What are the responsibilities and job description for the General Manager - New Gym Opening position at Dominique Dawes Academy?
Description
The General Manager will serve as the on-site leader for a new Dominique Dawes Academy location, overseeing both the successful launch and ongoing day-to-day operations. This role is responsible for recruiting and training a high-performing team, fostering a positive workplace culture, and achieving key performance targets—from meeting operational deadlines and sales goals prior to opening, to ensuring long-term business growth and member satisfaction.
Once operational, the General Manager will oversee all aspects of daily operations, program planning, and execution across gymnastics and ninja offerings, including recreational classes, competitive teams, camps, and special events. They will ensure high standards of programming and participant experience while driving success through revenue growth, membership retention, and customer satisfaction.
The ideal candidate is a dynamic, results-driven leader with a passion for youth athletics and enrichment programming. Strong operational expertise and business acumen are essential for managing staff, coaches, and administrators, as well as coordinating logistics, scheduling, curriculum execution, coach development, and program evaluation. The General Manager will collaborate closely with the marketing and leadership teams to enhance program offerings and expand the Academy’s customer base.
Key Responsibilities
The General Manager will serve as the on-site leader for a new Dominique Dawes Academy location, overseeing both the successful launch and ongoing day-to-day operations. This role is responsible for recruiting and training a high-performing team, fostering a positive workplace culture, and achieving key performance targets—from meeting operational deadlines and sales goals prior to opening, to ensuring long-term business growth and member satisfaction.
Once operational, the General Manager will oversee all aspects of daily operations, program planning, and execution across gymnastics and ninja offerings, including recreational classes, competitive teams, camps, and special events. They will ensure high standards of programming and participant experience while driving success through revenue growth, membership retention, and customer satisfaction.
The ideal candidate is a dynamic, results-driven leader with a passion for youth athletics and enrichment programming. Strong operational expertise and business acumen are essential for managing staff, coaches, and administrators, as well as coordinating logistics, scheduling, curriculum execution, coach development, and program evaluation. The General Manager will collaborate closely with the marketing and leadership teams to enhance program offerings and expand the Academy’s customer base.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute all pre-opening plans, including operation setup, inventory planning, and initial staffing.
- Partner with corporate teams (marketing, operations, programing, and human resources) to implement all launch strategies.
- Procure all necessary supplies and initial inventory.
- Manage the sales funnel engaging with leads to meet sales targets leading up to and beyond the grand opening.
- Oversee all gymnastics and ninja fitness programs year-round, including recreational classes, competitive teams, camps, and events, ensuring alignment with Dominique Dawes Academy’s mission and standards.
- Lead and manage staff, coaches, and administrators, handling recruitment, training, scheduling, and performance management to build a strong, motivated team.
- Ensure exceptional customer service by maintaining proactive communication with families, resolving concerns, and fostering a positive, welcoming environment.
- Develop and manage class schedules, program calendars, and event logistics, ensuring efficient operations and high-quality participant experiences.
- Collaborate with the Program Manager to implement and maintain curriculum standards and conduct coach evaluations to uphold program quality.
- Drive sales initiatives, manage community outreach, conduct facility tours, and assist in converting leads into enrollments to achieve revenue and membership goals.
- Oversee financial management, including budgeting, tracking KPIs such as revenue, retention, and customer satisfaction, and making data-driven decisions for program optimization.
- Plan and execute special programs and events, ensuring they are well-organized, impactful, and aligned with Dominique Dawes Academy’s community engagement goals.
- Maintain facility safety and cleanliness, conduct regular equipment and facility inspections, and respond promptly to incidents or emergencies.
- Collaborate closely with the COO, CEO, and leadership team on strategy, marketing efforts, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Strong leadership and team management skills
- Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills
- Business acumen and understanding of revenue-driven environments
- Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to delivering exceptional experiences
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
- High school diploma or equivalent required; associate’s or bachelor’s degree preferred
- Strong background in general fitness, health club/gym management, or youth athletics preferred
- Proven experience managing programs, staff, and business operations in a health & fitness or youth services environment
- Excellent communication, organizational, and critical thinking skills
- Experience in customer-facing roles with a focus on delivering exceptional service
- Familiarity with iClassPro (preferred)
- CPR and First Aid certification required (or willingness to obtain within 30 days of hire)
- During this training period, this role may require extended travel to the Maryland area, potentially for several consecutive weeks
- Includes afternoon, evening, and weekend shifts
- Must be available for evenings and weekends as needed for programs, events, and operational requirements
- Indoor work environment with regular interactions with children, families, and staff
- Ability to lift and move gymnastics and ninja equipment up to 50 lbs.
- Prolonged periods of standing, walking, and active engagement with athletes, families, and staff
- Comfortable working in a high-energy, fast-paced environment
- Regularly required to communicate clearly and effectively via phone, email, and in person