Championship Specialist

USTA National Tennis Center • Westborough, MA

16h • $44,000 - $55,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Championship Specialist is an experienced event professional responsible for the comprehensive planning, coordination, and execution of USTA New England League Championships. This hybrid role is the primary operational lead for more than 15 League Championship events each year, with responsibility for ensuring a consistent, well-run, and high-quality experience for players, captains, volunteers, officials, and facility partners. This position requires strong independent judgment, the ability to manage complex logistics across multiple events, and ability to lead on-site operations during high-visibility moments. The Championship Specialist works closely with managers, cross-functional staff, seasonal event personnel, volunteers, and facility partners to ensure championships are planned thoughtfully, executed smoothly, and evaluated effectively from start to finish. Demonstrate, through actions and interactions with others, a commitment to USTA New England's purpose, strategic goals, mission, values, and culture.

Requirements

• INITIATIVE - Self-motivation, action-oriented and resourceful in accomplishing work. A willingness to do what it takes and meticulous about following through even when hurdles may arise. An eagerness to think ahead and be proactive in approach to work.
• SERVICE ORIENTATION - Enjoys problem solving and helping others in a commitment to best in class customer service. Great interpersonal skills that can resolve conflict. A willingness to respect and embrace the diversity of our communities whether virtually or in-person.
• QUALITY OF WORK - Has a good foundation of methodical, personal organization that gives confidence to reach deadlines and achieve outcomes even when there are multiple priorities.
• INNOVATION - Always searching for new ways to be more effective and grow participation in our programs. Explores processes and tools that reduce administrative workload, tweak and build our programs & services through new ideas and concepts. Identifies lessons learned and adapts when concepts may not be successful.
• NAVIGATE AMBIGUITY - Someone who is able to deal with ambiguity can effectively cope with change, shift gears comfortably, decide and act without having the total picture, and handle risk and uncertainty.
• INCLUSIVITY - Inclusive thinker who ensures that programming reflects the diverse populations of New England.
• ACCOUNTABILITY - Accountable for measurable, high-quality, timely, and cost effective results.
• COMMUNICATION - Skilled at and loves keeping everyone informed about what is going on and can do so succinctly, clearly, and compellingly. This includes written and verbal communication.
• FINANCIAL - Able to develop and manage a budget effectively and assist in financial projections based on current and future outcomes of the organization.
• ANALYTICAL - Utilizes data and quantitative/qualitative feedback to drive decision-making and support the mission & vision.
• COLLABORATION & PROJECT COORDINATION - Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate. Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines. Knowledge of the principles, methods, or tools for developing, scheduling, coordinating, and managing projects and resources. Looks beyond individual contributions and can successfully work with others. Able to steer, deploy, and/or engage others towards specific outcomes.
• EVENT COORDINATION - Skilled at coordinating particular tasks and operations for on and off-site events.
• COMPUTER SKILLS - Proficient with Google Drive and Microsoft Office Suite. Prior experience with excel/Google Sheets. Savvy in learning new technology platforms.
• OTHER - Must live in the New England Section.
• This role requires regular on-site presence at League Championships, including evenings and weekends.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in event management, hospitality, or a related field and three (3) or more years of relevant experience is preferred.
• Relevant combination of education and experience may substitute for a degree.
• Familiarity with TennisLink and understanding of tennis preferred.

