Position Overview
Starmount Forest Country Club seeks an accomplished and visionary racquet sports professional to serve as its next Director of Racquet Sports. This executive leadership position is responsible for the strategic direction, operational excellence, and continued growth of the Club's tennis and pickleball programs while delivering an exceptional member experience consistent with the traditions of a premier private club.
The Director serves as the ambassador for all racquet sports, providing inspirational leadership to staff, developing innovative programming, cultivating member relationships, and partnering with the General Manager and Board to advance the Club's long-term strategic vision.
The successful candidate will possess a passion for hospitality, an entrepreneurial mindset, strong business acumen, and a demonstrated history of building vibrant racquet sports communities.
Leadership Responsibilities
The Director of Racquet Sports is expected to:
- Establish a clear vision and strategic plan for the continued growth of the Club's tennis and pickleball programs.
- Create an inclusive, welcoming culture that encourages participation across all ages and ability levels.
- Build meaningful relationships with members and foster a highly engaged racquet sports community.
- Lead by example through visible, approachable, and service-focused leadership.
- Collaborate effectively with all Club departments to deliver seamless member experiences.
- Represent the Club professionally within the racquet sports industry and local community.
Operational Responsibilities
The Director is accountable for the overall management of all racquet sports operations, including:
Programming
- Develop comprehensive adult, junior, family, and competitive programming.
- Create signature events that enhance member engagement.
- Oversee leagues, tournaments, socials, camps, exhibitions, and special events.
- Evaluate programming through participation metrics and member feedback.
Instruction
- Deliver high-quality private and group instruction.
- Mentor and develop the teaching staff.
- Implement a consistent teaching philosophy across the department.
- Foster player development from beginner through advanced competitive levels.
Staff Leadership
- Recruit, hire, train, coach, and evaluate all racquet sports personnel.
- Create a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Conduct regular staff meetings and professional development initiatives.
- Develop succession planning within the department.
Financial Management
- Prepare and administer the annual operating budget.
- Monitor revenues and expenses while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
- Develop pricing strategies for instruction, programming, and retail.
- Identify opportunities for sustainable revenue growth without compromising member value.
Facilities
- Ensure courts, equipment, and surrounding amenities consistently reflect premier club standards.
- Coordinate preventive maintenance with the facilities team.
- Develop long-range capital improvement recommendations for racquet sports facilities.
Retail Operations
- Oversee merchandising and inventory management for the racquet sports shop.
- Curate premium retail offerings aligned with member interests.
- Manage vendor relationships and purchasing.
Member Engagement
- Personally welcome new members into the racquet sports community.
- Develop programs that encourage participation among beginners and experienced players alike.
- Maintain regular communication regarding programming and events.
- Resolve member concerns promptly and professionally.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate is:
- A visible and engaging club leader.
- An exceptional relationship builder.
- A strategic thinker with strong business acumen.
- Passionate about hospitality and member service.
- An innovative programmer who embraces emerging trends while respecting club traditions.
- A collaborative department head who contributes to the Club's overall success.
- An effective mentor capable of developing future professionals.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree preferred.
- Minimum of seven years of progressive racquet sports leadership experience.
- Previous experience directing racquet sports operations at a private club, resort, or high-end racquet facility.
- USPTA Elite Professional, PTR Professional, or equivalent certification.
- Pickleball teaching certification strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated success growing both tennis and pickleball participation.
- Experience managing multiple professionals and support staff.
- Strong financial management and budgeting experience.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Leadership Competencies
The successful Director will demonstrate:
- Visionary leadership
- Emotional intelligence
- Executive presence
- Member-first service philosophy
- Financial stewardship
- Strategic planning
- Team development
- Change management
- Operational excellence
- Professional integrity
- Collaborative leadership
Key Performance Indicators
Performance will be evaluated through measurable outcomes including:
Member Experience
- Member satisfaction scores
- Program participation growth
- Member retention within racquet sports
- New member engagement
Financial Performance
- Department revenue growth
- Budget performance
- Retail sales
- Lesson and programming revenue
Programming
- Growth in junior participation
- Adult league participation
- Pickleball program expansion
- Signature event success
Leadership
- Staff retention and development
- Employee engagement
- Professional development achievements
- Department culture
Facilities
- Court quality and presentation
- Equipment maintenance
- Safety compliance
- Operational efficiency
Compensation
Starmount Forest Country Club offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, including:
- Competitive base salary
- Teaching and programming income opportunities
- Performance incentive potential
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Retirement plan
- Professional association dues
- Continuing education support
- Paid vacation and holidays
The Opportunity
This is an opportunity to lead one of the region's premier racquet sports programs at a respected private country club with a growing commitment to both tennis and pickleball. The Director will have the support of Club leadership to innovate, expand programming, develop a high-performing team, and create exceptional experiences that strengthen member engagement for years to come.