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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 will serve as the staff member in charge of the “outside the ropes” aspects of the U.S. Amateur Championship and will support the Senior Director, Championships in the planning and execution of the general administrative elements of the Walker Cup Match. This person will also play a vital role in facilitating and improving key operational components of all USGA Amateur Championships, assist with projects and duties as assigned within the Championships Department, and serve at other USGA championships as assigned.
Where you’ll be:
- This role will be based at our Pinehurst, NC campus. Remote employees may be considered on a case-by-case basis. This role has required travel to rotating host sites for the planning and conduct of championships. Anticipated travel is approximately 90-100 days per year.
What you’ll do:
- Serve as the staff member in charge of the “outside the ropes” aspects of the U.S. Amateur Championship, including financial planning, key relationship management, and the implementation of business plans aligned with host site obligations.
- Oversee each host club’s planning and execution of all operational aspects of the U.S. Amateur Championship. Areas of focus include admissions, corporate hospitality, fundraising, budgeting, venue space allocation, volunteer administration and training, transportation, parking, course evacuation, vendor coordination, signage, staking and roping, and scoreboard placement.
- Own and evolve the U.S. Amateur Host Club Manual to ensure consistency with best practices and alignment with USGA standards.
- Support the Senior Director, Championships, and Director, Amateur Championship Operations in the planning and execution of all operational aspects of the Walker Cup Match when conducted in the United States.
- Serve as a key point of contact for the Walker Cup Match in collaboration with the Championships and Player Relations teams, managing accommodations and overseeing special event planning. Responsibilities include creating online registration forms, distributing information memos, and communicating details for various functions.
- Support essential operational elements across all USGA Amateur Championships, such as volunteer management, vendor relations, signage, status boards, staking and roping, range equipment, shipping and receiving, crowd control, parking, and site mapping. Work collaboratively with internal teams and host venues to integrate these components into planning efforts.
- Identify and enhance best practices related to the operational aspects of our amateur championships. Drive positive change through task force and project work, as assigned.
- Collaborate with USGA department leaders and cross-functional teams in areas critical to championship success, including Accounting, Admissions, Broadcast, Communications, Executive, Legal, Merchandise, Partnerships, and Player Relations.
- Provide support for the Curtis Cup Match when conducted in the United States, working in coordination with the staff member leading the “outside the ropes” efforts. Specific responsibilities may vary depending on timing and overall championship demands.
- Assist in the conduct of other USGA Championships, including Open Championships, as assigned. While responsibilities will primarily focus on operational functions – such as crowd control, parking, shuttle coordination, and vendor management – opportunities to contribute in competition related areas (e.g., pace of play monitoring, course marking, or other rules assistance) may arise based on experience and need.
What you bring to the USGA:
- A BA/BS degree with 6-10 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and professional background
- Proven experience in golf tournament administration – both inside and outside the ropes – at the national, state, or regional level (strongly preferred)
- Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead, collaborate, and communicate effectively across a wide range of stakeholders
- Demonstrated ability to manage relationships with host club staff, host committees, local community leaders, and championship officials
- A strong commitment to teamwork and a passion for championship-level golf
- A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with the ability to assess operations and anticipate challenges
- Ability to manage, delegate, and ensure task completion while fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement
- Strong leadership, fiscal management, negotiation, and organizational skills
- Experience in developing, managing, and executing operational budgets and forecasts
- Solid understanding of the Rules of Golf and experience with course setup and marking
- Unquestioned integrity and commitment to upholding the USGA’s mission and values
- Precise attention to detail and a drive for operational excellence
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Confidence and comfort speaking to public groups of all sizes and at all levels
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and a strong working knowledge of modern business technologies
- Willingness and ability to travel frequently
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
- Professional development opportunities
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.
