About the Role
Job Title: Director of Racquets
Reports to: Director of Lifestyle + Wellness
Position Summary:
The Director of Racquets is responsible for providing visionary leadership, strategic planning, financial oversight, and daily management of Grand Harbor Golf & Beach Club's comprehensive racquet sports program. This executive-level position oversees all aspects of tennis, pickleball, racquet programming, instructional services, tournaments, member engagement, staffing, court maintenance, and special events.
Central to this role is creating an exceptional member experience by fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and engaging racquet culture for players of all ages and skill levels. The Director is expected to build meaningful relationships with members, anticipate their needs, develop innovative programming, encourage participation, and ensure every interaction reflects Grand Harbor's commitment to outstanding service and hospitality.
In addition to departmental leadership, the Director serves as Tournament Director for the annual Vero Beach International Tennis Open (VBITO), overseeing all planning, execution, financial management, sponsorship development, volunteer coordination, and operational logistics for one of the Club's signature events. The Director works collaboratively with Club leadership, tournament committees, governing organizations, sponsors, vendors, community partners, and volunteers to ensure the tournament continues to enhance the Club's reputation locally, nationally, and internationally.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Member Experience
Provide strategic direction and leadership for all racquet sports operations, including tennis, pickleball, instructional programming, tournaments, retail, and special events.Deliver an exceptional member experience by creating a welcoming, service-oriented environment that encourages participation, engagement, long-term member satisfaction, and a strong sense of community.Build meaningful relationships with members through visible daily interaction, court presence, communication, and personalized service.Develop, promote, and oversee a year-round calendar of programming including leagues, clinics, exhibitions, instructional programs, mixers, member tournaments, and events for all ages and skill levels.Promote inter-connectivity and cross-programming among golf, fitness, wellness, aquatics, and racquet sports to enhance the overall Club experience.Address member concerns promptly and professionally while continually evaluating programs to maximize participation, satisfaction, and member retention.Serve as management liaison to the Sports Committee, attend committee meetings, and recommend policy changes regarding programming, guest privileges, fees, court utilization, and operating procedures.Team Leadership & Operations
Recruit, hire, train, mentor, schedule, supervise, evaluate, and develop all racquets staff, including tennis and pickleball pros, Pro Shop personnel, court maintenance staff, admin staff, and seasonal employees.Foster a culture centered on hospitality, teamwork, accountability, professionalism, and improvement.Ensure compliance with Club policies, safety standards, employment practices, and risk management procedures.Supervise daily racquets operations, including court scheduling, instructional services, tournaments, leagues, retail operations, and member services.Conduct tennis and pickleball lessons, clinics, and instructional programs while maintaining an active presence on the courts with members.Interpret and enforce Club rules, racquet policies, and facility regulations fairly and consistently.Coordinate to maintain championship-quality courts and surrounding amenities.Oversee inventory, purchasing, merchandising, and retail sales for the Racquet Sports Pro Shop.Financial Management
Develop and manage the annual Racquets Department operating budget and capital improvement plans.Monitor financial performance through budgeting, reporting, key performance metrics, and benchmarking.Maintain accurate daily financial reporting, revenue tracking, reconciliations, and expense management.Oversee charges, collections, and financial controls for all racquet-related activities.Increase departmental revenue through programming, lessons, clinics, retail sales, tournaments, sponsorships, and special events.Vero Beach International Tennis Open (VBITO) Responsibilities:
Serve as Tournament Director for the annual Vero Beach International Tennis Open.Lead year-round strategic planning and execution of the tournament and special events.Develop and manage the tournament operating budget.Coordinate with the USTA, ITF, ATP/WTA (as applicable), officials, tournament representatives, and governing bodies.Recruit, train, and oversee tournament staff and volunteers.Work collaboratively with Grand Harbor leadership and tournament committees.Coordinate player hospitality, transportation, accommodations, schedules, and tournament operations.Oversee sponsorship fulfillment and work alongside the Club's Marketing Department on sponsor activation, branding, advertising, promotions, media relations, and community engagement.Coordinate vendor relationships, contracts, equipment, facilities, F&B operations, and event logistics.Ensure tournament courts, facilities, signage, and spectator areas meet professional event standards.Develop contingency and risk management plans for weather, emergencies, and operational challenges.Lead tournament operations throughout the event, ensuring an exceptional experience for all.Prepare post-event financial reports, operational reviews, and recommendations for improvement.Foster relationships with community organizations, sponsors, and partners to support the continued growth and prestige of VBITO.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Prior experience in all facets of racquets operations, including inventory and financial control; employee motivation and training; racquets instruction; tournament and event management; working knowledge of courts maintenance.Expertise in racquets rules and regulations and court maintenance.Excellent communication skills.Knowledge of marketing, financial management and retail operations.Ability to develop and maintain awareness of occupational hazards and safety precautions; skilled in following safety practices and recognizing hazards.Knowledge of and ability to perform required role during emergency situations.Ability to work under tight time constraints, handle sensitive data, and multi-task so that deadlines can be met.Highly organized and able to prioritize and manage time efficiently with the ability to handle stress in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Key Credentials and Experience:
Bachelor's degree in Sports Management, Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or a related field preferred.Minimum of 5 years of experience in a private club or resort environment.Current Racquet Sports Professionals Association (PTR, USTA, RSPA) Tennis Certification (Professional or Elite level preferred).Current Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR, RSPA, RPO) (Professional or Elite level preferred).Active member of the USTA.Tournament Director experience, preferably with ITF & USTA-sanctioned events (7–10 years preferred).Minimum 3–5 years of leadership experience as a Head Professional, Assistant Director, or Director of Racquet Sports.Strong working knowledge of racquet sports technology, club management software, court reservation systems, and Har-Tru clay court maintenance.Proven experience in staff leadership, member engagement, programming, budgeting, and event management.
EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
Salary is open and commensurate with qualifications and experience. The club offers an excellent bonus and benefits package, including association membership.
APPLY NOW
If you're ready to apply, we invite you to submit your resume and cover letter to employment@grandharbor.com. Please address your cover letter to Michael Gibson, General Manager/COO. Application Deadline: July 31, 2026.