Program Manager, Center for Innovation

Who We Are

We are Tennis! The USTA (United States Tennis Association) is the national governing body for the sport of tennis and the leader in promoting and developing the sport’s growth on every level in the United States, from local communities to the crown jewel of the professional game, the US Open.

The USTA Foundation Incorporated (USTAF or USTA Foundation) is the social impact arm of the United States Tennis Association Incorporated (USTA), utilizing the powerful combination of tennis and education to enhance the lives of under-resourced youth through its support of the National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) network. For more than 50 years, NJTL has impacted thousands of under-resourced youth across the nation, and today the network features more than 270 chapters that reach more than 233,000,000 young people from under-resourced communities annually.

Why Work for the USTA?

 

We are a passionate team of staff and volunteers focused on growing the sport of tennis and making it accessible to all. We are committed to removing barriers and creating opportunities for ALL to participate. 

 

About Lulu's Place

Lulu's Place will offer state-of-the-art facilities in Los Angeles, north of LAX airport, between the communities of Westchester and Playa del Rey, bringing together academic, athletic, and wellness programs for youth from all backgrounds. Trusted partners, including TGR Foundation, a Tiger Woods charity; the United States Tennis Association (USTA) and its charitable arm, USTA Foundation; Cedars-Sinai; and Providence will bring together professional teachers, coaches, mentors, and service providers to deliver high-quality programs to children and their families.

The vision for this project is rooted in the passion and generosity of Carol "Lulu" Kimmelman, a Southern California native, former elementary school teacher in South Los Angeles, and lifelong tennis player who passed away in 2017 after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. Today, her husband, Doug Kimmelman, and their four children honor Lulu's legacy by advancing her mission to transform young people's lives and create greater equity in sports and education through this groundbreaking youth center.

The Role

The Program Manager will support the youth development program focused on college and career readiness and non-degree career pathways, working within a shared facility alongside several partner organizations. This role is responsible for day-to-day program execution and direct oversight of program staff. Includes partner integration and collaboration on programmatic delivery.

Day-to-Day Program Execution

• Operational Oversight: Manage day-to-day operations for USTAF Center for Innovation programming, ensuring all activities align with the foundation’s mission, goals, priorities, and safety standards. 
• Partner and Site Integration: Coordinate with the program staff of Lulu's Place, TGR Foundation, and other on-site program partners to execute educational and tennis programming and achieve shared goals. 
  • Coordinate day-to-day use of shared space, equipment, and resources with co-located partner organizations
  • Serve as the on-site liaison for partner organizations on operational and scheduling matters (e.g., room bookings, shared equipment, daily logistics)
  • Escalate any partner matters involving cost, liability, space allocation disputes, or agreement terms to the Executive Director rather than resolving them directly
• Community Engagement: Works closely with the USTAF Lulu's Place Operations Director/Manager to ensure that the local community partners, including local NJTL organizations, school districts, youth development organizations, and other key community stakeholders, are incorporated into daily and weekly programming 
• Quality Assurance: Responsible for the oversight and delivery of USTAF programs and partnered programs to accomplish established and shared goals.
  • Ensure program sessions, workshops, and events run on time and as planned, including opening/closing logistics.
  • Ensure program spaces are set up, maintained, and left in appropriate condition after use.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve day-to-day operational issues (scheduling conflicts, space usage, materials, technology, attendance) as they arise
• Record Keeping: Maintain daily and weekly program logs, attendance records, and activity documentation
  • Collect and maintain accurate data on student enrollment, attendance, participation, and outcomes for core programming, following data definitions and quality standards set by the Executive Director and Lulu's Place leadership. 
  • Prepare regular reports on program activities and metrics for the Program Director and Lulu's Place Leadership 
  • Support grant reporting by compiling relevant program data and documentation
  • Maintain organized records and files related to program operations
• Asset Inventory: Monitor and maintain inventory of program materials and supplies, placing orders or requests as needed
• Safety: Ensure day-to-day compliance with youth safety policies, including check-in/check-out procedures and supervision ratios
• Compliance: Support the Program Director in implementing organizational policies and procedures at the staff level
• Strategic direction: Identify opportunities to test and expand programs/products to increase the reach and enhance the impact of NJTL  sports-based interventions within the community. 

