The USGA is a mission-based golf organization whose purpose is to unify the golf community through handicapping and grassroots programs; to showcase the game's best talent through the U.S. Open, U.S. Women's Open and 13 other national championships and our museum; to provide unbiased global governance with The R&A through the playing, equipment and Amateur Status rules; and to advance issues important to golf's future, with a focus on driving sustainability, accessibility and inclusion. As a nonprofit association, our work and our team are driven to act for the good of the game. The USGA's headquarters are located in Liberty Corner, NJ, with a recently opened campus in Pinehurst, NC. For more, visit usga.org.
About this role:
The Director, Championships leads inside-the-ropes aspects of the U.S. Amateur Championship and Walker Cup Match. Responsibilities include golf course setup, Rules oversight, volunteer management, operational logistics, and administration of competition-related functions. The Director, Championships supports USGA-wide Championship initiatives and contributes to other championships as assigned.
What youll do:
- Lead & direct all aspects (inside the ropes) of the U.S. Amateur Championship, including course set-up, Agronomics, pace of play, etc.
- Oversight of all rules-related activities associated with the Championship, including but not limited to course marking, rules-related memos and documents, rules assignments, rules invitations, etc.
- Work closely with Championship Manager on all rules office aspects, including the rules-related social functions, ordering and managing supplies, gifting, etc.
- Work closely with the Championship Director (outside the ropes) on operational aspects, including on-course operations, budgeting, social functions, player services, gifting, etc.
- Work closely with Championship Administration to ensure accuracy of entry application, qualifying information, review of exemptions, allocation of places, pairings, and other administrative details as necessary.
- Work with Communications, Marketing, and Broadcast staff on promotion and publicity for assigned Championships and Match, along with any relevant press-related matters.
- Lead & direct all aspects (inside the ropes) of the Match including course set-up, agronomics, pace of play, etc.
- Serve as contact and liaison for all members of the USGA and R&A as it pertains to conduct of the match, including the Terms/Conditions of the Match, Team Assistant Guidelines, etc.
- Oversight of all rules-related activities associated with the Match, including but not limited to course marking, rules-related documents, rules assignments, rules invitations etc.
- Work closely with the Championship Director (outside the ropes) on some administrative and operational support matters, including on-course operations, budget, working with the Keepers of the Cup gifting, social functions, golf outings, etc.
- Work with Team Captains and Managers regarding the conduct of the Match, scheduling, and assisting with practice sessions, caddie draw, etc.
- Assist in execution of team and stakeholder experience at Walker Cup when played overseas.
- Assist the Future Amateur Sites Committee as needed, including travel to visit golf clubs to determine their suitability to host future USGA championships.
- Assist in the conduct of other USGA Championships or invited events as assigned. Duties may include: Course marking; course set-up; serving as a referee; operations; crowd control; volunteer management.
Where youll be:
This role will be based at our Liberty Corner, NJ campus on a hybrid schedule. Employees are required to spend 3 days per week working in the office, between Monday - Thursday. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are mandatory in-office community days. Employees can choose between Monday or Thursday as their third in-office day. There is a travel component to this role - approximately 100-120 days per year.
What you bring:
- Bachelors degree
- 8+ years of experience in golf tournament administration or event operations (preferred at national, state, or regional level)
- Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills; ability to lead and communicate well with others
- Advanced experience in all aspects of golf tournament administration both inside and outside the ropes
- Knowledge of the Rules of Golf (score of 90 or higher on PGA/USGA Rules Exam every 4 years)
- Ability to manage local relationships with host club and local organizing committee
- Ability to manage and delegate, ensure task completion, and provide atmosphere to learn and grow
- Ability to effectively speak to public groups of any size and stature
- Strong working knowledge of modern technology
- Strong written skills
Level: Director
Job Location: Liberty Corner, NJ
Salary Range: $120,000 - $130,000
The annual base salary range for this position is $120,000 - $130,000. This range represents what we reasonably expect to pay as starting base compensation for this role. Compensation is based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including skill set, depth of experience, and relevant certifications. In addition to your base compensation, the USGA provides competitive benefit offerings for all full-time employees.
What the USGA brings:
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, including a zero-contribution medical plan offered for all full-time employees
- Retirement plans, with a generous annual contribution from the USGA
- Suite of programs to promote physical, emotional, and financial well-being
- Generous bank of paid time off, plus the week between Christmas and New Years Day off
- Off-site team building events
- On-site gym and golf simulator
- Professional development opportunities
- Learn more about our benefits and culture here
The USGA is an equal opportunity employer. Our organization believes we are stronger by embracing our diverse backgrounds and perspectives, promoting equity so all teammates can excel and grow in their careers, and fostering experiences to drive inclusion in our workplace and game. Golf is a game for everyone, and you are always welcome.