Director, Strategy & Business Intelligence, Data Science

Major League Soccer’s Strategy and Business Intelligence group is tasked with supporting strategic decision making and resource allocation across the League – with a focus on driving fan growth, revenue capture, and operating efficiencies – by providing impactful data driven insights, analysis, and recommendations.  The group is seeking a new Director to oversee the Soccer Analytics & Data Science vertical.  This position will manage a team of analysts that owns regular reporting and analytics for the sporting product as well as lead the growth of Advanced Analytics at Major League Soccer, utilizing fan and sport data to analyze, model, and drive strategic recommendations that support the business on and off the field.  This hire is highly curious and analytical, able to distill clarity from complexity, and has an entrepreneurial desire to innovate.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop a vision and roadmap for the Soccer Analytics & Data Science vertical that helps shape future strategic decision making with business intelligence and data science solutions.
• Lead a team focused on regular reporting and analytics for MLS, MLS NEXT Pro, and MLS NEXT.  Manage their day-to-day workload and provide mentorship.
• Utilize deep knowledge of modern statistical and machine learning techniques to answer complex business questions that support key business decisions.
• Leverage financial, event, and tracking data to help Player and Competition business units enhance the on-field product, player development, and transfer activity.
• Leverage commercial data (TV, Ticketing, Consumer Products, etc.) and fan data (First Party, Syndicated, Manufactured, etc.) to help grow fan base, deepen engagement, and maximize revenue.
• Develop machine learning models that support strategic initiatives including fan segmentation, lifetime value models, quality of play, youth player development, rule changes, etc.
• Effectively use data visualizations to socialize key findings clearly and intuitively throughout the organization.
• Partner with technology team and data vendors to continually integrate the tools, methods, and processes supporting data collection and analysis.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support broader League objectives with additional ad-hoc organizational analytics projects.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field including Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Sports Analytics, or similar domain.
• 8+ years of experience in a quantitative heavy analytics role (data science, analytics, research, performance, etc.) 

Required Skills

• Robust advanced analytical and machine learning skills (g., regression, cluster analysis, time series, etc.)
• Mastery of a programming language (e.g., Python, R, etc.), SQL, and a visualization tool (Microsoft Power BI, Tableau, etc.).
• Deep knowledge of the sport of soccer and understanding of event and tracking data.
• Ability to translate business challenges into quantitative problems and clearly communicate findings and solutions.
• Strong project management, leadership, and mentoring skills.
• Self-starter and entrepreneurial mindset.
• High-level of commitment to a quality work product and organizational ethics, integrity and compliance.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast paced, team environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated decision making and problem-solving skills.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.

Starting Base Salary: $115,000.00 – $165,000.00. MLS/SUM base salaries are contingent upon several factors including individual qualifications, market financials, and operational business needs.

We are committed to providing a Total Rewards package that attracts, supports, engages, and retains talent through the following:

• Benefits – comprehensive and competitive medical, dental, and vision benefits, as well as a suite of programs to promote well-being including a $500 Wellness Reimbursement. A generous PTO offering, and hybrid Office/Remote Work Schedule are also offered to promote Work-Life balance.
• Career & Professional Development – on the job training, feedback, and on-going educational opportunities to continue your personal and professional development.
• Employee Engagement – office perks, discounts and employee events that go “beyond the traditional paycheck” to make you feel a part of our team and inspire you to elevate the Game.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.