Development Operations Associate Jobs in Charlottesville, VA

First Tee – Virginia Blue Ridge seeks a mission-driven Lead Instructor & Player Development Professional to deliver high‐quality First Tee youth programs at the First Tee Clubhouse at Ix Park and partnered locations. This role is primarily responsible for leading First Tee curriculum programs and class operations in a fun, high energy youth-focused environment, with secondary responsibilities in growing individual lessons, leagues, and facility usage.

This role is intentionally designed to prepare PGA Associates with management level experiential responsibilities. While instruction and program leadership remain the core functions, the position offers hands-on experience in program planning, operations, leadership, and customer engagement. Growth opportunities will expand based on performance and mentorship from the Director of Curriculum & Player Development.

Key Responsibilities

First Tee Program Implementation (Primary Focus)

• Lead day‐to‐day delivery of all First Tee youth programs, including group classes, community programs, field trips, and in‐school sessions.
• Manage class operations: rosters, attendance, equipment setup, lesson plans, safety, and overall class flow.
• Deliver age-appropriate First Tee curriculum that integrates golf skills, life skills, and character development.
• Assist with the development and implementation of on‐course experiences that strengthen curriculum outcomes.
• Support parent, volunteer, and participant communications; help facilitate orientations and program updates.
• Drive recruitment and enrollment by highlighting the benefits and impact of First Tee programming through parent engagement, community visibility, and mission-centered storytelling.
• Support volunteer coach development to ensure consistent instructional quality.
• Maintain accurate participant records using the First Tee Coaches App and Salesforce.

Instruction & Player Development

• Provide individual lessons, group lessons, and family instruction to enhance participant improvement and engagement.
• Support competitive player development, including preparation for VSGA junior events and other opportunities.
• Assist with tournament education, planning, and on‐site execution.
• Drive enrollment in lessons, leagues, clinics, and development pathways by actively engaging families, communicating player progress, and recommending next-step opportunities.
• Create short-form video instruction, swing tips, and educational content for social media to increase visibility, support student learning, and promote lesson offerings.
• Use effective calls to action to encourage continued engagement in lessons, camps, seasons, and developmental programs based on each participant’s goals and progress.
• Serve as a positive role model and mentor aligned with First Tee’s mission and youth‐development values.

Facility Support & Operational Standards

• Ensure daily facility readiness, including schedule accuracy, equipment organization, and cleanliness standards.
• Represent First Tee during space rentals, corporate events, birthday parties, and like events that require facility supervision and professional service.
• Maintain a safe, welcoming, and well‐organized environment for all participants and families.
• Contribute to a collaborative, team-oriented culture across staff and volunteers.

Reporting Structure

• Reports to the Director of Curriculum & Player Development
• Works collaboratively with facility staff, part-time instructors, and volunteers
• Provides ongoing updates on program operations and participant progress

Qualifications

Required

• PGA Associate or PGA Professional in good standing (or actively pursuing membership)
• Experience in golf instruction and junior development
• Can bring the energy and make each day a positive experience
• Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills
• Commitment to youth development and the First Tee mission
• Availability for afternoons, evenings, and weekends; flexible schedule

Preferred

• Familiarity with First Tee curriculum or similar youth-development models
• Experience working as a team and coordinating volunteers
• Basic knowledge utilizing booking (Active Booker) and (Salesforce) database software
• Basic knowledge of facility operations

Benefits:

• PGA dues and professional development support, including associate costs reimbursement on becoming a Class A professional
• Health insurance stipend, immediately
• Simple IRA: eligible after 1 year; up to 3% match by employer
• Paid Time Off: tiered by tenure
• Complimentary use of First Tee facilities and equipment discounts

Base Salary: $40,000 - $45,000 (DOE)

·        Estimated 15 - 25 hours of First Tee Programming per week

Lesson Revenue: 70% private-lesson split (youth & adult)
Additional Income: As the chapter grows so will the earning potential

Potential Income:   $60,000++