Staff Supervision & Support

• Directly supervise a team of full-time and part-time program staff, mentors, and coordinators for core high school and middle school programming
• Provide administrative supervision of the Outreach Coordinator (scheduling, timesheets, day-to-day check-ins); the Outreach Coordinator's programmatic priorities and calendar are set jointly by the Executive Director and Outreach Coordinator and should be respected as protected, not reassigned to cover core programming needs
• Create and manage staff schedules, ensuring adequate coverage across all program activities and age groups
• Provide day-to-day coaching, guidance, and support to staff on curriculum delivery and student engagement
• Conduct regular check-ins and team meetings with program staff
• Onboard and train new staff and volunteers on program procedures, policies, and expectations
• Monitor staff performance and provide feedback; escalate performance concerns to the Program Director, who holds final hiring and termination authority
• Approve staff timesheets and time-off requests in accordance with organizational policy

Curriculum & Activity Coordination

• Coordinate the delivery of college and career readiness curriculum, workshops, and mentorship sessions for high school and middle school students
• Coordinate with the Outreach Coordinator to align core programming with elementary/middle school outreach efforts where relevant, without absorbing outreach staffing or scheduling into core program operations
• Work with staff to adapt lesson plans and activities to meet the needs of different age groups and skill levels
• Coordinate guest speakers, site visits, employer partners, and other enrichment activities
• Track and ensure completion of program milestones and deliverables tied to funder or grant requirements

Student & Family Communication

• Serve as the primary daily point of contact for student and family questions, concerns, and updates related to core programming
• Communicate regularly with parents/guardians regarding schedules, events, and student progress
• Monitor student participation and follow up on attendance issues or disengagement
• Address day-to-day behavioral or logistical issues, escalating more serious concerns to the Program Director

Who You Are

• Education: A bachelor’s degree in a related field such as Sports Management, Recreation Administration, Education, Social Work, or Non-Profit Management is required.
• Work Experience: 3 to 5 years of experience in program coordination, youth development, or sports administration. Tennis background and/or understanding of the tennis environment is required.
• Partner Management: Proven track record of managing relationships with community partners, schools, or diverse local organizations is required.
• Safety Certifications: Valid CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications (or the ability to obtain them within 30 days of hire) are required.
• Clearance: Ability to pass comprehensive, recurring federal and state background checks to work with minors is required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel) and Google Workspace is required. Experience using CRMs or program management software is preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for travel between facility sites is required.
• Schedule Flexibility: Ability to work non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends, to align with youth sports schedules is required.
• Physical Stamina: Ability to be mobile and active on sports courts or fields for extended periods and lift/move equipment up to 50 lbs is required.

What We Offer

 

At the USTA, we know people are our most important asset. For this reason, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to meet the needs of a diverse workforce!

 

• Flexibility: Our Hybrid with Flexibility approach combines a balance of remote working with in-office collaboration to spark teamwork and creativity.
• Comprehensive benefits designed to meet your unique needs: Medical, dental, vision, access to doctors virtually, a flexible spending account to manage your health and dependent care expenses, and life and disability insurance are a small part of our offerings.
• Time to recharge and energize: Generous paid time off policy - including vacation, sick, personal, and paid holidays, parental leave, and a paid winter recess.
• Plan for your future financially and professionally: 401(k) with employer matching (up to 6.5%), promotional and growth opportunities, Learning and Development programs to learn on the job, and up to $7,000 for tuition reimbursement.
• Mental and emotional wellness: Resources for overall well-being, including mental health and meditation benefits.
• Other cool perks: A personalized health management program, pet insurance, commuter benefits, identity theft protection, discounts with our network of partners, and fun events are just a few of the optional benefits available.

 

The expected range for the annual base salary for this position is $75,000 - 90,000. This role is eligible for an Incentive Compensation Plan (ICP) bonus up to 5%. This range does not include any additional pay or benefits for which a person may qualify. The actual base salary offered is determined by several variables, including, as appropriate, the applicant's qualifications for the position, the years of relevant experience, their unique skills, and the location from which they will be performing the job.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Come One, Come All

 

We strongly encourage you to apply if you’re interested; we'd love to learn how you can “serve” our team with your unique experience!

 

USTA is dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities for all individuals, regardless of age, disability, national origin, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, family status, alienage or citizenship status, creed, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.