Technical Staff Data Analyst - MLS

Under the direction of the General Manager (GM), the Technical Staff Data Analyst will be responsible for data analysis, warehousing and report provision across multiple areas of the club, contributing to the processes of internal performance analysis at a team and individual level, player identification, and evaluation in scouting and research projects to aid in decision making. The Technical Staff Data Analyst will provide regular performance analysis and opposition analysis reports to the coaching staff.

General Duties
• Implementing a club-wide data strategy, facilitating an evidence-based approaches across player recruitment, player and team performance analysis, opposition analysis, and wider team operations as necessary
• Implementation and understanding of club-wide team and player performance metrics that align with club playing philosophy and individual KPI’s.
• Understanding of the appropriate software tools on the market to help recommend the sute of products that fits the clubs needs, resources and budget.
• Oversee the effective warehousing of scouting and performance data and surfacing of insights, via both automated processes and ad-hoc analysis.
• Participation in the ongoing research and development of novel methods of analysis in soccer.
• Coordination with key stakeholders on innovation projects and initiatives.
• Consistent, accurate presentation of all reports, as well as facilitate the process for information flow to the clubs technical staff

Specific Duties
• Work with the clubs Video Analyst to link data findings back to supporting footage as part of an evidence based approach to player and team assessment, based on an understanding of the teams game model and desired positional attributes.
• Utilize data to identify trends, strengths and weaknesses in our own players as part the creation process for Individual Development Plans (IDP’s).
• Track the each players IDP from a data perspective to highlight progress in the area’s identified for development.
• Create periodical (sometimes ad-hoc) player and team summary reports to be used as reference in roster planning discussions.
• Work with the club Video Analyst to create an opposition analysis workflow, supported by relevant KPI’s from varying data sources, as well as post-game reporting, providing performance analysis from a data perspective
• Ensure the GM, TD, Head Coach and Director of Scouting have the objective data they need to make informed, educated decisions related to roster planning and player recruitment.
• Play a key role in player identification by utilizing data to flag players for attention by the clubs scouts
• Attend scouting department meetings to understand the latest requirements of the club from a recruitment perspective in order to best support the department in player identification.
• Create reports at the end of the scouting process, to compare and contrast potential targets with each other, and the clubs own players, in an objective, informative way that aids decision making.
• Identify software providers that can enhance the clubs workflows and decision making processes in player performance analysis and recruitment.
• Work closely with physical performance staff to incorporate their gathered data into models for internal player analysis.
• Create an internal database to import and warehouse data from multiple provders, via API, that can be utilized for large scale analysis of individuals, teams and leagues for varying purposes.
• Create clear, meaningful data visualizations to present key findings in analysis reports
• Communicate effectively with staff at all levels of the club
• In time, contribute to the identification and hiring of additional analysis staff
• Develop connections to other Analysts within MLS for sharing of best practices and influence on league-wide data and performance analysis strategies.
• This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and the Manager of Analytics will also perform other reasonably related business duties when required, as assigned by their immediate supervisor and other management.

REQUIRED SKILLS
• Five years experience of working in data analysis in a professional club or international organization (national association or representation agency, for example)
• Knowledge of MLS and American Soccer landscape is important
• Familiarity with data visualization best practices.
• Experience with data or performance analysis software such as Statsbomb, Skillcorner and Sportscode.
• Proficiency with programming languages such as Python and SQL.
• Demonstrated administrative and organizational abilities to manage multiple projects and priorities, including short-term (event) and long-term planning
• Demonstrated ability to communicate thoughts and ideas to staff and colleages effectively, in a way that is clear and respectful, both orally and in writing
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) helpful but not required

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.