scheduling, and programming to ensure coverage for lessons and events.
• Oversee tennis and pickleball operations, junior development, and social activities.
• Coordinate with facilities and F&B to support racquets events.
• Develop annual calendar and manage department budget and revenues.

Skills

Leadership

Staff development

Budgeting

Program development

Member engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education or Sports Management

Job description

Director of Racquets Club in Norwalk, Connecticut is looking for a Director of Racquets.

Position Overview

The Shore and Country Club is seeking an experienced, enthusiastic, and engaging Director of Racquets to lead and further elevate its tennis and pickleball programs. This exciting leadership opportunity offers the chance to build upon an established program, introduce fresh ideas, strengthen member engagement, and create memorable experiences for players of all ages and abilities.

Position Summary

The Director of Racquets (DOR) is responsible for the leadership, management, and overall success of the Club’s tennis and pickleball programs. This position requires a highly visible, organized, and engaging professional who can balance exceptional instruction and programming with effective departmental leadership, financial management, staff development, and member service.

The Director will lead a team of racquets professionals and support staff, establishing clear expectations, maintaining accountability, and creating a positive and collaborative working environment. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to anticipate operational needs, plan proactively, communicate effectively, and ensure that all aspects of the Racquets Department operate efficiently and consistently.

The Director is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive Racquets program that serves members of all ages, abilities, and levels of involvement. This includes private and group instruction, junior development, competitive play, social programming, tournaments, and opportunities to introduce new members and families to tennis and pickleball.

As a member of the Club’s management team, the Director will work closely with the General Manager, Racquets Committee, and other department heads to establish priorities, evaluate opportunities, and develop strategies that support the continued growth and success of the program.

Reports To: General Manager Supervises: Assistant Tennis Professionals, Tennis Maintenance Assistant, The Shop Attendant, and other assigned Racquets personnel. Position Type: Seasonal (Mid-March to End of October) Anticipated Start Date: March 15th, 2027

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Club leadership in establishing the direction, service standards, and overall goals of the Racquets Department.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and retain racquets professionals and support staff, establishing clear expectations, maintaining consistent communication, and supporting ongoing development.
• Proactively plan and coordinate departmental operations, anticipating staffing, scheduling, and programming needs to ensure appropriate coverage for lessons, clinics, events, and daily activities.
• Oversee all tennis and pickleball operations, maintaining exceptional service standards while continuing to strengthen junior development, instructional programs, and social activities.
• Organize, administer, and officiate tournaments, exhibitions, and inter- and intra-club social and competitive events.
• Develop and manage a detailed annual calendar of racquets activities, events, and promotional initiatives.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets, monitor labor costs, operating expenses, and program revenues, and provide financial reporting and analysis to Club management.
• Maintain accurate records of lesson, clinic, program, and event revenues, coordinating with Accounting to ensure timely billing, month-end reconciliation, and reporting.
• Manage aspects of the pro shop, including racquet stringing, minor equipment repairs, and the accurate transfer of charges to Accounting.
• Collaborate with the Food & Beverage Team to coordinate service and support for racquets events.
• Coordinate with Facilities Management to ensure the proper maintenance and upkeep of racquets courts, equipment, and related facilities.
• Establish and enforce safety protocols and operational guidelines, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and Club policies.
• Attend Racquets Committee meetings, sharing updates, listening to concerns, and providing recommendations to enhance programming and the member experience.
• Participate in Senior Management meetings and contribute to Club-wide initiatives and operational improvements.
• Prepare racquets-related news, program updates, and promotional content for the Club’s newsletter and member communications.
• Perform other appropriate assignments as directed by the General Manager.

Core Competencies

• Leadership & Team Development: Inspires, mentors, and develops a high-performing team while fostering accountability, collaboration, and a positive work environment.
• Visible Leadership & Professionalism: Maintains an active, approachable, and engaging presence among members and staff, demonstrating enthusiasm, integrity, and the Club’s standards of service and excellence.
• Member Service & Hospitality: Committed to exceptional member experiences through personalized service, attention to detail, and meaningful relationships.
• Racquets Programming & Innovation: Brings creativity and strategic thinking in developing engaging tennis and pickleball programs that appeal to all ages and abilities.
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Communicates clearly, listens actively, and effectively engages with members, staff, and Club leadership.
• Operational & Financial Management: Demonstrates strong administrative skills and business acumen in budgeting, labor management, resource allocation, and departmental oversight.
• Proactive Planning & Organization: Anticipates departmental needs, prioritizes effectively, and maintains an organized, efficient operation.
• Collaboration & Relationship Building: Works effectively across departments, navigates differing perspectives, and builds consensus to achieve shared goals.
• Adaptability & Problem-Solving: Exercises sound judgment, flexibility, and initiative in resolving challenges and identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Professionalism & Integrity: Demonstrates accountability, discretion, respectful interaction, and a commitment to upholding the Club’s traditions and values.

Qualifications & Experience

• A minimum of five years of progressive experience in tennis or racquets operations, instruction, programming, or management, with demonstrated supervisory and leadership responsibilities.
• Proven experience leading tennis and pickleball programs, preferably in a private club or similarly service-oriented environment.
• Demonstrated success in developing instructional programs, junior development initiatives, competitive activities, social events, and member engagement opportunities.
• Demonstrated ability to recruit, develop, and lead racquets professionals while setting expectations and maintaining accountability.
• Experience working collaboratively with boards, committees, and Club leadership to develop and implement departmental strategies.
• Strong teaching and programming background, with working knowledge of racquets-related technology, reservation systems, and club management software.
• Knowledge of racquets facility operations and court maintenance, including Har-Tru and hard courts.
• Competitive playing background preferred, with collegiate tennis experience considered an asset.
• A bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, Sports Management, or a related field is desirable.
• Professional certification through USPTA, PTR, PPR, or a comparable organization; advanced certifications or a Certified Director of Racquet Sports designation are preferred.

This position requires the ability to perform essential job functions with physical demands, including standing, walking, reaching with hands and arms, stooping, talking, hearing, and the ability to lift 50 or more pounds.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary Range: $80,000 – $90,000 salary, commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• Additional earning potential through commissions on eligible lessons, clinics, and racquets programming, and bonus potential.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with discretionary employer match, subject to plan eligibility.
• Paid Time Off.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.