Position Overview

The Director of Racquets is the senior leader responsible for the strategic direction, daily operation, and long-term success of all racquet sports and croquet at Piping Rock Club. Reporting to the General Manager and the Chairman of the Racquets Committees, the Director will oversee programming, staffing, facilities, events, and the overall member experience across tennis, squash, paddle, and croquet.

The Director is expected to be a highly visible presence, engaging members on and off the courts while setting a tone of professionalism, sportsmanship, and excellence. While competitive play is encouraged, Piping Rock places the highest value on integrity, humility, and positive conduct, and the Director is expected to model and reinforce these values.

 This position includes the operation of the Racquets Pro Shop, as well as oversight of the member fitness facilities located within the Racquets building.

RESPONSIBILITIES:    

Leadership and Culture

• Serve as the leader and ambassador of racquet sports at Piping Rock Club, fostering a culture of sportsmanship, respect, and excellence.
• Lead and manage all direct reports, including all racquet professionals, Head Tennis Pro, Head Squash Pro, Head Paddle Pro, Croquet Pro, Tennis Shop Manager, and Tennis Porter.
• Maintain strong working relationships with Club leadership, Committees, and fellow Department Heads.
• Represent the club professionally at local, regional, and national racquet sports events as approved.
• Maintain a close working relationship with other club professionals.

 Programming & Member Engagement

• Design, implement, and oversee instructional, competitive, social, junior, and adult programs across all racquet disciplines.
• Provide private lessons, clinics, and exhibitions for members and children.
• Organize, administer, and officiate tournaments, Tennis and Paddle leagues, inter-club matches, ladders, exhibitions, and social events.
• Develop a detailed annual calendar of racquet activities in coordination with committee chairs, General Manager, and other head professionals.
• Coordinate junior ladders and inter-club junior matches in tennis and squash.
• Work closely with the Junior Activities Committee and other professionals to assist with the Club’s summer Sports Group camp.
• Promote participation through thoughtful scheduling, communications, and member outreach.

 Department Management & Communication

• In concert with applicable committees, arrange for timely and accurate communication with members, including drafting and distributing racquet sports-related news for the club’s newsletter and weekly racquets email.
• Maintain statistics of court usage, participation, and other metrics to help advance the racquet sports program.
• Actively participate in the budgeting process and maintain proper financials for the racquets department and Racquet Pro Shop.
• Ensuring that prizes for all tournaments and events are purchased and that trophies and wall plaques are updated.
• Participate in meetings of the Men’s and Ladies Tennis, Squash, Croquet, and Paddle Tennis Committees regularly.
• Work with Food and Beverage management staff to coordinate food and beverage service support for racquet events.  Maintain communication with the Director of Events regarding changes and counts.

 Facilities & Operations

• Conduct daily inspections of courts and racquet facilities to ensure proper maintenance, grooming, and safety. Report on all areas needing attention from the appropriate department head.
• Coordinate with Grounds and Facilities Maintenance team on daily needs and long-term improvements.
• Oversee the general condition, cleanliness, and presentation of the racquets building and surrounding areas.
• Manage court assignments and enforce club policies regarding attire, behavior, and guest play.

 Staff Management

• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, evaluate, and lead all teaching professionals and shop staff, in partnership with the human resources department.
• Ensure adequate professional staff meets member demands across all sports for both the summer and winter seasons.
• Foster teamwork, accountability, and consistent service standards among staff.
• Ensure that all employees and contract professionals consistently comply with the club’s standards and rules of conduct.

Tennis Shop Management

• Operate the Racquets Pro Shop, with input from the Racquets Committee.
• Manage inventory, merchandising, equipment services, and vendor relationships in accordance with the club's tennis white attire rules.
• Oversee all shop financials, billing, and point-of-sale system.
• Ensure that an accurate count and valuation of all inventory items is performed monthly.
• Continuously seek efficiencies and improvements in retail operations and member service.

 Fitness Oversight

• Oversee the operation and maintenance of equipment in the fitness center located within the Racquet facility.
• Manage and enforce the club's personal trainer policies.

 Administration and Communication

• Maintain the junior tennis program, including summer and winter practices as appropriate.  Maintain both the tennis and squash junior "ladders" by facilitating individual junior ladder matches and arranging club matches with local clubs throughout the summer.
• Manage court assignments and adherence to club policy related to behavior and attire.
• Enforce Club rules and policies regarding racquet participation (attire, guests, and children's behavior) and require assistant professionals and shop staff to enforce the rules.

 Qualifications

• Elite or Master Professional certification in Tennis, or Level III (or higher) Squash Coaching Certification.
• Minimum of five years’ experience in high-level racquet instruction and tournament organization; senior club leadership experience is strongly preferred.
• Experience managing or operating a retail pro shop or similar business.

 Salary and Benefits

• Salary is open and commensurate with qualifications, along with lessons, clinics, and tennis shop commissions.
• The Club offers an excellent benefits package, including association dues.