Description

Overview

Soangetaha Country Club is seeking an exceptional General Manager to lead one of western Illinois' premier private clubs into its next era of success. Following the completion of a $3.2 million clubhouse reconstruction completed in 2025, made possible through extraordinary member generosity and significant membership growth, the Club is positioned for an exciting future. We are seeking a visible, strategic, servant-minded leader who will unite our team, elevate the member experience, strengthen financial performance, and build a culture of excellence.

Why Soangetaha?

• Founded in 1895 with more than 130 years of tradition.
• Beautiful new $3.2 million clubhouse right-sized for the community and completed in 2025 after members contributed approximately $3 million toward construction, creating one of the finest club facilities in the region.
• Championship golf course recognized as one of western Illinois' premier private club courses with an exceptional long-term superintendent.
• Exceptional outdoor pool facilities.
• 66 acre lake with exceptional club grounds
• Growing membership with tremendous momentum and opportunity for continued expansion.
• Engaged Board of Directors committed to governance and strategic leadership rather than day-to-day operations.
• Outstanding opportunity for a General Manager to shape the future of a club with modern facilities, financial momentum, and an enthusiastic membership.

Community Profile

Nestled in the heart of western Illinois, Galesburg offers an exceptional quality of life for a General Manager seeking to lead a premier private club while enjoying the benefits of a vibrant, family-friendly community. As the regional hub for commerce, healthcare, education, and transportation, Galesburg serves a population of more than 500,000 within an hour's drive, including the Quad Cities, Peoria, Monmouth, Macomb, and Burlington, Iowa. Residents enjoy an affordable cost of living, excellent healthcare, highly regarded schools, and a diverse employment base featuring major employers such as BNSF Railway, OSF HealthCare, Knox College, Blick Art Materials, Western Smokehouse, Mid-State Manufacturing and Bridgeway. Convenient access via Interstate 74, U.S. Highways 34 and 150, and multiple daily Amtrak connections to Chicago and two international airports within 45 minutes make regional and national travel easy. Combined with a rich history, thriving arts community, abundant outdoor recreation, and genuine Midwestern hospitality, Galesburg provides an outstanding place to build both a successful career and an exceptional lifestyle.

Experience Required

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration or related field preferred.
• Certified Club Manager (CCM) designation or active progress toward certification is highly desirable.
• PGA Membership is welcomed but not required.
• Five or more years of progressive leadership experience as a General Manager, Assistant General Manager or senior hospitality leader in a private club, resort or luxury hospitality environment.
• Demonstrated success in food & beverage leadership, financial management, team development and membership engagement.

Candidate Profile

• High-energy, approachable and member-focused.
• Visible leader who enjoys building relationships.
• Outstanding communicator.
• Financially disciplined and strategically minded.
• Collaborative coach who develops future leaders.
• Person of unquestioned integrity and professionalism.

First-Year Priorities

• Elevate food and beverage quality, consistency and profitability.
• Strengthen culinary culture and member dining experiences.
• Build a high-performing leadership team.
• Increase membership and member engagement.
• Improve communication throughout the Club.
• Expand banquet, event and merchandising revenue.
• Develop a multi-year operational and capital roadmap with the Board.

Leadership Philosophy

The successful General Manager will lead through servant leadership, visibility, integrity, accountability and collaboration while preserving Soangetaha's traditions and building an exceptional future for members, guests and employees.

Essential Responsibilities

Position Summary

The General Manager serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the Club and reports directly to the Board of Directors. The GM is responsible for all day-to-day operations while partnering with the Board on strategic planning and long-range success. Direct reports are expected to include the Head of Golf operations, Golf Course Superintendent, Executive Chef/Food & Beverage leadership, and Office Manager/Controller.

Core Responsibilities

• Provide visible, inspiring leadership throughout the Club.
• Develop a culture of hospitality, accountability, teamwork and continuous improvement.
• Recruit, mentor and retain exceptional employees.
• Ensure consistently outstanding member and guest experiences.
• Oversee all culinary and service operations, ensuring innovative menu concepts, high-quality execution, and a vibrant social dining atmosphere that positions the Club as the preferred dining destination for members.
• Lead banquet, catering and private event operations while maximizing profitability and service excellence.
• Manage budgets, purchasing, inventory, financial reporting and cost controls.
• Lead membership growth, retention and member engagement initiatives.
• Provide oversight of golf operations, clubhouse, pool, facilities and club events.
• Partner with the Board to implement strategic priorities.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary commensurate with qualifications, experience, and demonstrated leadership success.
• Health insurance following the applicable waiting period in accordance with Club policy.
• Dental, vision, life, and disability insurance allowance may be negotiated.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match (currently 3%) after eligibility requirements are met under Club policy.
• Paid vacation and PTO in accordance with Club policy.
• Complimentary employee meals while on duty.
• Professional development support, including continuing education, conference attendance, and professional association dues (CMAA, PGA, or other applicable organizations).
• Relocation assistance may be considered for the successful candidate.