The Merion Cricket Club is seeking an experienced Head Professional to provide day-to-day leadership for its padel, platform tennis, and pickleball programs. Reporting to the Director of Padel, Pickleball & Platform Tennis, this hands-on leader will combine an active on-court teaching presence with operational oversight of the department's teaching staff, programming, and events.
As the Director's key day-to-day leadership partner, the Head Professional will maintain teaching quality and consistency, guide and develop the assistant teaching staff, and manage the scheduling, clinics, leagues, and events that shape the member experience across all three sports. This is a genuine leadership role: the Head Professional will play a meaningful part in building and growing the department, not simply executing assignments handed down from above.
The Director retains overall responsibility for department vision and strategy, budget and resources, and major personnel decisions. Within that structure, the Head Professional is expected to bring initiative, sound judgment, and thoughtful recommendations on opportunities to strengthen participation and the member experience.
About the Club
Founded in 1865, The Merion Cricket Club is one of the premier private racquets facilities in the United States. Located approximately seven miles from Center City Philadelphia, the Club offers a world-class, multi-sport racquets experience for players of all ages and abilities.
Facility Courts
Grass Courts 15 courts on a five-acre Great Lawn
Clay & Hard Courts 11 Har-Tru courts, 1 outdoor hard court, and 4 indoor hard courts
Platform Tennis & Padel 4 platform tennis courts and 4 outdoor padel courts
Pickleball 4 outdoor and 4 indoor pickleball courts
Key Responsibilities
Instruction & Program Leadership
- Deliver high-quality private, semi-private, and group instruction across padel, platform tennis, and pickleball, maintaining a significant on-court teaching presence
- Develop and refine lesson plans and training programs that reflect current best practices in coaching methodology
- Design programming appropriate for players of all ages and skill levels, from first-time participants to competitive players
- Partner with the Director on program design, ensuring alignment with member needs and industry standards
Program & Department Development
- Identify opportunities for new clinics, leagues, ladders, social programming, and special events
- Use member feedback and participation trends to refine and evolve program offerings
- Develop seasonal programming calendars in coordination with the Director
- Develop introductory programming that welcomes new and existing members into padel, platform tennis, and pickleball
- Bring ideas and recommendations to the Director to support the ongoing growth of the department
Staff Leadership & Development
- Train, mentor, and provide day-to-day leadership to assistant teaching professionals across padel, platform tennis, and pickleball
- Oversee teaching quality and consistency across the assistant teaching staff
- Cultivate a positive, collaborative culture within the teaching team
- Share observations on staff performance and development opportunities with the Director
Programs, Leagues & Events
- Develop and manage the seasonal schedule for clinics, leagues, and special events, ensuring efficient use of courts and resources
- Lead the planning, promotion, and execution of tournaments, exhibitions, and special events, resolving operational issues as they arise
- Coordinate interclub and league team participation and coaching assignments
Member Engagement - Build strong, positive relationships with members and guests through attentive, high-quality service
- Ensure prompt, professional responses to member inquiries within 24 hours, personally addressing matters as needed
- Serve as a visible, approachable leader within the padel, platform tennis, and pickleball community
Facilities & Equipment
- Maintain oversight of court and equipment conditions through regular inspections, reporting maintenance needs to the Director
- Collaborate with the Director to coordinate repairs, upgrades, and facility improvements
Administration - Oversee scheduling, administrative logistics, and member-facing communications for day-to-day department operations
- Work closely with the Director and Club staff to ensure aligned goals and effective communication
- Bring ideas and recommendations to the Director regarding program growth, participation trends, and the member experience
- Provide input to the Director on departmental planning and resource needs
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Minimum of 3 years of professional teaching experience, including demonstrated leadership or head-professional experience at a private club, racquets facility, or academy
- Demonstrated teaching experience in at least two of the following: padel, platform tennis, and pickleball, with the ability and willingness to develop expertise in the third
- Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop a teaching staff
- Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
- A professional, member-focused approach to coaching, leadership, and service
- Comfort taking initiative and exercising sound judgment in day-to-day program decisions
Preferred Qualifications
- Professional teaching or playing experience across all three sports: padel, platform tennis, and pickleball
- Prior experience managing or supervising assistant teaching professionals
- Current certifications from recognized industry organizations, such as USPTA, PTR, PPR, PPTR, or equivalent
- Experience working in an upscale private-club environment
Physical & Schedule Requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, demonstrate movement, and coach actively on indoor and outdoor court surfaces for extended periods
- Ability to squat, bend, kneel, grasp, twist, reach overhead, and perform movements required for instruction and court preparation
- Ability to lift and move racquets, ball hoppers, nets, and other equipment weighing approximately 5–50 pounds
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
- Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and seasonal schedule variations
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing their multi-sport teaching and leadership experience directly to the Director of Padel, Pickleball & Platform Tennis.
Founded in 1865, The Merion Cricket Club located in scenic Haverford, Pennsylvania, is situated on Philadelphia’s Main Line, approximately 7 miles outside of Center City. It’s majestic and stately Frank Furness designed historic clubhouse overlooks a sea of green known as the “Great Lawn” which hosts year-round athletics and activities. The Club is known for its racquet sports including squash, tennis and paddle as well as the founding sport of cricket. Merion’s extensive facilities also include indoor tennis courts, a full-service fitness center, platform tennis courts, bowling lanes, men’s and women’s locker facilities and a Pro Shop.
Delivering a first-class dining experience to members and guests with an emphasis on superior food and service is of utmost importance at The Merion Cricket Club. Wedding receptions, corporate events and other special occasions are hosted in the distinctive setting of the private catering rooms in the Clubhouse.
The Merion Cricket Club is focused on being a pre-eminent family-oriented club meeting the multi-generational desires of our membership, including excellent dining, socializing, health and wellness opportunities and an array of athletic activities for all ages and skill levels highlighted by our nationally recognized tennis and squash programs.