Head Professional (Padel, Platform Tennis, Pickleball)

The Merion Cricket Club is seeking an experienced Head Professional to provide day-to-day leadership for its padel, platform tennis, and pickleball programs. Reporting to the Director of Padel, Pickleball & Platform Tennis, this hands-on leader will combine an active on-court teaching presence with operational oversight of the department's teaching staff, programming, and events. As the Director's key day-to-day leadership partner, the Head Professional will maintain teaching quality and consistency, guide and develop the assistant teaching staff, and manage the scheduling, clinics, leagues, and events that shape the member experience across all three sports. This is a genuine leadership role: the Head Professional will play a meaningful part in building and growing the department, not simply executing assignments handed down from above. The Director retains overall responsibility for department vision and strategy, budget and resources, and major personnel decisions. Within that structure, the Head Professional is expected to bring initiative, sound judgment, and thoughtful recommendations on opportunities to strengthen participation and the member experience. About the Club Founded in 1865, The Merion Cricket Club is one of the premier private racquets facilities in the United States. Located approximately seven miles from Center City Philadelphia, the Club offers a world-class, multi-sport racquets experience for players of all ages and abilities. Facility Courts Grass Courts 15 courts on a five-acre Great Lawn Clay & Hard Courts 11 Har-Tru courts, 1 outdoor hard court, and 4 indoor hard courts Platform Tennis & Padel 4 platform tennis courts and 4 outdoor padel courts Pickleball 4 outdoor and 4 indoor pickleball courts Key Responsibilities Instruction & Program Leadership Deliver high-quality private, semi-private, and group instruction across padel, platform tennis, and pickleball, maintaining a significant on-court teaching presence Develop and refine lesson plans and training programs that reflect current best practices in coaching methodology Design programming appropriate for players of all ages and skill levels, from first-time participants to competitive players Partner with the Director on program design, ensuring alignment with member needs and industry standards Program & Department Development Identify opportunities for new clinics, leagues, ladders, social programming, and special events Use member feedback and participation trends to refine and evolve program offerings Develop seasonal programming calendars in coordination with the Director Develop introductory programming that welcomes new and existing members into padel, platform tennis, and pickleball Bring ideas and recommendations to the Director to support the ongoing growth of the department Staff Leadership & Development Train, mentor, and provide day-to-day leadership to assistant teaching professionals across padel, platform tennis, and pickleball Oversee teaching quality and consistency across the assistant teaching staff Cultivate a positive, collaborative culture within the teaching team Share observations on staff performance and development opportunities with the Director Programs, Leagues & Events Develop and manage the seasonal schedule for clinics, leagues, and special events, ensuring efficient use of courts and resources Lead the planning, promotion, and execution of tournaments, exhibitions, and special events, resolving operational issues as they arise Coordinate interclub and league team participation and coaching assignments Member Engagement Build strong, positive relationships with members and guests through attentive, high-quality service Ensure prompt, professional responses to member inquiries within 24 hours, personally addressing matters as needed Serve as a visible, approachable leader within the padel, platform tennis, and pickleball community Facilities & Equipment Maintain oversight of court and equipment conditions through regular inspections, reporting maintenance needs to the Director Collaborate with the Director to coordinate repairs, upgrades, and facility improvements Administration Oversee scheduling, administrative logistics, and member-facing communications for day-to-day department operations Work closely with the Director and Club staff to ensure aligned goals and effective communication Bring ideas and recommendations to the Director regarding program growth, participation trends, and the member experience Provide input to the Director on departmental planning and resource needs Qualifications Required Qualifications Minimum of 3 years of professional teaching experience, including demonstrated leadership or head-professional experience at a private club, racquets facility, or academy Demonstrated teaching experience in at least two of the following: padel, platform tennis, and pickleball, with the ability and willingness to develop expertise in the third Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop a teaching staff Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills A professional, member-focused approach to coaching, leadership, and service Comfort taking initiative and exercising sound judgment in day-to-day program decisions Preferred Qualifications Professional teaching or playing experience across all three sports: padel, platform tennis, and pickleball Prior experience managing or supervising assistant teaching professionals Current certifications from recognized industry organizations, such as USPTA, PTR, PPR, PPTR, or equivalent Experience working in an upscale private-club environment Physical & Schedule Requirements Ability to stand, walk, demonstrate movement, and coach actively on indoor and outdoor court surfaces for extended periods Ability to squat, bend, kneel, grasp, twist, reach overhead, and perform movements required for instruction and court preparation Ability to lift and move racquets, ball hoppers, nets, and other equipment weighing approximately 5–50 pounds Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and seasonal schedule variations #J-18808-Ljbffr Merion Cricket Club