DIRECTOR OF RACQUET SPORTS PROFILE - WEST SIDE TENNIS CLUB
FOREST HILLS, NY
THE DIRECTOR OF RACQUET SPORTS OPPORTUNITY AT WEST SIDE TENNIS CLUB
The West Side Tennis Club, one of the nation’s most prestigious racquet and social clubs, is seeking an experienced, strategic, and energetic leader to oversee its racquet department. This is a unique opportunity to shape programs across our world-class tennis, pickleball, and platform tennis facilities. The ideal candidate is goal-driven, deeply passionate about racquet sports, and thrives on creating exceptional member experiences. Highly visible and engaged, they will inspire their team, foster a vibrant club culture, and build lasting relationships with members and staff alike.
WEST SIDE TENNIS CLUB
Founded in 1892, the West Side Tennis Club (WSTC) is one of America’s most historic and iconic racquet clubs, known for hosting the US Open for over 60 years before its move to Flushing Meadows in 1978. Today, WSTC blends its rich tennis tradition with a vibrant, modern membership experience.
The Club offers 38 tennis courts across five surfaces (Grass, Red Clay, Har-Tru, Hard Court, and Synthetic Grass), 10 year-round bubbled courts, 3 platform tennis courts, 4 pickleball courts, and a fully stocked pro shop. Members enjoy a robust calendar of adult and junior programs, tournaments, summer camps, and social events, along with amenities including a heated Junior Olympic pool, fitness room, and indoor/outdoor dining.
WSTC is also home to the legendary Forest Hills Stadium, which has hosted music icons from The Beatles and Frank Sinatra to Paul Simon and Ed Sheeran, adding a unique cultural dimension to club life.
WEST SIDE TENNIS CLUB BY THE NUMBERS

• There are approximately: 900 members
• Initiation Fee: $15,000; Annual Dues: $13,000
• Approximate Gross Revenue: $10.5M
• The Club is organized as a 501(c)(7)
• Average age of members: 47
• The club uses Jonas for POS and accounting

Racquets Operation -

• $2.1M Annual Budget
• $700K in Gross Lesson Revenue
• $240K Annual Pro Shop Sales
• $900K in Gross Junior Program Revenue
• 6 Interclub Teams, 450+ Adults players, 100+ Active Junior players
• 10-12 Professionals in season

WEST SIDE TENNIS CLUB WEBSITE: www.thewestsidetennisclub.com
DIRECTOR OF RACQUET SPORTS – POSITION OVERVIEW
The DORS is a highly visible position requiring strong presence, leadership, and communication skills with Members and Staff alike. The DORS is expected to be a passionate leader of the organization, promoting racquets at the Club, and engaging the team to have a similar enthusiasm. Of extreme importance is the continued development and motivation of an effective and dedicated team, leading to increasing levels of membership satisfaction. The DORS will work directly with the General Manager, Club Captain, Racquets Committee, racquets staff, and all respective staff to ensure clear and consistent communications as it pertains to expectations, organization, budget management, services offered, and overall operation.

The DORS will be responsible for all Tennis, Platform Tennis and Pickleball operations, including the utilization of all facilities, oversight, and execution of its programs to deliver the best experience for both members and guests. He/She will be able to forecast, plan and manage all facets of the department including, instructional, staff mentorship and supervision, social and competitive programming, and of course, the highest level of member service.

The goal of the Racquets Program is to deliver a consistent member/guest experience that meets or exceeds expectations daily. The DORS will strive to maximize revenues through creative planning and strategies that increase sales while enhancing participation and the member experience.
TOP PRIORITIES OF THE NEW DIRECTOR OF RACQUETS

• Provide quality leadership and a positive, highly visible, and engaging style. A genuine, accessible, and approachable personality is essential to success. 
• Oversee top-flight racquets operations and programming, with exemplary service and connectivity to Members and Staff Members.
• Foster strong member relationships by playing tennis, platform tennis, and pickleball with all skill levels, offering limited instruction to encourage participation.
• Organize, schedule, and manage tournaments, interclub teams, clinics, round robins, social events, and other tennis, pickleball, and platform tennis-related activities to maximize members’ access to and enjoyment of the facilities.
• Create an annual calendar of events that includes events and activities for adults and juniors to include competitive, social, and instructional programming for all levels and racquet sports
• Responsible for the development of racquets annual operating and capital budgets, meeting and/or exceeding financial targets for the racquet’s programs, reviewing financial reports, proactively managing trending projections, and preparing necessary and proper analysis.  
• Develop and implement a teaching philosophy that incorporates standardized teaching methodologies as appropriate.

• Continue and enhance a high-level and respected junior instructional program that meets the demand of all juniors. The Program will include social and competitive activities and be comprehensive, creative, and innovative for all levels. Proficient in the understanding of the “USTA’s 10 and Under” protocol.
• Manage racquet merchandise and retail operation, including tennis, platform tennis, and pickleball merchandise. Regular interaction with members to gauge their expectations and satisfaction with the pro shop’s offerings.
• Oversee department POS operations to ensure accurate billing and accurate sales/activity reports.
• Attend all Executive Staff, Racquets Committee, and some sub-committee meetings. Responsible for drafting the Committee agendas in coordination with the General Manager and respective Committee Chair.
• Work in tandem with the Club’s Director of Grounds.
• Oversee preparation of weekly promotional items and event results for the website, social media platforms, and e-blasts.

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS

• 5-8 years of progressive leadership and racquets management experience, preferably in a private member-owned club with multi-dimensional operations, or leading racquets operations outside of the club industry in a similar hospitality operation.
• A head professional or first assistant at an extremely successful club and racquets program will be considered with appropriate experience and mentorship.
• A strong and passionate leader with a proven track record of providing premier services in a dynamic, preferably multiple racquets sport, large membership environment.
• A proven track record in all racquet player and program development.
• Verifiable strength in strategic planning and working closely with boards, committees, and other key contributors to develop, execute, and update strategies for success.
• A verifiable motivator and leader who can bring out the best in others by setting clear goals and expectations, holding them accountable for outcomes, by providing consistent feedback, support and through respectful interaction and professionalism.
• Someone with a history of innovation, and a champion of new ideas and initiatives, looking to consistently improve member experiences and operational efficiency.
• A history of involvement with their professional organizations, including the PTR, RSPA, USTA, to ensure keen knowledge of current trends, best practices, and new innovations, along with a strong network of resources.
• Provide organizational and structural support to the various Racquets teams and leagues.
• Of equal importance are exemplary two-way communication (both written and verbal) and interpersonal skills. The candidate must possess a proven ability to attract, hire, develop, and lead a high-performing team of professionals while setting standards of performance appropriate to perpetuating the traditions and values of WSTC.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATION QUALIFICATIONS

• College degree from a 4-year accredited university is preferred, or equivalent working experience in the racquet industry.
• Certified as a PPR or IPTPA, PPTR or PPTA, and PTR or USPTA Elite professional is a requirement. Ideally the candidate is certified in all three sports or is progressing on this path.
• Knowledge of court maintenance including har-tru, clay, grass, hard, and platform courts preferred.

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.

You should apply for this role as soon as possible but no later than Tuesday, September 20, 2025. Candidate selections will occur in October 2025. The new candidate should assume his/her role commences in November/December of 2025.