Chicago Cubs

Program Manager, Research & Development (Baseball Operations)

Chicago, Illinois Full time

GO BEYOND THE IVY

Our business is a team sport built on creating and delivering memorable experiences around Cubs baseball and other live events.

Chicago Cubs | Marquee 360 | Marquee Development | Marquee Ventures

Each brand stands as unique as the teams that drive them. We welcome you to learn more about us.

JOB TITLE:  Program Manager, Research and Development

DEPARTMENT: Baseball Operations – Research and Development

REPORTS TO: Assistant General Manager
LOCATION: Chicago, Illinois
FLSA STATUS: Exempt

COMPENTSATION: $100,000 - $120,000 base salary USD

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 Chicago Cubs are seeking a proactive leader who can translate strategic objectives into actionable plans, foster collaboration across all departments of Baseball Operations, and ensure successfully delivery of R&D initiatives that directly impact on-field and front office decision making.  We are seeking an applicant who is an excellent communicator, has a strong work ethic, can manage multiple long-term projects concurrently, and can lead ever-changing and diverse teams over extended periods of time. The Program Manager will work with all departments of Baseball Operations as an R&D-representative and manage and facilitate implementation of new projects for all Baseball Operations.

THE DAY-TO-DAY:

  • Collaborate with R&D leadership in long-term planning and aligning goals of the organization

  • Lead shorter-term planning cycles, working with stakeholders and Baseball Operations leadership to prioritize work

  • Build and manage multiple agile product teams focused on new projects that include

    • Developing comprehensive roadmaps with quantifiable milestones;

    • Identifying and flagging risks to the success of those timelines;

    • Ensuring proper communication to stakeholders and leadership

  • Establish and maintain program management standards, tools, and best practices that improve efficiency and transparency

  • Develop and maintain key performance indicators for success of projects

  • Analyze outcomes, gather feedback, and implement learnings to enhance future programs and organizational effectiveness.

WHAT YOUL’LL BRING:

  • 3+ years of experience in program or project management, preferably within data, technology, or sports organizations

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal) who can influence without authority and builds trust across teams and has ability to lead multiple, dynamic teams

  • Ability to multitask and maintain organization

  • Self-motivated and creative with strong analytical, logical, and problem-solving skills

  • Ability and comfort navigating and communicating ambiguity and creating clarity from complexity

  • Strong collaborative skills

  • Proficiency with agile and agile software

  • Demonstrated work ethic, passion for baseball, strategic thinking, and strong baseball knowledge, including familiarity with current baseball research and analysis

TOTAL REWARDS:

  • On-site parking

  • Transit benefits

  • Paid time off: Personal, Sick, Vacation Time, Office Holidays & Winter Break

  • Flexible work arrangement

  • Casual work attire environment

  • Complimentary Meal & beverage plan

  • Cubs home game & spring training  game ticket allotment

  • Access to campus wide Wrigley Field events & pre-sales

  • 401K Plan Employee Contribution & Employer Match  

  • Benefit Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance

  • Health & Wellness engagement & programming

  • Variety of associate special events, volunteer opportunities and partnership discounts

  • Tuition Reimbursement

  • Free access to EV charging stations

  • Free subscription to Marquee Sports Network

* This job posting includes the anticipated compensation, which reflects the hourly rate or salary range the Chicago Cubs and its affiliates are considering for this role in the specified location(s) as of the posting date. Where anticipated compensation is a salary range, the actual base salary offered within that range will be reflective of the candidate’s skills and experience.

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.

Response Expectations:

Due to the overwhelming number of applications we receive, we unfortunately may not be able to respond in person to each applicant. However, we can assure you that you will receive an email confirmation when you apply as well as additional email notifications whether you are selected to move forward for the position or not. Please note, we keep all resumes on file and will contact you should we wish to schedule an interview with you.

The Chicago Cubs and its affiliates are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to inclusion and employing a diverse workforce. All applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, disability, or other legally protected characteristics.