Responsibilities

• Championship Operations & Event Execution Serve as the primary operational lead for all USTA New England League Championships, with full responsibility for planning, coordinating, and executing events from early preparation through post-event follow-up.
• Collaborate with local league managers and coordinators to develop championship schedules that align with league structures, seasonal calendars, and facility availability.
• Coordinate player and captain recognition items to ensure a consistent and meaningful championship experience.
• Partner with the Events & Partnerships Manager to plan, source, and order championship promotional items and player and captain gifts, ensuring selections are consistent across events, meet quality standards, and remain aligned with event goals and approved budget parameters.
• Assume responsibility for securing championship sites and managing all related event logistics, including coordinating seasonal staff and volunteer support, organizing event supplies, securing hotel blocks for players, and assigning on-site staff roles to ensure adequate coverage and clear accountability.
• Support senior leadership in the development of League Championship budgets by providing historical data, operational insights, vendor estimates, and post-event feedback.
• Track championship-related expenses throughout the season and proactively flag budget variances, trends, or cost-saving opportunities.
• Design, document, and continuously improve championship systems and processes, including standard operating procedures, templates, timelines, and checklists, with a focus on creating scalable, repeatable practices that reduce reliance on ad hoc planning and individual staff support.
• Evaluate, implement, and leverage event-related technology (e.g., registration tools, digital tournament desks, communication platforms) to improve operational efficiency and enhance the overall player and team experience.
• Oversee storage, tracking, distribution, and replenishment of supplies, equipment, signage, and awards, and coordinate orders to ensure materials are available when and where needed.
• Serve as on-site event personnel for League Championships as required, providing visible leadership, real-time problem-solving, and coordination with staff, volunteers, officials, and facility partners to ensure events run smoothly and issues are resolved promptly.
• Relationship Management & Collaboration Recruit, onboard, train, and evaluate seasonal event staff to build a reliable and repeatable championship workforce that can be deployed across multiple events and seasons.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with facility partners, collaborating closely with facility managers to support championship contracts, logistical planning, and successful on-site execution.
• Coordinate with staff across departments and with volunteers to support other special events and initiatives as needed, ensuring clear communication, shared expectations, and alignment with broader organizational priorities.
• Staff, Volunteer and Stakeholder Coordination Train and prepare league staff and seasonal personnel assigned to championships by clearly defining roles, responsibilities, timelines, and event-day expectations to ensure staff feel confident and supported.
• Assign staff and seasonal workers to League Championships based on event needs and availability, and lead post-event debrief meetings to capture feedback, identify improvements, and inform future planning.
• Serve as the Staff Liaison to the League Championship Subcommittee, supporting committee goals while ensuring clear, timely, and effective communication between volunteers and staff.
• Coordinate with approved vendors and service providers related to championship operations, including equipment, supplies, awards, and on-site services, ensuring timelines, deliverables, and costs are aligned with event needs and organizational standards.
• Planning, Documentation & Communication Operate all championship planning and execution in alignment with approved League Championship budgets, proactively monitoring expenses, identifying risks or variances, and consulting with senior leadership before committing to unbudgeted or materially different expenditures.
• Maintain comprehensive Championship Event Planning documentation, including facility planning materials, standard operating procedures, surveys, timelines, and operational checklists to support consistent execution across events.
• Develop, update, and maintain Championship Event Handbooks and supplemental resources such as FAQs and policies to ensure accurate and accessible information for players, captains, staff, and volunteers.
• Coordinate with the Marketing Department to ensure League Championship landing pages on the USTA New England website are accurate and up to date, including event calendars, handbooks, registration details, and key communications and create improved social media presence during championship weekends.
• Oversee and maintain tools to track team registration, captain certification, and individual player registration to support accurate reporting and smooth event operations.
• Manage the League Championships email inbox by establishing workflows, response standards, shared documentation, and escalation protocols that support timely, professional, and consistent communication across multiple staff members.
• Monitor and report championship participation data to support planning, identify trends, and inform strategic decision-making aimed at improving the championship experience year-over-year.
• Support post-event evaluations and implement operational improvements based on participant feedback, staff input, and data insights.
• Identify operational risks related to championships, including staffing gaps, facility issues, weather impacts, or participant concerns, and escalate issues appropriately while implementing practical, real-time solutions to minimize disruption.
• Ensure a consistent championship experience across all events by standardizing planning practices, on-site execution, communication, and participant-facing materials, while allowing for appropriate flexibility based on event size and location.
• Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

Benefits

• 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, paid holidays, and a paid winter recess.
• Plan for your future financially and professionally: 401(k) with employer matching (up to 4%), access to employer-paid EAP, and learning and development programs to learn on the job.
• Mental and emotional wellness: Resources for overall well-being, including personal coaching and meditation benefits.
• Other cool perks: Optional pet insurance, discounts with our network of partners, and fun events are just a few of the optional benefits available.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level