Director of Baseball Strategy

Job Summary:

The Director of Baseball Strategy leads and manages the department, driving initiatives that foster collaboration and enhance decision-making across the Baseball Operations team. This role requires an understanding of baseball operations, strong analytical capabilities, and the ability to effectively communicate and collaborate across multiple departments. The Director sets long-term strategic direction, oversees daily operations, and mentors Baseball Strategy Coordinators. Key responsibilities include optimizing workflows, supporting player acquisitions, managing payroll, leading contract negotiations, and ensuring the department aligns with organizational goals. Strong leadership, effective communication, and managing multiple priorities are essential for success in this role.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead cross-functional collaboration between Analytics, Scouting, Performance Science, and Player Development departments to support decision-making processes.
• Partner closely with the Baseball Analytics and Baseball Systems teams to optimize decision-making tools and improve department workflows.
• Develop and implement long-term strategic plans to enhance roster management, player acquisition, and financial efficiency.
• Support and evaluate player transactions, including international amateur signings, the Rule 4 Draft, trades, and professional free-agent signings.
• Manage critical activities such as 40-man roster supervision, major and minor league free agency, trade analysis, Rule 5 draft, and waivers.
• Direct the analysis and preparation of comprehensive organizational summaries of opposing organizations, contributing to strategic planning and competitive analysis.
• Lead contract negotiations, including free agent contracts, salary arbitration cases, and vendor agreements, working closely with Baseball Operations and legal teams.
• Conduct in-depth research to support salary arbitration and contract negotiations, including free-agent and pre-free agent extensions.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of the MLB Collective Bargaining Agreement and Major League Rules, with a focus on the Competitive Balance Tax payroll.
• Oversee the administration of Major League Uniform Player Contracts, ensuring compliance with MLB regulations and organizational standards.
• Manage Major League payroll processes, ensuring compliance with organizational standards and MLB regulations.
• Build and maintain relationships with external partners, including vendors and industry contacts, ensuring agreements are well-documented and aligned with strategic goals.
• Provide financial analysis and projections to support the Baseball Operations budgeting process and decision-making.
• Design and implement reports that deliver insights into team and league performance, financial status, and operational efficiency.
• Continuously seek opportunities to improve internal processes and enhance overall efficiency.
• Manage and mentor the Baseball Strategy Coordinators, fostering their development and maximizing their contributions.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of baseball operations, a deep understanding of strategy, financial management, and player evaluation.
• Proven leadership and management experience, including mentoring junior staff and overseeing department operations.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, SQL) and baseball-specific systems (e.g., MLB’s EBIS system).
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex data to executives and stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment, ensuring accuracy and attention to detail.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as the baseball calendar requires.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• MBA preferred but not required.

Working Conditions:

• Office environment.
• Evening, weekend, and holiday hours are required.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

All items listed above are illustrative and not comprehensive.  They are not contractual in nature and are subject to change at the discretion of Detroit Tigers.

Detroit Tigers is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to that individual’s race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.                

                  
The Company will strive to provide reasonable accommodations to permit qualified applicants who have a need for an accommodation to participate in the hiring process (e.g., accommodations for a job interview) if so requested.

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