Ironwood Country Club is hiring: Director of Racquet Sports in Palm Desert

Overview

Ironwood is looking for a dynamic leader to join the team of passionate employees who follow the four pillars of success: Take care of Members, take care of each other, have fun, and be safe. The Director of Racquet Sports must be the catalyst to bring Members together through innovative programming and culture building.

Ironwood Country Club is a private country club founded in 1973. The Club’s racquets facilities consist of 9 hard tennis courts, 10 pickleball courts and 2 pop-tennis courts. The Club has a very active racquets program, with over thirty percent of families participating. Ironwood has over 750 active memberships.

In 2025 a Master Facilities Improvement Plan was approved by the Membership. The two-phase project timeline includes a remodel of the Bistro, bar, north golf course, and snack bar as phase one. Phase two will be implemented in the summer of 2026 and will include a remodel to the Racquets and Wellness center, the addition of a spa building, and an exercise pool. Phase two will include moving two tennis courts to center court, bringing the tennis court total to 8 courts.

Position Description

The Director of Racquet Sports is responsible for overseeing all aspects of our racquet programs with the goal of providing exceptional experience to all members and guests. Innovative programming, passion, commitment, and building camaraderie are the keys to success. Embracing all skill levels and timely communication & promotion is essential. The Director is responsible for recruitment & training of racquets staff, to include tennis professionals, game arrangers, reception staff, and maintenance.

Ironwood Country Club is a seasonal club with most activities taking place October through May. The summer months are much slower; however, we provide year-round activities for the Membership.

Responsibilities

1. Management of daily racquet operations from facilities to play.
2. Drive consistent improvement in racquets programs (game arranging, leagues, clinics, lessons, events and camps) for all ages & skill levels of members with corresponding programs for each on a regular basis.
3. Create and be innovative on developing new programs to bring about greater involvement in our racquet programs – tennis, pickleball, pop-tennis.
4. Participate actively in all Club-wide events to bring an element of our racquets program into each event with the goal being growth and exposure to all of our racquet programs.
5. Drive and improve overall financial health of the racquets programs by growing revenue consistently year over year and actively monitoring and controlling expenses.
6. Cultivate and actively communicate with members in a timely manner through all means available including in-person, email, website, appropriate social media, court booking system, print and phone.
7. Ensures the highest level of customer service and hospitality by overseeing or performing operational duties including maintenance of racquet facilities; answering phones; responding to voice mail and emails; taking reservations; timely & accurate billing of services; keeping racquets section of website current and up-to-date; monitoring & maintaining online court booking system; and conducting in-person new member orientations. Works closely with all departments of Ironwood Country Club to ensure the Racquets Department is fully engaged.
8. Manage & develop racquets staff by selecting and hiring qualified candidates of high character. Provide training, support and communication to staff. Create an effective schedule that meets member needs and the department’s budget.
9. Financial – oversee all billing for services, leagues and events. Monitor payroll for staff. Develop annual budget in conjunction with General Manager and CFO. Monitor and provide reports on actual performance versus budget. Oversee annual purchases of required equipment and supplies in line with annual budget.
10. Outgoing personality and warmth to make everyone feel welcome with presence and being accessible to membership and fellow staff.
11. Ability to generate and maintain high level of respect through ongoing positive interaction and communication with members, staff and colleagues.

Qualifications

Required Certifications: USPTA Certification in Tennis

1. A minimum of three years as Director of Racquets Sports, Head Tennis Professional or First Assistant at a high-end, country club or tennis club is desired where success in all facets of operations, tennis and pickleball programs and participation is evident.
2. A career path marked with stability, educational growth with USPTA and a logical progression of title and responsibility.

Reports to: General Manager/CEO

Works closely with: Racquet & Wellness Chair and Committee, CFO, Food & Beverage Service Director, Membership and Communications Director, Front Office and Maintenance Department. Effective, proactive and timely communication will be essential to the success of this position and the growth of racquet sports at Ironwood Country Club.

Portfolio

Candidates invited for in-person interviews will be requested to provide a work portfolio. The portfolio should cover the following:

• League management and development
• Drills/clinics/game arranging
• Lesson style/format
• Programming for adult, junior & family – tournament, events, camps, lessons, etc.
• Trends & innovations in racquet sports – how have these been incorporated at your current location and how they might be incorporated at Ironwood Country Club.
• Given the facilities of Ironwood Country Club, how would you grow member involvement in racquet sports in relation to adults, juniors, families, and beginners of all ages.
• What other services/offerings would you propose Ironwood Country Club consider offering.

Compensation and Benefits

A competitive compensation and benefit package will be presented to the ideal candidate. Salary range $80,000-$100,000. Other compensation and benefits include annual bonus, lesson income, racquet stringing income, medical benefits, and 401K match.

Cover letter & resume should be directed to HR at hr@icc.club.

Deadline for submitting cover letter & resume is September 12, 2025.

Ideally position start date would be October 15, 2025.

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