Senior Manager, Excellence Program

Who We Are

We are Tennis! The USTA (United States Tennis Association) is the national governing body for the sport of tennis and the leader in promoting and developing the sport's growth on every level in the United States, from local communities to the crown jewel of the professional game, the US Open.

The Role

The Senior Manager of the National Excellence Program will manage and enhance the National Excellence Team USA, an initiative to support youth with the potential to play collegiate or professional tennis with what they need to achieve their goals. to ensure alignment with the USTA Foundation Young Person Pathway. The Senior Manager will be responsible for developing an overarching strategy to scale its size, measure its impact, and ensure continuous improvement. The Senior Manager will also oversee regional events, manage combines, execute national activations, and manage administration of individual player grants to support these high-potential student-athletes. The individual will also oversee talent identification efforts and collaborate closely with internal and external stakeholders.

Program Leadership & Strategy

• Develop and implement strategic plans for the National Excellence Program aligned with organizational goals.

• Maintain comprehensive project plans using shared systems for workflows, timelines, and progress.

• Proactively identify program enhancements based on data, feedback, and stakeholder input.

Activations

• Oversee regional events and community combines from start to finish, including RFP development, selections, event planning, and delivery

• Develop standardized event models to ensure consistency and operational excellence across all activations.

• Successfully drive the development and execution of National Excellence Program signature national activations, including Wild Card Playoff Camp and US Open Excellence Cup.

Grant Management & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as primary liaison with chapters, USTA section staff, teaching professionals, and key stakeholders.

• Manage the Individual Player Grant program from application through compliance monitoring and outcome tracking.

• Facilitate regular strategy meetings and touchpoints with internal and external partners.

• Oversee programmatic aspects of designated funds in partnership with the Development team.

Budget & Program Evaluation

• Manage program budget, ensuring strategic resource allocation and fiscal accountability.

• Track program outcomes and impact metrics to measure effectiveness.

• Conduct evaluations of the National Excellence Program that identify lessons learned and inform continuous improvement.

• Provide regular updates to senior leadership on performance, challenges, and strategic recommendations.

• Work diligently in support of Programs & Services annual Operating plan goals, objectives, and key results

• Other duties as assigned.

Why Work for the USTA?

We are a passionate team of staff and volunteers focused on growing the sport of tennis and making it accessible to all. We are committed to removing barriers and creating opportunities for ALL to participate. Don't know tennis? Don't worry, you can still find yourself in the game!

Who You Are

• BA degree and/or relevant experience.
• 3-5 years of program management experience, preferably in youth development, sports, or nonprofit sectors
• Proven ability to independently manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects from start to finish.
• Familiarity and knowledge of the college athlete recruitment process and NCAA rules
• Preferred high-level junior, collegiate, or professional tennis playing and/or coaching experience.
• Understanding of the junior tennis competitive pathway, tournament structure, and development ecosystem; prior coaching experience and player identification is preferred.
• Ability to design, implement, and measure effective and relevant tennis and youth development programs.
• Experience with large-scale, national corporate donor activations and employee engagement initiatives
• Must have successfully managed a team of direct coaches or other frontline program staff.
• Must have an understanding of budget management in the non-profit context.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral).
• Competent presenter to various individuals and groups.
• Ability to create and sustain highly effective strategic partnerships and relationships.
• Advanced competency in Google Workspace products, Microsoft Office Applications, and CRM tools.
• Experience with Salesforce, Novatus, and Concur is a plus.
• This position is designated as "hybrid/flex" in Los Angeles, CA, and may allow for both remote and on-site work. Any such position must meet the current USTA hybrid/flex requirements as updated from time to time. Please consult HR for the most current policy.

What We Offer

At the USTA, we know people are our most important asset. For this reason, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to meet the needs of a diverse workforce!

• Flexibility: Our Hybrid with Flexibility approach combines a balance of remote working with in-office collaboration to spark teamwork and creativity.
• Comprehensive benefits designed to meet your unique needs: Medical, dental, vision, access to doctors virtually, a flexible spending account to manage your health and dependent care expenses, and life and disability insurance are a small part of our offerings.
• Time to recharge and energize: Generous paid time off policy - including vacation, sick, personal, and paid holidays, parental leave, and a paid winter recess.
• Plan for your future financially and professionally: 401(k) with employer matching (up to 6.5%), promotional and growth opportunities, Learning and Development programs to learn on the job, and up to $7,000 for tuition reimbursement.
• Mental and emotional wellness: Resources for overall well-being, including mental health and meditation benefits.
• Other cool perks: A personalized health management program, pet insurance, commuter benefits, identity theft protection, discounts with our network of partners, and fun events are just a few of the optional benefits available.

The expected range for the annual base salary for this position is $90,000 - $102,000. This role is eligible for an Incentive Compensation Plan (ICP) bonus up to 5%. This range does not include any additional pay or benefits for which a person may qualify. The actual base salary offered is determined by several variables, including, as appropriate, the applicant's qualifications for the position, the years of relevant experience, their unique skills, and the location from which they will be performing the job.

Come One, Come All

We strongly encourage you to apply if you're interested; we'd love to learn how you can "serve" our team with your unique experience!

USTA is dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities for all individuals, regardless of age, disability, national origin, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, family status, alienage or citizenship status, creed, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.