Director of Clubhouse Operations Cosmos Club

Director of Clubhouse Operations Cosmos Club

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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.

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.

• $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

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.

• 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…