Racquet Sports Management Apprenticeship

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.

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. 

The Role

The goal of the RSMA is to cultivate industry-leading experts capable of overseeing racquet sports in all facets of the industry; the RSMA prepares participants to stand out as exceptional Racquet Sports Leaders. Through an intensive two-year curriculum, apprentices are immersed in racquet sports-specific leadership training, enabling them to emerge as top-tier professionals who not only possess business expertise but also visionary leadership qualities. This is a full time, salaried position, designed to fulfill the needs of the RSMA education requirements as well as servicing the campus program teaching demands. The Full Time RSMA will:

• Complete the graduate-level RSMA curriculum requirements to include onboarding, twelve courses, six projects, and a final capstone project comprising an evidence-based portfolio to present to future employers.
• Work with National Campus programming to teach, lead, plan, organize, and deliver high-quality tennis programs on court.
• Establish a fun, energetic, and engaging on-court experience for all players.
• Collaborate with the Director of the RSMA, Director of Racquet Sports, and Head Professionals to identify areas of growth, options for increased revenue, or issues that need resolution.
• Use self-promotion and networking to increase client engagement.
• Identify and participate in leadership development opportunities to develop skills and fortify internal and external partnerships.

This role is a two year position, commencing January 4, 2027 and concluding December 31, 2028.

To learn more, visit www.usta.com/RSMA.

Who You Are

• Available to work a 5 day, full schedule year round, special events and weekends as needed.

• USTA Coaching Certified Professional/Member or willing to become certified.

• Competent playing skills in tennis or a complementary racquet sport. 

• Organized, highly motivated, prompt, entrepreneurial and enthusiastic.

• Proficient computer skills and willingness to learn other technology tools. 

• A customer-focused attitude, and a passion for working with people.

• Willing to align with the USTA National Campus Teaching Philosophy.

• Ability to attract clients and build a teaching portfolio with excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Attend professional development trainings & meetings.

• Willing to receive CPR, AED certifications, and undergo a background check.

• Able to start something new, grow an existing program, manage other coaches, train and develop other coaches. 

• Ability to serve as a USTA coach Developer.

• Attend weekly classes, complete all assigned coursework, actively participate in both individual and collaborative presentations, and successfully perform on assessments.

• Teach on court, including clinics, camps, group lessons, private lessons, organize round robins, and assist with any programs, events, or intern training as needed.

• Assist with the promotion of programs and tennis events as needed.

• Participate in various leadership development opportunities, including but not limited to the USTA Coaching Fellowship in Tennis Coaching & Leadership program, obtaining certifications, guest or adjunct lectures at conference 

• Other duties as assigned by the Director of the RSMA and the Director of Racquet Sports.

Leadership

• Qualified candidates must have, at a minimum, five years of full-time racquet sports teaching experience.

• At least two years prior experience in a racquet sports leadership role is required for the apprenticeship.

• Ability to lead multiple courts and a group of pros is a must.

• Highly motivated to pursue leadership and culture studies and apply those principles every day.

Additional Coaching Qualifications

• Fluent in the use of modified equipment, age and stage-based learning, and a tactics-based (games-based) approach.  

• Ability to work in a variety of settings such as summer camp, instructional clinics and with children of all ages.

• Comfortable working with 4-6 players in a group clinic format.

• Ability to run dynamic adult drop-in tennis sessions with up to 8 players.

• Experience training USTA players and teams.

• Knowledge of running tournaments and member events.

• This position is designated as "on-site" and requires the employee to be at the office site to complete the required tasks associated with the position.

Key Performance Indicators

• Remain in good standing academically by passing all courses and projects with a 70% or higher grade. 
• Participate in curriculum-based and leadership development activities that may require an estimated 35 hours per week.
• Teach a minimum of 20 hours per week on court in collaboration with RSMAs, staff, and leadership to ensure all programming needs are met.
• Maintain a growth mindset, be coachable, and remain open to receiving constructive feedback. 
• Feedback from the Director of the RSMA, Director of Racquet Sports, and Head Professionals. 
• Demonstrate a high level of professional communication skills, friendliness, appropriate educational behavior and conduct, and teaching competency.

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!

• 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.

• Plan for your future financially and professionally: 401(k) with employer matching (up to 6.5%), promotional and growth opportunities and Learning and Development programs to learn on the job.

• 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.

Annual compensation for this role is $75,000. (Calculated with a blended rate starting at $29.00 per hour across on court coaching, classroom, and homework assignments).

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.