Director of Clubhouse Operations Cosmos Club
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Opportunity at Cosmos Club
Cosmos Club is seeking a hands‑on, collaborative Director of Clubhouse Operations who leads with empathy, professionalism, and a consistently positive presence. This individual will build trust with a culturally diverse and long‑tenured staff while bringing fresh perspective and operational excellence to the member experience. A strong communicator and coach, they will hold the team accountable while actively supporting growth and development. Their “people‑first” leadership approach will ensure employees feel valued, ultimately strengthening the member experience.
About Cosmos Club
Cosmos Club is a private Washington, D.C. social club for individuals distinguished in science, literature, the arts, learned professions, or public service. The Club stands as a bastion of intellectual fellowship and cultural enrichment in the heart of Washington, D.C. Since its establishment in 1878, the Club has served as a prestigious gathering place for individuals distinguished in various fields. The tradition of Cosmos Club is rooted in dignity, elegance, and camaraderie. Since the Club’s inception, it has maintained a welcoming atmosphere where members can socialize, relax, dine, and learn. Designed and constructed by Curtis John Hillyer in 1873, Cosmos Club is a historic downtown landmark. The Cosmos Club's architecture, characterized by elegant French Renaissance design and surrounded by tranquil gardens, showcases its timeless grandeur. Within the building is a Billiards room, card room, several meeting spaces, overnight guest rooms, spacious lounges, and a bar. The elegant library is home to over ten thousand volumes, most of which are available for loan to its members.
By the Numbers
- $4,500 Resident Initiation Fee ($3,000 Non‑resident)
- $3,895 Resident Annual dues ($1,947.50 Non‑resident)
- Approximately 2,514 Members
- $19.2M Approximate Gross Volume
- $7.3M Approximate Annual Dues Volume
- $9.0M Approximate Gross Payroll
- 153 Employees
- $8.6M Approximate F&B Volume
- 35% à la Carte/ 65% Catering
- POS System – Northstar
- 75 Average age of members
Position Overview
The Director of Clubhouse Operations oversees the daily functions of multiple key departments, including Membership, Engineering, Housekeeping, Front Desk, Member and Guest Relations, and Member Services, ensuring seamless, high‑quality operations across the Club. This role is responsible for maintaining a welcoming and well‑maintained environment across all areas of the Club, from public spaces and guest rooms to the fitness center, and works closely with housekeeping, engineering, and vendor teams to uphold cleanliness, functionality, safety, and brand standards.
As the operational leader overseeing these functions, the Director of Clubhouse Operations recruits, trains, and motivates staff while reinforcing performance expectations, compliance standards, and a strong service culture. They manage payroll for their teams, collaborate on departmental budgeting and capital needs, and support proactive planning for repairs, improvements, and renovations. This role leads by example in member engagement by resolving concerns, overseeing guest room quality, checking events when needed, and serving as a highly visible point of contact throughout the Club.
The Director of Clubhouse Operations also plays an integral role as part of the Senior Management Team, contributing to short‑ and long‑term operational strategy. They coordinate with leaders across the Club to improve efficiency, maintain standard operating procedures, ensure regulatory and safety compliance, and support initiatives that enhance both the employee and member experience.
Initial Priorities of the New Director of Clubhouse Operations
- Listen, observe, and actively engage to gain a deep understanding of what makes the Cosmos Club such a special and distinctive place. Embrace and learn the Club’s culture, history and traditions while building meaningful relationships with members and team members through presence, approachability, and genuine curiosity.
- Conduct a comprehensive review of current clubhouse operations to identify opportunities to strengthen efficiency and elevate service delivery. Develop a structured system of tracking and metrics to measure performance and support continuous improvement across all clubhouse functions.
- Prioritize exceptional service as the foundation for an elevated member experience, focusing on service consistency and responsiveness to member feedback.
- Assess and review existing technology platforms, partnering with the team to identify opportunities that enhance operational efficiency and elevate high‑touch, personalized service. Collaborate on thoughtful recommendations that support both member engagement and staff effectiveness.
- Partner closely with the GM and Senior Team to understand the Club’s capital projects and long‑term vision. Learn where to meaningfully contribute and support successful planning, communication, and execution of enhancements that elevate the member and guest experience.
- Support long‑term organizational stability by proactively approaching succession planning, leadership development, and employee retention. Anticipate upcoming transitions in key roles and ensure thoughtful preparation, strong talent pipelines, and continuity of culture and service excellence.
- Be an active, collaborative contributor within the Senior Team while championing a culture of learning, professional development, and staff growth to ensure the Club continues to attract, retain, and inspire high‑performing talent.
- Assess and enhance training programs to reinforce and elevate service standards and set clear expectations creating a culture of accountability.
- Collaborate with the Senior Team to thoughtfully prepare for and celebrate the Cosmos Club’s 150th anniversary in 2028, ensuring operational readiness and memorable experiences that honor the Club’s legacy and community.
Candidate Qualifications
- Ideally, a minimum of five to seven years of progressive leadership experience in a high‑caliber, multi‑outlet environment, such as a hotel, resort, private club, or corporate food and beverage operation.
- Candidates with backgrounds in other areas of the hospitality industry will be considered, provided they demonstrate a relationship‑driven approach over a transactional one, verifiable through current and past professional success.
- A proven track record of building and maintaining strong relationships with both members and team members, where members’ needs are prioritized, coupled with an intuitive mentoring style that encourages staff development and advancement.
- Evidence of a supportive leadership approach that emphasizes employee growth, high morale, and a strong, team‑oriented culture.
- Commitment to delivering a consistently first‑class member experience through strategic foresight, problem‑solving, and attention to detail in all aspects of Clubhouse Operations.
- Demonstrate exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills, with high emotional intelligence, warmth, and approachability that reflect genuine hospitality. Bring executive presence and diplomatic communication to interactions with members, staff, and leadership alike.
Educational and Certification Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree is 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 are encouraged but not required.
Employment Eligibility Verification
In compliance with federal law, all hired employees must verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
Salary and Benefits
Salary is open and commensurate with qualifications and experience. The Club offers an excellent bonus and benefits package, including association membership. Salary Range: $140,000 - $170,000.
Instructions on How to Apply
Please upload your resume and cover letter in the order listed using the link below. When prompted for them during the online application process, you should have your documents fully prepared to attach. Please be sure your image is not on your resume or cover letter; it should be used on your LinkedIn Profile.
Prepare a thoughtful cover letter addressed to Mr. Mitchell Platt, General Manager . Clearly articulate your alignment with this role, why you want to be considered for this position at this stage of your career, and why Cosmos Club and the Washington, DC area will benefit you, your family, your career, and the Club if selected.
You must apply for this role as soon as possible, but no later than Monday, February 2, 2026 . Candidate selections will occur early February, with the first interviews expected in early March and the second interviews a short time later. The successful candidate should assume their role as soon as possible.
Important
Save your resume and letter in the following manner:
“Last Name, First Name – Resume”
“Last Name, First Name – Cover Letter – Cosmos Club”
(These documents should be in Word or PDF format).
Note: Once you complete the application process for this search, you are not able to go back in and add additional documents.
Lead Search Executives
Marcie Mills, CCM
Search & Consulting Executive
O: 833-KKW-HIRE, ext. 716
M:
Kurt D. Kuebler, CCM, CMAA Fellow
Partner
O: (833) KKW-HIRE, ext. 701
M:
To apply for this position click the link below.
(Apply for the Cosmos Club Director of Clubhouse Operations position)
Seniority Level
- Director
Employment Type
- Full‑time
Job Function
- Management and Manufacturing
- Book and Periodical Publishing