Lead Analyst – Data Science

ABOUT US:

The Colorado Rockies are a professional Major League Baseball team based in Denver, Colorado. The mission of the Colorado Rockies Baseball Club is to embody the principles and practices of a championship organization in both the sport and business of baseball. In the rich tradition that has made baseball America's national pastime, we are committed to conducting our business with integrity, service, quality, and trust. We are committed to leveraging data and cutting-edge analytics to drive team success and enhance player performance. Our research and technology team is dedicated to using advanced statistical methods and machine learning to gain actionable insights that support strategic decision-making across all aspects of the team. We seek a talented Data Scientist to join our team and contribute to our mission of excellence.

POSITION SUMMARY:

We seek a highly skilled and experienced Lead Analyst to join our Colorado Rockies Baseball Club team. Enjoy tackling challenging problems, using interesting data, collaborating with smart people, and directly impacting what happens on the baseball field and in our business. This may be the opportunity for you! People in this role will use statistical and machine-learning techniques to understand and quantify the game of baseball better. Analysts must also be able to communicate clearly with members of departments across baseball operations, including technical and non-technical audiences. You will work alongside the rest of the R&D, data engineering, and IT groups, interacting with coaches, scouts, and executives from across the organization. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work in a fast-paced sports environment and contribute to the success of our organization.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Data Analysis: Design, build, test, and deploy statistical and machine learning models to support all facets of baseball operations, including scouting, player development, and the major league team. Analyze large and complex data on player performance, game statistics, and team metrics. Utilize statistical methods and machine learning techniques to uncover trends and patterns.
Model Development: Develop and refine predictive models to forecast player performance, game outcomes, and other key metrics. Continuously improve models based on new data and feedback.
Insight Generation: Translate data analysis into actionable insights and recommendations for coaching staff, management, and other stakeholders. Create detailed reports and visualizations to communicate findings effectively.
Tool Development: Design and implement data tools and dashboards to support real-time decision-making and performance tracking. Ensure tools are user-friendly and meet the needs of various stakeholders. Use data to visualize model outputs and important baseball concepts. Designed and built informative data visualizations for automated reports or internal web applications.
Research: Stay current with advancements in data science, machine learning, and sports analytics. Apply innovative techniques and methodologies to enhance the team’s analytical capabilities. Research specific areas of the game using statistical modeling. Build and maintain these models and take ownership of their results.
Collaboration: Develop a deep understanding of the existing body of the R&D team’s research, code base, and database. Take on some responsibility for improving and maintaining existing projects. Perform ad hoc analyses on questions that come to Baseball R&D from across the organization.
Data Management: Ensure accurate and efficient data collection, storage, and management. Maintain data integrity and address any data quality issues.
Presentation: Prepare and deliver presentations to summarize findings and recommendations. Tailor presentations to different audiences, including technical and non-technical stakeholders.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Master’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related field. Certification programs are not considered equivalent.
Experience: 5+ years of experience in data science, statistical analysis, or a related role, preferably within a sports or performance environment.
Technical Skills:
- Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R for data analysis and modeling.
- Experience with data analysis tools and libraries (e.g., pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn, TensorFlow).
- Programming skills in a language such as R or Python to work efficiently at scale with large data sets.
- Strong knowledge of statistical methods and machine learning algorithms.
- Familiarity with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
- Demonstrated research experience in a sports context (baseball is a plus).
- Experience with a database language such as SQL.
- Experience working with spatiotemporal data.
- Experience working with high-dimensional time series data.
- Experience with deep learning frameworks such as TensorFlow or Torch.
- Experience with Bayesian statistics and languages such as Stan.
- Enthusiasm for learning new skills related to programming, statistical modeling, and data visualization.
- Experience with Generative AI techniques such as GANs, VAEs, or other generative models is preferred.

Soft Skills:
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to present complex data and insights clearly to various stakeholders.
- Ability to work collaboratively with a team.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced sports environment and willing to adapt to changing priorities.
- Ability to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines in a busy environment.

WORKING CONDITIONS/WORK SCHEDULE:

Work Environment: The position is primarily office-based at Coors Field.
Work Hours: Standard full-time hours with the potential for extended hours during key periods, such as during the season or critical project deadlines.
Travel: Minimal travel is required, though occasional travel to team facilities or events may be necessary.
Team Dynamics: Collaborative environment involving regular interactions with coaching staff, analysts, and front office personnel.
Physical Job Requirements:
- Sitting/Desk Work: Most work involves sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Prolonged periods of sitting and working with data are typical.
- Typing and Hand Dexterity: Frequent typing and use of a mouse or other input devices are necessary. Good hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills are essential.
- Visual Acuity: This requires the ability to review and interpret detailed data and visualizations, which necessitates good visual acuity and the ability to work with screens for extended periods.
- Communication: Regular communication via email, video calls, and in-person meetings. Clear verbal and written communication skills are essential.
- Stress Management: Ability to manage tight deadlines and multiple priorities while maintaining focus and accuracy. Capability to handle pressure during critical analysis periods or high-stakes projects.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Annual salary range of $125,000 - $145,000. This is a regular status, full-time position.
As a candidate for this position, your salary and related elements of compensation will be contingent upon your work experience, education, job-related skills, and any other factors the Colorado Rockies consider relevant to the hiring decision for this position.
In addition to the base salary, the Club believes in providing a very competitive and generous compensation and benefits package for its employees. Benefits include, but are not limited to, Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with employer match, generous vacation and holiday program, employee parking, employer provided game tickets to home games, onsite fitness classes and experiences, employee discounts on merchandise, and so much more! All benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and the terms of official plan documents which may be modified or amended at any given time.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis but must be received by November 18^th, 2024.

The estimated time to complete the recruitment process will be by December 20^th, 2023. Please note this is just an estimate, and the application process and recruiting process may extend or close at any time.
A note for Colorado Rockies employees:
- Please apply via the internal job board in UKG by following these prompts: MENU > MYSELF > VIEW OPPORTUNITIES > select the position > CONSENT > APPLY NOW
- If you cannot access UKG, please list your most recent Manager as an Employee Reference on your application.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

Rockies baseball is for everyone! We pride ourselves on hiring, developing, and promoting talent as an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants and employees will receive consideration for employment or promotion without regard to race (including, but not limited to, traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and length and/or protective hairstyles), color, national origin, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, familial status, marital status, ancestry, age (40+), creed, religion, disability, veteran status, pregnancy/childbirth and related conditions, or any other category or activity protected by law. In addition, we will endeavor to provide reasonable accommodation to otherwise qualified job applicants and employees with known physical or mental disabilities in compliance with the ADA. All employment and promotion decisions will be decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business needs.

Experience

Preferred