General Manager/COO Governors Club

About the Role

The General Manager/Chief Operating Officer (GM/COO) of Governors Club reports directly to the Club President and Board of Directors and manages all aspects of the Club’s operations. The GM/COO coordinates and administers the Club’s policies as defined by the Board, develops operating policies and procedures, and directs the day‑to‑day work of all departments including golf operations, course maintenance, member services, food and beverage, fitness, racquet, facilities maintenance, accounting/budgeting, and human resources, while also being actively involved in membership marketing efforts. Specific emphasis is placed on delivering the highest quality standards to enhance the experience for members and their guests.

The GM/COO is expected to be a consummate and respectful professional — transparent, honest, straightforward, and accountable — with integrity, leadership, and dedication. The role requires inspiring and motivating a strong team, earning the respect of members, employees, and the community, and gaining and maintaining the trust and confidence of these constituencies. Strong administrative and organizational skills, financial acuity, and a naturally “front‑facing” approach are essential, as is the ability to analyze and convey important financial information to Committees, the Board, and the leadership team succinctly. Creating a culture of “continuous evolution to excellence” in service, programming, and amenities is a key priority. Exceptional communication skills — both personal presentation and writing — and a sincere, approachable style are critical. The GM/COO must collaborate with the Board, Committees, and Senior Staff to ensure the Club’s vision is relevant, well‑constructed, and that all involved know their accountabilities. Governors Club is inclusive and welcoming, with members both from within the gates and non‑residents; the new GM/COO must epitomize and further this style of inclusiveness and warm hospitality.

About Governors Club

Governors Club is a nationally recognized private club community in Chapel Hill, built around an award‑winning 27‑hole Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course and member‑owned country club. A Platinum Club of America and Distinguished Club, it is the Research Triangle’s only gated golf community. The Club is ranked in the Top 150 private clubs by the Platinum Clubs of America and recognized as an Exceptional Club from Board Room Magazine’s Distinguished Clubs list. The Research Triangle is anchored by UNC‑Chapel Hill, Duke University, and NC State University. The community comprises more than 900 families and offers exceptional amenities. The centerpiece is the Club and its 27 holes of Nicklaus golf across three distinct nine‑hole courses — the Lakes, Foothills, and Mountain — on a 1,600‑acre property with varied terrain, allowing year‑round play in a four‑season climate.

• Approximately 700 memberships across Full, Sports, and House categories
• Full membership initiation fee: $55,000
• Full membership monthly dues: $1,085 operating + $175 capital
• Approximately 38,400 annual golf rounds (2025)
• Gross revenue: approximately $16M, including project assessment revenue (2025)
• Annual dues revenue: approximately $8.3M — $7.2M operating and $1.1M capital (2025)
• Food and beverage revenue: approximately $2.76M
• 99 full‑time equivalent employees
• 9 Board members serving three‑year terms
• Average member age: 69

Website: www.governorsclubnc.com

Initial Priorities

• Spend considerable time with the Board, Members, and Staff to “listen and understand the culture and history of Governors Club” before making any significant changes; be available, approachable, interactive, and “present.”
• Evaluate overall service experiences and collaborate on a “game plan” for quick enhancements where deemed necessary and appropriate.
• “Pay attention to details” around the Club — physical plant, SOPs, programming, activities — working with senior staff to create enhancement strategies for all areas and keep the Board well informed; create a “sense of urgency” centered on member experience delivery and default to “yes” when reasonably possible.
• Review and enhance or install appropriate performance management standards, including clearly defined SOPs, key evaluation metrics, and goals/objectives, ensuring each team understands responsibilities and accountabilities with strong unity and collaboration.
• Consider the current organizational chart, with strong focus on human resources and communications, and recommend changes or enhancements to the Board after full evaluation.
• Review current practices for staff recruitment, retention, and development/training; work with the team to develop enhancement plans; evaluate employee strengths/weaknesses and communicate vision and strategy for each role in achieving individual, collective, and overall Club goals.
• Strategically map a plan to further develop a dedicated, talented professional team, ensuring high morale and staff satisfaction that translates into high member and guest satisfaction.
• Create a “State of the Club” report to the Board after 90 days of evaluation and observation, providing keen insights and recommendations regarding procedures, staffing, programming, and other key processes.

Qualifications

• Highly energetic individual with a proven track record as a General Manager or well‑mentored Assistant General Manager, and a passion for service excellence in all facets of club operations, providing innovative leadership and sound guidance.
• Disciplined, inspirational, visionary leader who can impart a culture of consistent, quality service and attention to detail; “hands‑on” but strategic, able to clearly communicate strategy and expectations as a natural mentor.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive leadership/management experience in a private member‑owned club or high‑end resort operation, preferably with member boards and committee involvement.
• “Consummate hospitality professional” with a “servant’s heart” and strong operational management skills; able to collaborate with the Board, Member Committees, and Senior Staff to define and strategically execute plans that position Governors Club as a premier club in North Carolina and beyond.
• Strong history of success and keen understanding of quality food and beverage operations, golf operations excellence, mentoring, strategic planning, innovation, creativity, and strong service culture development.
• Demonstrated ability to attract, hire, develop, and engage a high‑performing cross‑functional team focused on “continuous evolution to excellence,” with a strong focus on building and maintaining an “employer of choice” environment; critical is ensuring a highly collaborative leadership team with clear goals and accountabilities, supported by a strong advocate for their success.
• Experience and success in facilitating member participation and recruitment, generating engagement with the larger community to attract new members and build the Club’s sense of community.
• Financial and budgeting acumen with prior significant P&L responsibility, plus true understanding of the balance sheet, member equity, capital reserve strategies, and cash flow.
• Prior involvement in conceptualizing, developing, coordinating, and executing strategic and capital projects of magnitude, including gaining member and staff support and understanding current trends and expectations; staying relevant and ahead of changing demographic expectations for services, programming, and amenities.
• Creative problem solver who commands respect through interactions, lives up to commitments, and confidently puts forth recommendations to the Board and Staff; a true “thought partner” with the Board and Committees for long‑term success.

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, with a focus on Hospitality Management.
• Substantial private club or hospitality experience will be considered in lieu of the degree.
• Industry certifications such as CCM, CCE, CMC, or PGA are encouraged but not required.

Salary & Benefits

Salary is open and commensurate with qualifications and experience. The Club offers an excellent bonus and benefits package, including association membership.