General Manager of Yale Golf Course

New Haven, CT, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Work Schedule

Flexible

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Tuition Assistance

Life insurance

Employee wellness programs

Job Description

Yale University, located in New Haven, Connecticut, is an Ivy League institution renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, innovative research, and community engagement. As one of the world's leading universities, Yale offers a diverse and dynamic environment for its faculty, staff, and students, fostering a culture of inclusion and collaboration. The university is dedicated to creating opportunities for growth, development, and meaningful contributions that help shape a better tomorrow for both the local community and the global society.

The Yale Golf Course, part of this prestigious institution, is celebrated as one of the finest examples of early American golf course design. After undergoing a comprehensive restoration in 2024, it has been consistently ranked as the number one college golf course in America by Golfweek and has received wide state and national recognition. The golf course plays an integral role in the university’s athletics and community-life activities, offering a premier facility for golf enthusiasts, students, alumni, and guests.

The position of General Manager at the Yale Golf Course is a full-time, on-site role responsible for overseeing the successful operation of the entire golf course and its associated facilities. This role requires a professional leader with strong financial expertise and strategic vision to develop and implement both short-term and long-term plans that promote the overall health and success of the golf course. The General Manager will lead budgeting processes, revenue projection, and expense management to ensure the financial stability of the golf course.

This leadership role involves direct supervision of key personnel, including the course superintendent and assistant general manager, while coordinating closely with the athletic department and university facilities staff. Responsibilities extend to strategic planning for capital renovations, maintenance, and operations across the golf course’s various departments such as the pro shop, cart barn, food and beverage operations, and business office. The General Manager is also charged with hiring, training, and managing both exempt and non-exempt employees who operate the day-to-day activities and uphold the quality and appearance of the course.

In addition to operational management, the position demands exceptional interpersonal skills to foster positive relationships with employees, students, alumni, customers, and community members. The General Manager ensures compliance with all relevant university, NCAA, Ivy League, and PGA regulations and policies and promotes a strong team environment by effectively administering union regulations where applicable.

This role involves extensive interaction with various stakeholders, including the facilitation of hosting tournaments, championships, and other events, while maintaining a high standard of service and customer satisfaction. The ideal candidate will have considerable experience in golf facility management, financial planning, human resource management, and a demonstrated ability to lead complex organizations strategically. The General Manager will also serve as a liaison to maintain positive community relations and uphold Yale’s standards of excellence in hospitality and athletics.

Yale University values diversity and inclusion and encourages individuals from a broad range of backgrounds to apply. Employment with Yale offers the opportunity to contribute significantly to both the university and broader community while advancing professional growth in a prestigious and supportive environment.

Job Requirements

Ability to work flexible hours
Considerable knowledge and experience in managing and directing all operations for a golf facility including staff training in policies and procedures of golf course operations, food and beverage operations, budgeting, clubhouse and cart operations, golf merchandising and equipment trends
Knowledge and experience in golfing retail operations, food services and related amenities
Knowledge of accounting and financial management principles including uniform system of accounts, financial analysis, budgeting, cash flow forecasting, financing capital projects, audits, internal revenue system, computers, business office organization and long-range financial planning
Sales and marketing knowledge
Human resource management skills such as employee relations, management styles, organizational development, time management, labor issues and leadership
Successful experience working in a team environment
Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences
Ability to manage and resolve conflict situations
Physical ability to stand and walk for extended periods and work in inclement weather conditions

Job Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree
Master’s degree preferred
Minimum five years of experience in a service-oriented, hospitality industry such as golf course management, hotel, resort, restaurant, retail or sports management or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Proven track record as a strategic leader with experience in a complex organization
Demonstrated financial management experience
Experience managing union employees preferred
Knowledge of building and facilities management including preventative maintenance, insurance and risk management, clubhouse/building remodeling and renovation, contractors, energy and water resource management, and security operations
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Effective negotiation skills

Job Duties

Builds the golf course’s long- and short-range objectives, goals, policies and programs
Develops, maintains and administers strategic annual and long-range plans to maintain and improve the golf course
Develops and controls the golf course budget, projects revenue and manages all expenses and responsible for overall financial stability of the operation
Directs day-to-day financial and business activities of the course including the pro shop, driving range, and golf services, food and beverage operations, business office, and course maintenance and grounds operations
Monitors the quality of the golf course’s products and services and ensures maximum value of services to customers
Works closely with athletic department leadership, coaches and staff to facilitate team needs and coordinate the hosting of tournaments, championships and other department or university uses at the course
Provide leadership in the coordination with athletic department and university facility staff in planning and maintaining facilities and grounds
Provide direction and input in planning for capital renovations and repairs, and other needs of the course
Implements corrective measures
Develops, implements and enforces golf course operating policies and procedures
Hires, supervises and manages golf course personnel excluding grounds staff
Effectively manages and administers all union regulations and creates a strong and effective team environment
Fosters positive and productive relationships between the golf facility and its golfers, guests, employees, community and industry
Assures all operations adhere to athletics department, Yale University, NCAA, Ivy League and PGA regulations and policies
Enforces compliance with university purchasing protocols
Keeps customers adequately informed of the activities of the golf course and encourages their participation
Ensures sound relationships are maintained between staff and customers, and that proper consideration is given to customer complaints and suggestions
Serves as liaison to maintain positive community relations