Director of Programming & Experiences

Chicago, IL
Full Time
Experienced

Director of Programming and Experiences

Why Lakeshore – A Place to Grow, Play, and Lead

At Lakeshore Sport & Fitness, we’re proud to be Chicago’s #1 destination for sport, fitness, and fun—but what truly sets us apart is our people. From toddlers taking their first swim lesson to adults training for their next triathlon, we’re a vibrant community built on connection, energy, and excellence.

We lead with our values: Professionalism, Quality, Team, Ownership, and Celebration. Whether it’s launching a new kids’ camp, fine-tuning a tennis league, or creating a seamless fitness experience, we show up with heart and high standards to deliver programming and hospitality our members love.

Your Game Plan – Director of Programming and Experiences

As Director of Programming and Experiences, you’ll lead the vision, execution, and daily operations of Lakeshore’s most defining offerings. From youth camps and childcare to group fitness, personal training, racquet sports, and member events—you’ll make sure everything we do is well-designed, consistently excellent, and deeply engaging.

This is a hands-on leadership role. You’ll own your areas fully—developing teams, setting standards, and ensuring operations run smoothly—while collaborating with the GM and other directors to create a seamless club-wide experience. You’ll balance strategy and creativity with operational discipline, ensuring that members feel the impact of your leadership every day.

Your Role on the Team

  • Own Programming & Experiences: Lead the design, strategy, and execution of youth, fitness, family, and racquet sports programs.

  • Lead Teams: Develop and support department leaders and create a culture of accountability, service, and fun.

  • Deliver Excellence: Ensure every class, league, camp, and event is safe, professional, and member-focused.

  • Operational Leadership: Manage budgets, schedules, systems, and processes that keep your areas running at a high standard.

  • Collaborative Partner: Work closely with the GM and peer directors to align operations, share best practices, and create a unified member experience.

  • Be Highly Visible: Stay connected to the floor—engaging members, supporting staff, and spotting opportunities to improve.

What You Bring – Your Strengths

  • A passion for fitness, recreation, and hospitality—and the ability to translate that passion into programs people love.

  • Experience running operations and leading teams across multiple departments.

  • Strong leadership skills—you inspire confidence, coach for growth, and hold people accountable with clarity and care.

  • A strategic yet hands-on mindset—you see the big picture but thrive in the details of daily execution.

  • Excellent communication and problem-solving skills—you collaborate well and act quickly when challenges arise.

Core Qualifications

  • 5+ years of leadership experience in recreation, hospitality, fitness, or related fields.

  • Demonstrated ability to manage programming across diverse age groups and interests.

  • Proven operational expertise: budgeting, scheduling, systems, and analysis.

  • Experience developing engaged, high-performing teams.

  • Flexibility to work evenings/weekends as needed to support programming and member experiences.

Team Member Experience

Lakeshore isn’t just a place to work—it’s a place to thrive. As a leader here, you’ll own a meaningful piece of the member experience, work alongside passionate colleagues, and help shape how thousands of people connect, play, and grow every day.

Compensation & Perks

  • Salary: Competitive annual salary based on experience

  • Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, 401(k), and PTO

  • Club Perks: Free family membership, complimentary childcare for team member children, 50% off services, discounted meals, and free parking

  • Culture & Growth: A high-energy, people-first environment with seasonal team events, development opportunities, and a strong sense of purpose

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