Pickleball Program Manager - Birmingham Jefferson Co

ABOUT CITYWALK BHAM:

The recent completion of Birmingham’s I-59/20 Central Business District (CBD) Interstate bridges brings about a renewed focus on the space underneath the bridges known as City Walk BHAM. The goal of City Walk BHAM is to provide a space to assist in reconnecting Birmingham and create a destination and common area open to all citizens.

City Walk BHAM spans 10 city blocks, from 15th St N to 25th St N – almost a mile in length. The entire area encompasses 31 acres, which provides a space to assist in connecting Birmingham. For more information visit www.bjcc.org

Summary/Objective
The Pickleball Program Manager is responsible for providing management and leadership for the CWB pickleball program, including but not limited to, open play, clinics, mixers, leagues, tournaments, and events. Promotes pickleball offerings through member engagement and handles administrative tasks related to programming, such as scheduling, billing, and communication. Partners with the leadership team on strategic changes to the program and broader marketing efforts. Coordinates the instruction of revenue-generating on-court programs.

The incumbent will effectively and efficiently instruct pickleball, maintain the pickleball facilities, manage the pro-shop, communicate with members and guests as well as promote programming and sponsorships. As the Pickleball Program Manager, you will be responsible for ensuring the delivery of exceptional guest and member experiences, while effectively forecasting, planning, and executing programming, membership, and sponsorships. Work is conducted largely outdoors.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

Demonstrates understanding and full performance ability in each of the following:

• Responsible for all pickleball activity programming, including developing and promoting pickleball programs for all age groups.
• Develops, sells, and instructs safe, professional, and exciting revenue-generating on-court programs.
• Interacts with members through non-revenue producing activity and off-court program promotion (i.e. open play and intro to Pickleball, information tables, creates and coordinates marketing materials, member communication, etc.)
• Provides administrative oversight of the club's pickleball programming, including managing scheduling of programs, completing billing, etc.
• Develop, lead, and promote pickleball instructional activity programs.
• Deliver engaging pickleball instruction programming for members with varying degrees of pickleball experience.
• Build and maintain professional relationships with event hosts, members, and guests to promote pickleball programming and ensure an exceptional guest experience.
• Collaborate with event hosts to ensure a successful event or tournament is executed and maximize member engagement.
• Manage the relationship with pickleball vendors to ensure pro-shop inventory effectiveness and customer satisfaction.
• Assist daily membership operations, including enrollments, renewals and member database management.
• Handle member and guest inquiries and concerns efficiently, ensuring prompt resolution.
• Develop and enforce policies and procedures to enhance guest/member experience and satisfaction.
• Promote cross-functional collaboration and training within the membership department, ensuring cohesive team operations.
• Work closely with recreational and league program leaders to improve member experience and drive venue programming.
• Support the administration and project implementation of field operations and tournament sales strategies, in alignment with organizational goals.
• Plan and oversee special events, tournaments, and competitions, ensuring they are well-organized and exceed member/guest expectations.
• Coordinate with internal departments and external partners to deliver integrated programs and services, including scheduling, staffing facilities, and equipment with various departments.
• Analyze membership data to identify areas for improving member/guest experience.
• Prepare and present reports on membership metrics and program performance to management in an effort to maximize program results.
• Develop strategies to increase member participation and satisfaction through innovative and engaging programs.
• Manage the CWB pro-shop including, inventory, sales and marketing.
• Performs other duties as required.

Competencies
Accountability, Interpersonal Skills, Customer Service, Communication, Active Listening, Conflict Management, Technical Skills, Financial Administration, Decision Making and Judgement, Problem Solving, Results Driven, Delegation, Business Alignment, Teamwork, Organizational Skills, Program Management, Fiscal Accountability and Training and Development.

Work Environment
This position may have a moderate to extensive stress level associated with dealing with crowds of public visitors. Work is typically performed outdoors, regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and outside weather conditions.

Physical Demands

Position requires lifting, climbing, carrying, bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, and carry out repetitive motions for extended periods of time. Extensive walking and or standing. Must be able to instruct and participate sporting activities associated with pickleball for prolonged periods. Ability to lift up to 50lbs items with or without assistance, while maintaining good balance. Must be flexible enough to reach above shoulder level and be able to push and pull for brief periods of time. Visual acuity, speech recognition, and speech clarity.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position; hours of work must be flexible and varied to meet the demands of the events of the facility. Must be able to work extended and/or irregular hours including day, nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed.

Required Education and Experience

• Minimum of three (3) years of related knowledge, experience, and skills playing and instructing pickleball. Pickleball programming and/or tournament-level experience is highly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with emphasis in sports management, hospitality management, business management, public administration, or a related field or a combination of experience and some college.
• Industry certification(s) strongly preferred: International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association (IPTPA), Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR), United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA), or equal certification or the ability to become certified within 6 months of employment.
• CPR and First Aid certified or the ability to become certified within 30 days of employment.
• Previous experience planning and executing events preferred.
• Valid State of Alabama Driver License.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Knowledgeable of established safety procedures and practices pertaining to sporting activities.
• Thorough and expert knowledge of the game of pickleball.
• Ability to coordinate pickleball development and instruction.
• Knowledge and familiarity with CRM systems and membership management software.
• Ability to coordinate, analyze, work independently, observe, make decisions, and meet deadlines in a detail-oriented manner.
• Knowledge of the techniques of planning and directing group, social, and recreational activities and their application to the event needs.
• Ability to demonstrate critical thinking, time management, and deductive reasoning skills.
• Anticipates problems and implements corrective actions.
• Excellent customer service skills, professional, friendly, outgoing, and positive deposition.
• Ability to adapt, flex, change, and shift planned activities as required to ensure a successful event or program.
• Maintains effective relationships with the public, promoters, management, BJCC partners, and employees in a courteous and diplomatic manner.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business documents, and governmental regulations, read and understand blueprints and schematic designs, floor plans, etc.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, and percentages.
• Ability to understand oral and written instructions in English.
• Excellent oral communication, written communication, fluency in English, public speaking, and active listening.
• Strong conflict resolution skills required.
• Exceptional attention to detail and observational skills.
• Strong project management skills and results-driven.
• Ability to meet financial, sales, and program goals.
• Ability to motivate, organize, and lead others.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office software, including Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Teams, and Publisher.