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Des Moines, IA
General Manager/COO
ABOUT WAKONDA CLUB
ABOUT WAKONDA CLUB
Des Moines, IA | Wakonda Club, founded in 1922, is a private, member-owned golf and country club located in the heart of Des Moines, Iowa. Known for its welcoming culture and genuine hospitality, Wakonda offers a premier club experience anchored by a beautifully maintained William Langford–designed 18-hole golf course, clay tennis courts, a multi-pool aquatics complex, and an active clubhouse that serves as the hub for dining and social engagement. The club prides itself on a professional, courteous staff and a community-driven atmosphere that values service, camaraderie, and tradition.
Guided by its mission to provide members and their families with Iowa’s premier country club experience, Wakonda blends outstanding golf, recreation, dining, and social offerings with memorable moments and heartfelt service. The clubhouse features newly renovated event spaces with flexible room configurations, complemented by a celebrated culinary program emphasizing locally sourced ingredients and house-made specialties. With breathtaking views, modern amenities, and a strong commitment to “The Wakonda Way,” the club continues to grow its legacy as a home away from home for its members.
CLUB DETAILS
CLUB DETAILS
Facility: Member Owned
Course Access: Private
Number of Holes: 18
Total Annual Rounds: 18,000
Total Revenue: $8 Million
Members: 430
Club Open: 12 Months
POSITION OVERVIEW
POSITION OVERVIEW
Title: General Manager/COO
Reports to: President of the Board of Directors
Supervises: All Staff
Position Description: Wakonda Club, an Iowa premier private country club, is looking to fill its General Manager/Chief Operating Officer position. The General Manager/Chief Operating Officer (GM/COO) is a passionate and dynamic leader who blends strategic vision with financial expertise and operational excellence. They are accountable for the club’s overall operations, inspiring team members to deliver consistently high standards of service, memorable experiences, and efficient operations. The GM/COO sets the tone for a culture of excellence, integrity, innovation, and financial responsibility. The GM/COO will report to the President of the Board of Directors and will regularly communicate openly with the President, Executive Committee, and the Board of Directors on significant issues.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Oversee all aspects of club operations, fostering a high level of standards and ensuring seamless execution across food and beverage, events, membership services, and amenities with careful planning for seasonal fluctuations in activity.
Manage budgeting, forecasting, and monthly financial reporting, implementing strategies that achieve revenue, profitability, and service goals.
Serve as the primary ambassador of Wakonda to members, guests, and the community, ensuring meaningful engagement and consistently exceptional experiences. Be highly visible and approachable throughout all areas of Wakonda.
Monitor performance metrics, guest feedback, and market trends to drive continuous improvement and innovation.
Foster a strong relationship with the President, Executive Board, Board of Directors, and Committees. Prioritize communication in all areas, especially financial and operational.
Assist the board and committees with proper governance, adherence to applicable by-laws, and club rules and regulations.
Assure auditors have all the required documents and information to complete our annual audit process.
Ensure all facilities are properly maintained, including a high level of cleanliness, proactive identification of facility issues, management of the capital expenditure plan, and that future projects are on budget.
Maintain and execute the Club’s capital and strategic plans and work with the Board of Directors to update as needed.
Maintain Wakonda Club’s best-in-class hospitality and operations, hosting the annual PGA Tour Champions’ Principal Charity Classic.
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
Including, but not limited to, the following:
Have a minimum of 5 years of experience in a private club, hospitality environment, or membership-driven organization of comparable size and scope. Leadership role in operations of a comparable size and scale, preferably.
Strong business acumen and financial literacy to manage Wakonda Club efficiently and profitably. Understanding of financial statements, budgeting, and forecasting.
Experience in capital planning, project execution, and managing simultaneous operations during ongoing projects.
Decision-making ability to assess situations, identify risks, and make confident, data-driven choices that lead to positive outcomes.
General knowledge of all operating areas of a private club, including food & beverage, racquet sports, golf, golf course maintenance, youth programming, etc.
A naturally high level of detail orientation to maintain and enhance the Wakonda Club’s amenities and facilities.
Proven history of innovation and increasing member usage.
Strong people-management skills, including the ability to set clear expectations, provide constructive feedback, and recognize staff achievements.
Education
Four-year college degree in Business Management or Hospitality Management, preferred
Professional Organization involvement
Desire to pursue professional enhancement and leadership training.
Enhanced PGA and/or CMAA Education Preferred (Master, Certified, or Specialized PGA, Certified Club Manager)
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The club will provide a compensation and benefits package commensurate with experience and qualifications. This includes but is not limited to:
Competitive Base Salary
Bonus Potential
401(k) Retirement Plan
Health Insurance
Paid Time Off
Vision Insurance
Dental Insurance
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
All applications MUST be submitted through the PGA of America's Career Services Department as described below.
Resume deadline is February 4, 2026, at 11:59 pm Eastern Time
Combine your cover letter, resume, references, and any supporting documents into one (1) PDF document with the following file naming convention: Last Name, First Name, Wakonda Club, General Manager/COO
Please address all correspondence to - Mrs. Melinda Ruperto | Search Chair | Wakonda Club
Kevin Drew, PGA, Ken Ferrell, PGA and Scott Kmiec are leading this search, please contact them with any questions.
Email: kdrew@pgahq.com
skmiec@pgahq.com
The employer does not wish to be contacted at this time
To serve as the most trusted professional resource for employers seeking experts to lead an organization in the golf and hospitality industry, and support their future success by serving as lifelong partners.
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