Squash Director
Racquet Up Detroit
Racquet Up Detroit is an out-of-school youth development program which uses the sport of squash, in combination with academic tutoring, literacy development, fitness education, community service, and mentoring to make a lasting positive impact on the lives of Detroit public school students. Founded in 2010 through a collaboration with the Squash and Education Alliance (SEA), Racquet Up works with over 200 youth and young adults in 5th grade through early career. The organization is currently seeking an experienced squash professional to fill the role of Squash Director and lead all squash initiatives during a period of significant growth, beginning in Winter 2024. Responsibilities and expectations include, but are not limited to:
- Lead daily squash/fitness sessions during after-school hours (approximately 4:00pm – 7:00pm), as well as Saturday squash and fitness sessions (approximately 8:30am-12:00pm)
- Track students’ progress in squash and fitness levels throughout the program year
- Recruit, supervise, train, and support all squash coaching staff and volunteers
- Develop long-term squash and fitness training plan which will inform daily lessons/practices
- Manage squash equipment and uniforms for all program participants
- Oversee tournament selections and enrollment as well as US Squash memberships, use of ClubLocker, and SEA-related activities
- Ensure squash courts and fitness spaces are organized, clean, and inspiring
- Organize and run all amateur (US Squash), junior, collegiate, and professional-level squash tournaments
- Assist with the management and implementation of fitness/nutrition program
- Build and sustain meaningful relationships with squash professionals and coaches at other clubs, colleges, and beyond; establish Racquet Up Detroit as a pillar of the Michigan squash community
- Assist with student recruitment effort within partner schools and the broader community, leading to a strong enrollment pipeline
- Support Education Staff in execution of academic program including homework help, literacy instruction, and in-school advocacy
- Track student attendance, timeliness, and preparation on a daily basis; track student engagement in Salesforce
- Manage pre- and post-program logistics, including walking students from school to the program facility, and ensuring a safe and orderly dismissal process
- Lead robust squash programming during RU summer camp and additionally summer squash programming
- Assist with driving students to and from program as needed
- Participate in weekend activities including community service projects, squash matches, cultural outings, and other field trips as needed, including multiple full-weekend trips
- Collaborate with Program Manager and CPO to develop a plan for broader community access to squash
- Execute the “squash component” of various Racquet Up endeavors including new ventures to fully utilize the new facility during the daytime, and which will potentially generate revenue
- Build caring, supportive, meaningful relationships with all students, staff, and volunteers
- Assist with additional projects and responsibilities as needed
The program operates at its new world-class, 8-court facility in Northwest Detroit, the largest squash center in the Midwest, home of the 2018 Squash and Education Alliance National Champions.
The ideal candidate will be a high-energy, creative, hard-working, self-starter with strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Most importantly, candidates must show clear technical expertise, experience managing staff/coaches, and demonstrated success in building a squash community. Candidates must hold a current driver’s license in good standing. Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter highlighting squash playing/coaching and leadership experience to Rosemary O’Connor, Chief Programs Officer, as an email attachment to rosemary@racquetup.org. No phone calls please. Learn more at www.racquetup.org.
Racquet Up Detroit is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. International candidates are welcome to apply.
