Stonebridge Country Club

Aurora, IL


Director of Racquet Sports

ABOUT THE CLUB

Aurora, IL | Tucked away among fast disappearing cornfields and expanding country roads in the western suburbs of Chicago is a quiet escape from the busy world - Stonebridge Country Club. This 168 acre picturesque location features rolling terrain with woods that include mature oak trees and sparkling lakes and streams. At Stonebridge, you will find one of the most breathtaking settings in the Midwest as a backdrop to our championship golf course designed by famed architect Tom Fazio, clubhouse, pool, and racquet amenities.

Built in 1989, the club has six Har-Tru clay tennis courts and one asphalt pickle ball court. Two of the six tennis courts were renovated recently with the HydroGrid irrigation system and are commonly referred to as the best conditioned courts in the western suburbs.

Throughout the racquet season, members enjoy a full schedule of tennis and pickle ball tournaments, mixers, and social events ranging from club championship tournaments for individuals and doubles to the annual Davis Cup. Social events such as Margarita Mixers have become a monthly club tradition in which members enjoy.

Stonebridge received national attention as it hosted both the PGA Ameritech Senior Open from 1991-1995, and the LPGA Kellogg-Keebler Classic from 2002-2004. Among the past winners of these events were Hale Irwin, George Archer, Annika Sorenstam and Karrie Webb. Stonebridge was also the host of the 2021 Illinois Open.

Mission Statement - We are a dedicated team employing creativity, accountability, and financial discipline to provide our members with a pristine golf course, outstanding amenities, and a warm, hospitable community.

For more information, please click HERE.

OPERATIONS BY THE NUMBERS

    • 18-hole golf course with a full-service clubhouse, pool complex, and racquet complex

    • 353 total members - Average age of membership is 54 years

    • Golf Initiation Fee - $20,000, Tennis $3,000

    • Annual Dues for full golf membership - $10,400, tennis membership - $3,500



  • Annual Racquet Lesson Income - $15,000

  • Annual Member Racquet Events - 10

  • Annual Racquet Shop Merchandise Sales - $1,000

  • Racquet Shop - 350 sq. feet


RECENT/FUTURE IMPROVEMENTS

Recent - New furnishings in the Racquet Shop; Courts 1 & 2 Renovated with the Hydo-Grid system in 2014; asphalt Pickleball courts installed in 2015.

Future - The Club is in the middle of a comprehensive Strategic Planning process that includes a Facility Master Plan that will be brought to membership vote in 2023.


POSITION OVERVIEW

Reports To: General Manager


Stonebridge Country Club, located in Aurora Illinois is searching for a leader who has an engaging personality and collaborative management style to serve as Director of Racquet Sports. He/she will report to the General Manager and will continue to elevate the service standards and uphold the reputation of the club. The Director of Racquet Sports will oversee the entire racquet operation, have financial and merchandising acumen, and will have a proven record of excellent staff development. He/she will formulate respectful relationships with all department heads and communicate with the General Manager daily on court conditions and programming. The Director of Racquet Sports will also understand the seasonality and demands of the Illinois market.


It is anticipated that the new hire will start on or after February 1, 2023.


ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

  • Actively develops and promotes the racquet activities of the Club including but not limited to all member tournaments, social events, ladders, and inter-club matches.

  • Plays tennis and pickleball with members as an accommodation if available and requested.

  • Coordinates maintenance, repair, and cleaning of courts with grounds and maintenance departments. Inspects and maintains all physical areas of racquet facility.

  • Assist in the development of the annual Tennis Operations budget.

  • Meet or exceed annual Tennis Operations budget requirements.

  • Selects, trains, supervises, and evaluates the Assistant Racquet Professionals and other racquet team members. Ensures that all racquet employees consistently comply with club’s employee manual and with all applicable federal and state employment laws.

  • Acts as the coach for inter-club teams. Determines placement of members on skill level appropriate teams. Develops team drills, provides input for line-ups, attends and provides feedback on team play for home matches.

  • Monitors the conduct of racquet players (including the dress code), verifies all guests have been properly registered, and all players have racquet privileges as detailed in Club Rules & Regulations.

  • Ensures all members and guests receive courteous, prompt, and professional attention to all their racquet needs.

  • Conducts a comprehensive Junior Development Program, encourage junior play, and endeavors to develop competitive players.

  • Develops a detailed annual calendar of racquet activities and applicable promotional campaigns for the racquet season.

  • Writes and edits all racquet-related news for club communications (includes photos when possible).

  • Manages the Racquet Shop. Establishes and implements an inventory control system and conducts in-season inventory counts.

  • Coordinates and oversees the organization and operation of the Racquet Shop and the display of apparel and equipment The Racquet Shop is open from the first weekend in May through the last weekend in September.

  • Assists Food and Beverage Director to coordinate food and beverage services for racquet events.

  • Provides leadership as a key member of the Stonebridge Tennis Committee and runs monthly meetings of the Tennis Committee.

  • Conducts orientation programs for new members.

  • Implements and supports all company initiatives and programs as requested by management.

  • Attends all staff meetings as established by the General Manager. Works closely with the entire staff at the club.


The Director of Racquet Sports is expected to manage their time at the Club during the racquet season to maximize the racquet experience, while also paying attention to their personal life, and realize the importance of both.


Requirements/Attributes

  • USTPA Certified.

  • College degree preferred.

  • Private club experience required.

  • Minimum of 5 Years teaching experience is preferred.

  • Motivated promoter of racquet programming with an enthusiasm to generate utlization on the courts whether for lessons, drills, tournaments, events, or other programs.

  • Knowledge and experience with private country club operations, financial practices, and budget management.

  • A proven leader, mentor and team builder.

  • Merchandising experience and track record of success.

  • Ability to increase member and guest service and experience levels and lead the tennis operation to success in this area.

  • Ability to communicate effectively, efficiently and often with members, staff, General Manager.

  • A willing collaborator who will work to enhance the image of the Club.


SALARY & BENEFIT DETAILS (per club policy)

  • Base Salary Range will be dependent upon experience

      • Additional income will be received through 90% of lesson income, annual incentives, and a bonus program

  • Medical – Club pays percentage

  • Dental – Club pays percentage

  • Vision – Club pays percentage

  • Continuing Education Allowance

  • Travel and expenses related to education

  • Simple IRA with up to 3% match

  • Cell Phone Reimbursement


APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

  • The application deadline is January 31, 2023

  • Combine your cover letter, resume and any additional materials into one (1) PDF file and attach the document below. Please use the following file naming convention: "Last Name, First Name, Stonebridge Country Club"

  • When applying, your "Resume Materials" should include a cover letter addressed to Mr. Ryan Buckland, PGA General Manager

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION