Senior Director, Player Relations Operations

Summary

The Senior Director, Player Relations Operations acts as the day‑to‑day operating partner to the SVP, Player Relations, leading the execution of the Player Relations agenda, coordinating cross‑functional workstreams, and delivering high‑quality strategic analyses and presentations for internal and external stakeholders. This role ensures that the department’s vision of enhancing player engagement and experience while supporting ATP’s strategic plan is translated into clear ATP priorities.

Responsibilities & Duties

1. Operating leadership

• Own the Player Relations operating rhythm, including weekly priorities, meeting agendas, action logs, and progress tracking across all major workstreams (on‑site relations, player services, communication, development, asset management, benefits, etc.). 
• Serve as the first operational escalation point for player issues and cross‑department requests, triaging matters and involving the SVP only when required.
• Coordinate resource allocation and workload across directors and managers to ensure coverage of keyevents and initiatives. 

2. Strategic projects and analysis

• Lead or coordinate strategic projects related to rankings, prize money, player compensation, Challenger Tour evolution, College/Next Gen integration, and other player‑centric initiatives.  
• Build structured analyses and models (with Finance and Strategy teams) to support decision‑making, including scenario planning, impact assessments, and post‑implementation.  
• Prepare clear, narrative‑driven recommendations and options papers for ATP Leadership, Boards, Player Advisory Council, and committees.

3. Presentations, communications, and storytelling

• Own the development of Player Relations presentations and briefing materials for Executive Team, ATP Boards, Player Advisory Council, and external stakeholders. 
• Ensure consistency of messaging across decks, talking points, and written communications, aligned with ATP strategy and Player Relations’ vision and principles. 
• Coach Player Relations leaders on effective presentation delivery, including a clear narrative and data visualization.

4. Stakeholder engagement and coordination

• Work closely with Player Relations directors and coordinators to ensure a unified approach to players, agents, coaches, and other key stakeholders across events and initiatives. 
• Partner with other ATP departments to align on player‑related policies and programs.
• When delegated, represent the SVP in internal working groups, cross‑functional meetings, and selected external engagements.

5. Team leadership and development

• Provide day‑to‑day leadership to assigned managers/coordinators, setting clear expectations, providing feedback, and supporting their development.
• Champion the ATP Tour Values: Push Limits, Play True, Win Together, Own it 

Qualifications & Skills

• Extensive professional experience, including significant time in sports organizations, leagues, player associations, or related high performance environments.
• Demonstrated success in a senior operations, strategy, or player relations role with responsibility for cross‑functional coordination and executive reporting.
• Strong project and program management skills; able to manage multiple initiatives, deadlines, and stakeholders simultaneously. 
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel; comfortable turning complex data and issues into executive‑ready materials. 
• Excellent English written and verbal communication; additional languages relevant to ATP membership are a plus.
• Prior experience working directly with professional athletes, their agents, or player councils in tennis or another global sport.

• Background in management consulting, strategy, or corporate development, particularly in sports, media, or entertainment.
• Experience working in or with international organizations, managing culturally diverse stakeholders, and time zones.  
• Strategic thinker who can connect daily issues to long‑term positioning of the ATP Tour and players.
• Relationship builder with high emotional intelligence, discretion, and credibility with both players and executives. 
• Bias for action and delivery; comfortable holding others accountable while maintaining strong partnerships.
• Calm under pressure, resilient in the face of conflict or criticism, and able to manage sensitive issues with judgment and empathy.

Working Conditions

• Role based in one of the ATP Offices (exact location to be defined), with regular travel to tournaments, player meetings, and ATP offices as required. 
• Flexible working hours around key events and time zones, particularly during Grand Slams and major ATP tournaments.