Head Professional (Padel, Pickleball, Platform Tennis)

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 ClubFounded 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.FacilityGrass Courts - 15 courts on a five-acre Great LawnClay & Hard Courts - 11 Har-Tru courts, 1 outdoor hard court, and 4 indoor hard courtsPlatform Tennis & Padel - 4 platform tennis courts and 4 outdoor padel courtsPickleball - 4 outdoor and 4 indoor pickleball courtsKey ResponsibilitiesInstruction & Program LeadershipDeliver high-quality private, semi-private, and group instruction across padel, platform tennis, and pickleball, maintaining a significant on-court teaching presenceDevelop and refine lesson plans and training programs that reflect current best practices in coaching methodologyDesign programming appropriate for players of all ages and skill levels, from first-time participants to competitive playersPartner with the Director on program design, ensuring alignment with member needs and industry standardsProgram & Department DevelopmentIdentify opportunities for new clinics, leagues, ladders, social programming, and special eventsUse member feedback and participation trends to refine and evolve program offeringsDevelop seasonal programming calendars in coordination with the DirectorDevelop introductory programming that welcomes new and existing members into padel, platform tennis, and pickleballBring ideas and recommendations to the Director to support the ongoing growth of the departmentStaff Leadership & DevelopmentTrain, mentor, and provide day-to-day leadership to assistant teaching professionals across padel, platform tennis, and pickleballOversee teaching quality and consistency across the assistant teaching staffCultivate a positive, collaborative culture within the teaching teamShare observations on staff performance and development opportunities with the DirectorPrograms, Leagues & EventsDevelop and manage the seasonal schedule for clinics, leagues, and special events, ensuring efficient use of courts and resourcesLead the planning, promotion, and execution of tournaments, exhibitions, and special events, resolving operational issues as they ariseCoordinate interclub and league team participation and coaching assignmentsMember EngagementBuild strong, positive relationships with members and guests through attentive, high-quality serviceEnsure prompt, professional responses to member inquiries within 24 hours, personally addressing matters as neededServe as a visible, approachable leader within the padel, platform tennis, and pickleball communityFacilities & EquipmentMaintain oversight of court and equipment conditions through regular inspections, reporting maintenance needs to the DirectorCollaborate with the Director to coordinate repairs, upgrades, and facility improvementsAdministrationOversee scheduling, administrative logistics, and member-facing communications for day-to-day department operationsWork closely with the Director and Club staff to ensure aligned goals and effective communicationBring ideas and recommendations to the Director regarding program growth, participation trends, and the member experienceProvide input to the Director on departmental planning and resource needsQualificationsRequired QualificationsMinimum of 3 years of professional teaching experience, including demonstrated leadership or head-professional experience at a private club, racquets facility, or academyDemonstrated teaching experience in at least two of the following: padel, platform tennis, and pickleball, with the ability and willingness to develop expertise in the thirdProven ability to lead, mentor, and develop a teaching staffStrong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skillsA professional, member-focused approach to coaching, leadership, and serviceComfort taking initiative and exercising sound judgment in day-to-day program decisionsPreferred QualificationsProfessional teaching or playing experience across all three sports: padel, platform tennis, and pickleballPrior experience managing or supervising assistant teaching professionalsCurrent certifications from recognized industry organizations, such as USPTA, PTR, PPR, PPTR, or equivalentExperience working in an upscale private-club environmentPhysical & Schedule RequirementsAbility to stand, walk, demonstrate movement, and coach actively on indoor and outdoor court surfaces for extended periodsAbility to squat, bend, kneel, grasp, twist, reach overhead, and perform movements required for instruction and court preparationAbility to lift and move racquets, ball hoppers, nets, and other equipment weighing approximately 5–50 poundsAbility to work outdoors in varying weather conditionsFlexibility to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and seasonal schedule variations