Great River Golf Club - Executive Director

Job Description

As one of the nation’s largest Catholic universities and among the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. Nearly 10,000 students attend the University’s nine colleges and schools: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Performing Arts; College of Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; School of Computer Science & Engineering and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart, a Laudato Si’ campus, stands out from other Catholic universities as it was established to be led by the laity. This contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts and, at the same time, cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 391 Colleges: 2026 Edition and Best Business Schools: 2025 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award‑winning, NPR‑affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio; a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a completed application and résumé through the University’s online application system. Applications submitted outside of the official Careers at SHU website will not be considered. Applicants should not apply through third‑party or external job sites, as such postings may be fraudulent or may misrepresent opportunities that are no longer available at the University. A cover letter or statement of interest is preferred for all staff positions.

Sacred Heart University complies with all federal and state employment laws and regulations. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position.

Position Summary

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive and strategic leader of Great River Golf Club, a premier championship golf and hospitality destination owned by Sacred Heart University. This position has full responsibility and accountability for the Club’s operational excellence, financial performance, reputation, and alignment with the University’s mission and standards.

The Executive Director provides enterprise-wide leadership and oversight of all Club functions, including Golf Operations, Pro Shop/Retail, Greens & Grounds, Food & Beverage (Monty’s Grille), Events and Banquets, Membership, Marketing, Facilities, Finance (P&L), Security, and Human Resources. The role establishes strategic direction, drives continuous improvement, and leads a high‑performing management team to deliver exceptional golf, dining, and event experiences.

• Serves as the chief executive leader of Great River Golf Club with full authority and accountability for strategy, operations, financial performance, and organizational results.
• Provides vision, leadership, and long‑term strategic direction for the Club in alignment with Sacred Heart University priorities.
• Directs and holds accountable all department leaders across Golf Operations, Greens & Grounds, Food & Beverage, Events & Banquets, Pro Shop/Retail, Membership, Marketing, Facilities, and Administration.
• Provides executive oversight of Golf Operations, including professional staff, instruction and academy programming, tournaments, outings, pace of play, tee sheet management, and merchandising, ensuring a premier golf experience.
• Ensures championship-quality course conditions through close partnership with agronomy leadership and long‑range planning.
• Oversees Food & Beverage operations, including Monty’s Grille, concessions, and banquet/event catering, ensuring exceptional quality, consistency, service standards, and profitability.
• Provides executive leadership for Events and Banquets, including weddings, corporate outings, tournaments, and University‑affiliated events.
• Leads development and execution of annual operating and capital budgets; maintains full P&L responsibility.
• Drives financial performance through disciplined forecasting, cost controls, revenue optimization, and corrective actions.
• Establishes and enforces enterprise‑wide service standards, operating policies, and performance expectations.
• Builds, mentors, and leads a high‑performing management team; establishes succession planning and leadership development.
• Serves as a visible ambassador of the Club, cultivating strong relationships with members, guests, University partners, donors, and community stakeholders.
• Collaborates with Marketing and Communications resources to drive membership growth, rounds, outings, events, and dining business.
• Partners with Campus Operations and the VP of Facilities & Construction to ensure preventive maintenance, capital planning, and facility improvement initiatives are executed effectively.
• Ensures compliance with all health, safety, liquor licensing, employment, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversees risk management and security planning in coordination with Campus Public Safety.
• Represents Great River Golf Club on appropriate University and Club committees.
• Build relationships with Sacred Heart University academic programs to support internships and experiential learning opportunities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, & Other Attributes

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Golf Management, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive leadership experience in golf, club management, hospitality, or related environment.
• CCM (Certified Club Manager), PGA, or pursuit of professional certification preferred.
• Proven success leading complex, multi‑department hospitality, golf, or club operations at a senior or executive leadership level.
• Decisive, hands‑on executive leader with a strong track record of building and leading high‑performing teams.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing P&L, budgets, forecasting, and capital planning.
• Exceptional strategic, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Extensive knowledge of golf operations and traditions of the game.
• Strong understanding of Food & Beverage, event, and banquet operations.
• High level of computer proficiency (Office, Outlook, POS, inventory, scheduling, financial systems).

Unusual Working Conditions

Fast‑paced hospitality and golf environment requiring flexibility and strong executive presence. Evening, weekend, and holiday hours are required based on operational needs.

This job posting provides an overview of the role's general nature and expected tasks. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all duties performed. The university reserves the right to modify or reassign job responsibilities at any time. This posting description does not constitute an employment contract, either explicit or implied.

Sacred Heart University is a space that respects and embraces differences, recognizes the unique contributions that individuals can make, and creates a community that maximizes the potential of all faculty and staff. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live.

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