Our teammates are at the core of what we believe in: People, Collaboration, Learning, and Excellence (PeopleCLE). We look to hire individuals who are committed to our purpose of uniting and inspiring our city through the power of team. Our mission is to win the World Series while creating a compelling fan experience. If you believe you possess these important traits, please consider a career with the Cleveland Guardians.

PRIMARY PURPOSE: Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) is a Major League Baseball youth outreach program designed to encourage academic achievement, increase youth with diverse background into the mainstream of the game, and increase the number of talented athletes to play in college and professionally. The Assistant Coach will support the Head Coach & assist as a liaison to Cleveland Guardians front office staff and provide an exceptional experience for RBI team participants by supporting team management, coaching, and development through the RBI baseball season.

This is a part-time role with a term of employment based the 2024 RBI softball season and off-season programming.

RBI Program Mission: Cleveland Guardians Community Impact is dedicated to improving communities across Northeast Ohio by providing resources for social equity, education, and youth programming and select health and environmental initiatives.

Cleveland Guardians Youth Baseball, Softball, and Adaptive programs have been carefully designed to: 1) increase the quality of coaching, 2) provide earlier introduction & access to the game of baseball, 3) raise the baseball IQ and cultivate talent, 4) provide the highest quality baseball & Baseball instruction, and 4) activate social impact through diversity, equity, and inclusion principles.

Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) is a Major League Baseball youth outreach program designed to encourage academic achievement, increase youth with diverse background into the mainstream of the game, and increase the number of talented athletes to play in college and professionally. Cleveland Guardians RBI Senior Baseball rosters are constructed with majority Cleveland Metropolitan School District students who through the Say Yes to Education grant program have the ability to attend their choice of 100+ public & private college and universities in Ohio and across the country.

Junior Level teams will consist of players ages 13-15. Senior Level teams will consist of players ages 16-18.

For more information on Cleveland Guardians RBI please visit: www.cleguardians.com/rbi

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

Cleveland Guardians Liaison

Support Head Coach & assist as a liaison to Cleveland Guardians front office staff
Commitment to build relationships with RBI stakeholders: City of Cleveland-Division of Recreation, Cleveland Metropolitan School District, and Senate Athletic League
Support participation in Cleveland Guardians Community Impact programs as needed: MLB Play Ball Clinics, CLE Inspires Week, and Cleveland Guardians gameday events & experiences
Commitment to attend and participate in monthly Head Coach RBI Zoom meetings to receive program updates, share successes, and address challenges when Head Coach is unable to attend

RBI Athlete Experience and Coaching

Demonstrates a sincere interest in the academic, personal, physical, and mental wellbeing of RBI coaches, athletes, and their families
Develops and maintains positive relationships with RBI athletes, parents, and families
Evaluates performance of athletes and offers technical, strategical, and mental instruction and advice
Coordinates all summer tournament game schedules, playing games in advance of RBI Regional Tournament
Host at least (1) non-Baseball activity before RBI Regionals to build camaraderie between teammates

Support Head Coach

Supports the Guardians assigned RBI Baseball Head Coach in all phases of RBI Baseball program
Commitment to complete mandatory MLB & Club training requirements (i.e. U.S. Center for SafeSport and Positive Coaching Alliance)
Assists in the design, planning, and implementation of Baseball training, conditioning, practice, and competition programs
Teaches Baseball skills in one or more specialty areas (i.e., pitchers, catchers, hitting, infield, outfield) during practices, games, and individual/group training sessions
If assigned, accepts coaching assignment that will prepare scouting reports, game plans, and scorecards
If assigned, accepts coaching assignment to organize all athlete uniform needs and equipment requests
If assigned, become the lead liaison with @CLEinspires (Guardians social media) to provide pregame starting lineups, notable performance stats, final scores, and other applicable content for games and events

Learning & Development Series

RBI athletes: commitment to dedicate time within summer practice schedule for RBI athletes to participate in the Guardians On-Deck Development program
RBI coaches: commitment to participate in (optional) MLB coaching leadership series

Optional Programs

Fall Team Tryouts: ability to host a fall try out, to build rosters before any offseason workouts
Fall Ball: opportunity to coordinate short schedule tournaments after RBI World Series
Offseason/Winter Development: ability to host indoor training & conditioning program

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

High school diploma or GED
3+ years of experience coaching 14u-18u travel, high school, or collegiate level softball teams
Experience managing or leading diverse coaching staffs and players
Public speaking skills that connect with 14-18 year old athletes
Robust knowledge of softball skills and strategy

COMPLEMENTARY EXPERIENCE:

Excellent oral & written communication skills; bilingual, fluent in English & Spanish
Professional or collegiate softball playing or coaching experience
First Aid, CPR and/or any other applicable certifications

ROLE REQUIREMENTS:

Passion for using sports as a platform to positively impact children's character and development of life skills and values
Superior organization, communication, and leadership skills
Travel to youth tournaments, MLB RBI Regionals, MLB RBI World Series, and other youth program
Must be willing to work morning, evening, weekend, and extended days and hours may be required

The Cleveland Guardians are committed to developing and maintaining an environment that embraces all forms of diversity to enrich our core values, enhance our competitive position, strengthen our impact within our community, and foster a greater sense of belonging for our employees.

In this spirit, we know studies have shown that people from historically underserved groups - including women and people of color - are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and understand that candidate may bring certain skills and experiences to the role that are not listed above, but that would add tremendous value to our organization. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our qualifications described.

RBI Program, Softball Assistant Coach (Senior Level)