Pickleball Center Director at Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges Inc – Hamburg, New Jersey

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Pickleball Center Director provides operational oversight and strategic leadership, including planning, development, and daily management of Pickleball center program. The program serves participants across all age groups and skill levels. This role will ensure the delivery of high-quality, engaging, and inclusive programming that promotes skill development, sportsmanship and community engagement, while prioritizing participant and staff safety, fair play and the YMCA’s mission and core values.

Essential Functions:

• Provide operational oversight and strategic leadership, implement, and manage day-to-day operations of Pickleball Center programming, including supervision of staff, scheduling open play, leagues, tournaments, instructional clinics and social events, tailored to the skills, interests, and developmental needs of various age groups, follow and ensure implementation of the USA Pickleball and YMCA rules and guidelines.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive program strategy that expands participation, supports member engagement, and addresses the needs of diverse age groups and skill levels while maintaining high-quality program delivery.
• Develop, manage, and monitor program budget to ensure responsible stewardship of resources, including forecasting revenue and expenses, approving program related expenditures, and implementing cost controls to maintain financial sustainability and alignment with organizational goals.
• Develop and direct the planning, coordination and oversight court utilization and schedules, reservations, classes, and activities within the designated Pickleball management system to ensure efficient, equitable court usage, including quality programming.
• Analyze participation data, program outcomes, and facility usage trends to inform decision-making, improve program effectiveness and support strategic growth of Pickleball offerings.
• Ensure all scheduling software and reservation systems are reviewed, and updated daily.
• Oversee facility and equipment, including inventory control, preventative maintenance, and capital planning recommendation to support long-term program sustainability.
• Lead marketing and outreach efforts in partnership with marketing and communications staff to actively promote Pickleball programs and events through multiple communication channels, including membership e-blasts, activity guides, social media, digital displays, email communications, and facility postings.
• Drive member engagement and retention strategies by fostering a welcoming, inclusive environment that reflects YMCA core values and promotes positive sportsmanship and community connection.
• Recruit, hire, train, develop, schedule and direct employees and volunteers as needed to ensure quality programing. Provide guidance, instruction, and leadership to staff and volunteers.
• Develop departmental goals, performance metrics, and operating plans ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and measurable outcomes. Review and evaluate staff performance. Develop strategies to motivate staff and achieve goals. ?
• Model leadership in YMCA fund raising activities and special events.
• Model relationship-building skills (including Listen First) in all interactions. Respond to all member and community inquiries and complaints in timely manner.
• Exercise sound judgement, and adapts best practices to enhance the member and staff experience.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Recreation Management, Sports Management, Business Administration, Physical Education or related field preferred, or equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible professional experience in a combination of recreation, sports programming, and/or facility management.
• Minimum of five (5) years progressive, professional experience in recreation, sports programming and facility operations, including managing programs, leagues, tournaments, or sports-related activities.
• Minimum of three year’s supervisory or leadership experience, including recruiting, developing and managing staff and/or volunteers in program and facility based environment.
• Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR) or International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association (IPTPA) certification required or the ability to obtain certification within an established timeframe.
• Minimum 4.0+ Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) required to demonstrate advanced playing proficiency and credibility in program leadership.
• Demonstrated knowledge of age-appropriate program development, sports instruction, and positive behavior management techniques across diverse participant Strong proficiency with computer systems and technology, including standard business software (Microsoft Office suite or equivalent) and experience with scheduling, reservation and program management systems.
• Must have strong interpersonal, public relations and communications skills, including the ability to make presentations.
• Demonstrated financial management skills including experience with budget development, financial monitoring and program revenue and expense management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong organizational, time management and project coordination abilities. Completion of YMCA Team Leader certification within 3 years.
• Demonstrated ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community. Ability to establish and maintain collaborations with community organizations.
• Current CPR, First-Aid and AED Certifications.

Benefits:

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, which includes medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage. We also offer generous paid time off (PTO), paid sick leave, paid holidays, a legal plan, long-term disability, life insurance, 12% retirement benefits upon eligibility, a 403 (b) plan, an employee assistance program, professional development opportunities, Metro Y program discounts, and complimentary use of YMCA facilities. Full-time employees may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.