Governors Club | Chapel Hill, NC
Governors Club is seeking an experienced, engaging, and service-driven professional to lead our racquets program as the Director of Racquets (Tennis & Pickleball).
This is not a traditional “lesson-based” role.
This is a high-visibility leadership position focused on creating a vibrant, inclusive, and highly engaging racquets culture for members of all ages and abilities.
Located within a premier gated community in Chapel Hill, Governors Club is recognized as both a Platinum Club of America and a Distinguished Club of the World—honors reserved for the top private clubs globally. The Club features a comprehensive racquets facility, including six Har-Tru courts, two hard courts, and four pickleball courts, supporting a highly active and engaged membership.
This position offers a unique opportunity to build upon a long-standing, successful program while evolving it to meet the future of racquet sports, including the continued growth of pickleball and youth development.
Position Overview
The Director of Racquets is responsible for the overall leadership, programming, and daily operation of all tennis and pickleball activities at the Club.
This individual will be relationship-driven and actively engaged with the membership—balancing leadership responsibilities with on-court presence to support visibility and connection.
The Director of Racquets serves as the face and ambassador of racquet sports at Governors Club, both within the membership and in the broader community.
The role reports directly to the General Manager/COO and collaborates closely with Club leadership and committees to align racquets programming with the Club’s overall strategic goals and member engagement priorities.
Key Responsibilities:
Programming & Member Experience
- Develop and execute a comprehensive year-round racquets calendar, including:
- Social events and mixers
- Leagues and interclub play
- Tournaments and exhibitions
- Beginner through advanced clinics
- Create an inclusive environment that engages players of all skill levels and backgrounds
- Build strong relationships with members and actively drive participation
- Balance social, instructional, and competitive programming to meet the needs of the membership
Tennis & Pickleball Leadership
- Lead both tennis and pickleball programming with equal energy and focus
- Grow pickleball participation while maintaining a strong, traditional tennis foundation
- Deliver private lessons, clinics, and group instruction
Youth Development (Key Priority)
- Build and expand junior programming, including:
- Clinics and after-school programs
- Summer camps and seasonal offerings
- Create a pipeline that supports long-term member family engagement
Operations & Facility Management
- Oversee daily court scheduling, usage, and policies
- Maintain exceptional court conditions, including:
- Har-Tru court knowledge
- HydroCourt systems and maintenance practices
- Coordinate with Grounds and Facilities teams on court upkeep
- Ensure all racquet areas are clean, safe, and professionally presented
Staff Leadership
- Recruit, train, and lead racquets staff
- Foster a positive, energetic, and service-focused team culture
- Provide clear direction and accountability for programming and service standards
Retail & Financial Oversight
- Manage racquets shop operations, merchandising, and inventory
- Develop and manage departmental budgets
- Track participation, lesson revenue, and overall program performance to guide continuous improvement
Communication, Promotion & Industry Engagement
- Promote racquet activities by coordinating with the Club’s Communication and Marketing Manager to communicate events and social channel opportunities
- Maintain consistent, engaging communication with membership
- Capture and share the energy of the program through photos and storytelling
- Represent Governors Club within the racquets community and remain engaged with industry trends, organizations, and professional development opportunities
What We’re Looking For
- Highly engaging, relationship-driven personality
- Strong presence on the courts and with members
- Passion for both tennis and pickleball
- Ability to connect with a wide range of players—from beginners to experienced players
- Creative thinker who can build energy through programming and events
- Hands-on leader who leads by example
Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in a leadership role within a private club or racquets facility
- Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Business, Recreation, or related field preferred. RSPA (formerly USPTA) and/or PTR certification strongly recommended. An equivalent combination of education, certification, and experience will be considered
- Experience with Har-Tru and/or HydroCourt systems strongly preferred
- Proven ability to grow participation and member engagement
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive base salary + lesson/program revenue opportunities
- Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Paid Time Off and Holidays
- 401(k) with Club match
- Golf and Tennis privileges (based on business levels)
- Will support certification in clay court maintenance if needed
- Complimentary staff meals
- Continuing education opportunities
- Relocation expenses available
Schedule
- Full-time, flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and events
- Schedule will align with programming needs and member usage patterns
Opportunity and Impact
This is an opportunity to:
- Build on a strong, established racquets program
- Shape the future of tennis and pickleball at a premier private club
- Lead a viable and engaged member-facing department
- Make a lasting impact on member experience and club culture
About Governors Club
Governors Club was founded by Truby Proctor in 1988 and is considered one of the finest private country clubs in North Carolina. Our 27 holes of Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf provide an exquisite backdrop for our Clubhouse. The first two nine-hole courses, the Lakes, at the lower end of the property and with a more typical North Carolina “Sandhills” feel, and the Foothills, featuring elevation changes as it runs up Edwards Ridge opened in 1990. Four years later, a third course, “The Mountain,” literally completed the journey, taking players up to a 27th hole offering a spectacular view. The 42,000-sq. ft. Clubhouse was completed in 1995 and serves as the social center of the community. The 12,000-sq. ft. Wellness and Recreation Center was completed in 1997 – the same year Governors Club Members acquired the Club and its facilities from the developer.
Governors Club has continued to be a Distinguished Club of the World, ranked in the top 5 percent of high- performing clubs in the world per BoardRoom Magazine's global list. Governors Club has also been recognized as a Platinum Club of America – a distinction only awarded to the top 150 country clubs in the U.S.
The Club is currently governed by a Board of Directors and supported by various committees, which are responsible for setting policy. A professional management team manages daily operations of the Club and oversees a staff of more than 100 employees. The Club operates independently from the Governors Club Property Owners Association, which handles the affairs of the gated community, such as roads, signs and gate house.
Our Vision:
Governors Club is committed to a culture of excellence that stands apart from other private clubs through delivery of exceptional experiences.
Our Mission:
Governors Club will provide an exceptional experience for desired recreational and social amenities in an environment that encourages the foundation of enduring friendships.