Overview
Programming Manager – West Loop Jobs in Chicago, IL at Clear Skies Hospitality
PROGRAMMING MANAGER
Location: SPF Chicago, West Loop
Reports To: General Manager
Job Type: Full-Time, On-Site
Salary: $55,000 plus Bonus potential
Who We Are
SPF is a community-centered destination built around social competition, play, and connection. From our flagship Lincoln Park facility to our autonomous model at SPF All Day and emerging new locations like The Sport House, we bring people together through pickleball, games, great food, events, and an energized atmosphere. Programming is the lifeblood of what we do — and we’re looking for someone who can take it to the next level.
Who You Are
An innovative, data-savvy Programming Manager who understands the business of recreational sports and knows how to build a calendar that maximizes court utilization, member engagement, and revenue. You are equally comfortable designing a beginner clinic series as you are analyzing yield data and optimizing the mix of open play, leagues, and premium programming. You love pickleball, love people, and love building things that grow.
What You Will Do
Programming Strategy & Calendar Management
- Develop and own the facility’s programming calendar, including open play, clinics, leagues, tournaments, drop-in sessions, and specialty events.
- Analyze court utilization data to identify revenue opportunities and optimize the mix of programming across peak and off-peak hours.
- Build and scale a clinic and instructional program that serves players of all skill levels, from beginners to competitive players.
- Introduce new programming formats — round robins, social mixers, rated play, corporate challenges — that drive member acquisition and retention.
Coaching & Instruction Oversight
- Recruit, hire, and manage a roster of coaches and instructors, ensuring consistent quality, professionalism, and alignment with the SPF brand.
- Develop coach training standards, session formats, and curriculum for group clinics and private lessons.
- Monitor coach performance, gather player feedback, and continuously improve the instructional product.
Membership & Revenue Growth
- Collaborate with the membership sales team to develop programming packages, membership tiers, and add-on offers that drive revenue.
- Track programming revenue, participation rates, and yield metrics; report results to the GM with recommendations.
- Identify and develop premium programming opportunities (e.g., elite clinics, signature tournaments, ambassador programs) that command higher price points.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with the Events & Community Outreach Manager to align programming and events into a cohesive monthly experience.
- Coordinate with the Beverage Manager on programming-event integrations (e.g., post-clinic happy hours, tournament watch parties).
- Provide programming content and schedules to the marketing team for timely promotion.
Guest Experience & Community Building
- Cultivate a welcoming, inclusive, and competitive-friendly culture across all programming.
- Build relationships with members, players, and the local pickleball community to understand needs and identify programming gaps.
- Participate in Manager on Duty (MOD) rotation to support team and guest satisfaction.
What You Bring
Experience & Skills
- 3+ years of experience in sports programming, recreation management, or athletic operations — pickleball, tennis, or racquet sports experience strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to build and manage programming that drives measurable revenue and engagement growth.
- Experience managing coaches, instructors, or recreational staff.
- Strong analytical skills; comfortable working with utilization data, P&L basics, and performance metrics.
- Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
Preferred
- Experience with court booking software (PodPlay or similar).
Other
- Deep passion for pickleball and growing the sport at the community level.
- Flexible availability including evenings and weekends as programming requires.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with a bias toward action and continuous improvement.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
- Competitive salary plus bonus eligibility.
- Free or discounted play, food, and merch.
- A dynamic, community-oriented workplace where your impact is visible every day.
- Opportunities to help shape new SPF locations as we grow.
- Paid Time Off (PTO): Eligible for up to 14 days of PTO annually.
- Health Benefits: Eligible for health, dental, and vision benefits within 90 days of employment.
- Holidays: SPF is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Additionally, eligible for up to four Floating Holidays (Comp Days) per year based on work schedule.
- 401(k) plan available after 1 year of employment with an employer match.
Pay: From $50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Title: Programming Manager – West Loop
Company: Clear Skies Hospitality
Location: Chicago, IL
