Fairgrounds Public Racket Club - Head Pickleball Professional

Our Purpose At Fairgrounds, we believe sport has the power to bring people together. Our Head Pickleball Professional is much more than a coach - they are the face of our pickleball community, an ambassador for the sport, a mentor to our coaching team, and a driving force behind creating exceptional player experiences every day. This full time role is responsible for developing an energetic, welcoming and inclusive pickleball culture while delivering world-class coaching, innovative programming and unforgettable events. The Head Pickleball Professional plays a key leadership role in growing the Fairgrounds community and helping establish Fairgrounds as Canada's premier destination for pickleball. Key Responsibilities Leadership & Community Building Serve as the primary ambassador for pickleball at Fairgrounds Leaside. Create a welcoming, high-energy atmosphere that encourages participation, friendships and community. Lead by example, demonstrating professionalism, positivity and exceptional customer service. Recruit, onboard, mentor and manage the pickleball coaching team. Foster a collaborative coaching culture focused on continuous improvement and member experience. Represent Fairgrounds within the local pickleball community and act as a champion for the growth of the sport. Programming & Player Development Develop, maintain and continually refine the pickleball programming calendar in collaboration with the General Manager. Deliver innovative clinics, lessons, events and player development opportunities for all skill levels. Host DUPR rating sessions and new member onboarding experiences. Identify opportunities to improve the player journey and increase participation. Coaching Provide Exceptional Coaching Through Private lessons Semi-private lessons Group clinics Leagues Introductory programs High-performance training Community events Corporate programs Specialty clinics Maintain the highest coaching standards while creating a fun, encouraging and motivating environment for every player. Events & Community Engagement Assist in the planning and hosting of tournaments, leagues and flagship Fairgrounds events. Create memorable player experiences that build excitement and strengthen the Fairgrounds community. Support sponsor activations and special events as required. Manage pickleball WhatsApp groups and facilitate member matchmaking and community engagement. Encourage player participation through regular communication and relationship building. Coach Management Recruit and assist in hiring coaching staff. Schedule, mentor and support the coaching team. Ensure all coaches maintain professional standards. Manage coach availability through PodPlay. Approve schedule adjustments when necessary. Review and reconcile coach invoicing monthly. Provide ongoing coaching education and best-practice sharing. Operations & Administration Enforce coach scheduling requirements and PodPlay availability standards. Submit weekly updates, including: Wins Challenges Action items Monitor lesson quality and member feedback. Ensure programs begin and finish on schedule. Support club initiatives and operational excellence. Qualifications & Experience The successful candidate will demonstrate a passion for coaching, leadership and community building, along with the following qualifications: NCCP Level 2 Certified Pickleball Coach (or an equivalent recognized coaching certification). Registered and in good standing with the appropriate provincial and/or national coaching organization. Minimum 3 to 5 years of progressive pickleball coaching experience, including private lessons, group instruction, clinics, leagues and player development. Proven leadership experience, including mentoring or managing other coaches. Demonstrated ability to build and grow an engaged pickleball community. Strong organizational, communication and event management skills. Experience using scheduling and booking platforms (such as PodPlay) is considered an asset. Passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences and creating a welcoming, inclusive environment. A commitment to continuous learning and helping grow the sport of pickleball across Canada. Employee Benefits Complimentary Fairgrounds Unlimited Membership. Fairgrounds will actively pursue sponsorship opportunities for the Head Pickleball Professional. Immediate family members receive 50% off Fairgrounds memberships. Opportunity to help shape the future of pickleball across all Fairgrounds locations in Canada. Compensation Base salary of $30,000 CAD + + coaching OTE nearly 70K Coaching revenue earned through lessons, clinics and specialized programming is separate and administered in accordance with Fairgrounds coaching policies. Two weeks paid vacation

Lead the pickleball community by managing the coaching team and developing innovative programming and events. Deliver high-quality coaching across various formats while growing the club's presence as a premier pickleball destination.

Requires NCCP Level 2 certification or equivalent and 3 to 5 years of progressive pickleball coaching experience. Candidates must demonstrate proven leadership skills and the ability to build an engaged sporting community.

• Complimentary Fairgrounds Unlimited Membership • Sponsorship Opportunities • Family Membership Discount • Paid Vacation

• Customer servicePreferred
• LeadershipPreferred
• CommunicationPreferred

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Pickleball Coaching
• Leadership
• Community Building
• Event Management
• Staff Mentoring
• Program Development
• Customer Service
• Player Development
• Scheduling
• Communication
• Onboarding
• Operational Management

• Sports & Recreation
• Management & Leadership
• Education
• Customer Service & Support

Minimum education

Professional degree

Minimum experience

2+ years

Apply by

Sep 11, 2026

Posting language

English

Working hours

40 hours per week

Seniority

Mid-Senior level