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JOB TITLE: Specialist, Pro Acquisitions
DEPARTMENT: Pro Acquisitions – Baseball Operations
ORGANIZATION: Chicago Cubs
REPORTS TO: Vice President, Pro Acquisitions
LOCATION: Arizona or Florida
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
BEING PART OF THE TEAM
Our business is a team sport that began on a field with baseballs and bats and has evolved into one of the most recognizable brands in sports and entertainment through Cubs baseball and live events. Our success is driven by our people, who work to create and inspire change in an engaging, collaborative and inclusive environment. As a team, we continue to build a culture on and off the field that delivers unforgettable experiences for one another, our fans and community. In support of that effort, we expect associates to work primarily in our office. Are you ready to be part of it?
OUR STORY
THE CHICAGO CUBS FRANCHISE The Chicago Cubs franchise, a charter member of Major League Baseball’s National League since 1876, has won the National League pennant 17 times and was the first team to win back-to-back World Series titles in the 1907 and 1908 seasons. In 2016, the Chicago Cubs made history again when the team won its first World Series in 108 years, ending the longest championship drought in North American sports. Known for its ivy-covered outfield walls, hand-operated scoreboard and famous Marquee, iconic Wrigley Field has been the home of the Chicago Cubs since 1916 and is the second oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball. In 2009, the Ricketts family assumed ownership of the Chicago Cubs and established three main goals for the organization: Win the World Series, Preserve and Improve Wrigley Field, and Be a Good Neighbor.
HOW YOU’LL CONTRIBUTE:
The Pro Acquisition Specialist plays a key role in supporting the organization’s player evaluation and acquisition processes. The Specialist must be local to or willing to relocate to Florida or Arizona and will focus on live scouting coverage of players, producing high-quality written reports, capturing high-speed video, and contributing to the organization’s understanding of player value. The Specialist will also be tasked with ad hoc video reports. In the offseason, the Specialist will attend workouts in the assigned region and will also be expected to conduct or assist with ad hoc research projects to enhance player evaluation frameworks and decision-making processes.
This role requires strong scouting instincts, proficiency with analytical methods, and the ability to synthesize information into actionable recommendations. The position is ideal for someone passionate about player evaluation who can balance traditional scouting with modern analytical approaches.
THE DAY-TO-DAY:
- Provide in-person scouting coverage of players during the season, producing timely and detailed reports on player skills, performance, and projection.
- Capture high-speed video of players at games and workouts.
- Complete video scouting reports as assigned.
- Attend offseason workouts in assigned region.
- Build and maintain relationships with league personnel, coaches, and other contacts in assigned region.
- Conduct offseason project work, which may include research and other initiatives to support player acquisition.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of scouting workflows, evaluation methods, and decision support processes.
WHAT YOU’LL BRING:
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to produce clear, detailed scouting reports.
- Demonstrated understanding of fundamental scouting principles and current baseball analytics research.
- Ability to integrate scouting insights with data-driven analysis to enhance player evaluations.
- Proficiency in SQL, R, and/or Python for data manipulation and research.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to balance live coverage demands and offseason project work.
- Passion for talent evaluation, baseball operations/analytics, and learning.
WHAT SETS YOU APART:
- Previous experience with in-person player evaluation.
- Experience with statistical analysis; prior baseball research is a plus.
- Knowledge of current trends in baseball industry and Major League Rules.
- Familiarity with professional and amateur baseball player pool and independent baseball facility landscape.
- Understanding of current player development best practices.
TOTAL REWARDS:
- Paid time off: Personal, Sick, Vacation Time
- 401K Plan Employee Contribution & Employer Match
- Company Vehicle and Gas Card
- Benefit Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance
- Health & Wellness engagement & programming
- Variety partnership discounts
- Tuition Reimbursement
The Chicago Cubs and its affiliates embrace diversity and are committed to building a team that represents all communities. We hold ourselves accountable to include new and different voices in our organization. Everyone is welcome here, and we celebrate what makes each of us unique.
