Director of Hitting Development

Department: Player Development

Supervisor: Director, Player Development

Classification: Full-Time / Exempt

Summary/Objective:

The Houston Astros are seeking a Director of Hitting Development to develop and oversee our minor league hitting philosophy and integrates with ML Hitting development.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work with Director of Player Development to oversee a top-down hitting development philosophy and program that aligns with ML values.
• Work with R&D and Performance Science to leverage all information available to improve hitter performance.
• Provide input to Front Office about roster projections and promotions.
• Integrate with 40 Man Hitting development.
• Work with ML staff to oversee the bridge between AAA and ML call ups and send downs.
• Create a culture of proactive, job-specific feedback for staff development to encourage open dialogue and open communication.
• Provide professional growth opportunities to staff members to promote internal growth.
• Regularly rove to all minor league locations to reinforce core principles/processes.
• Assist staff with daily responsibilities during affiliate trips.
• Collaborate with other disciplines within Sports Medicine & Performance to identify and act on solutions related to physical limitations/opportunities.
• Assist in onboarding new players into the organization, partnering with our Scouting departments.
• Lead coaches in the identification, setting, and execution of players specific goal plans.
• Provide input on the player acquisition process.
• Monitor player progress, provide constructive feedback, and suggest changes on a routine basis.
• Contribute constructive feedback and collaboration to R&D that promote development of new tools and ways to effectively display information to help player development.
• Stay current with player development concepts/theories in the public space, seeing what the best private facilities/coaches are doing, and evaluate online certification courses.
• At times, provide programming for select players deemed as special projects.
• Partner with the Player Development Director in the hiring and on boarding of new staff.
• Partner with Player Development Director on future staffing, planning, and budgeting.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and/or Experience & Skills

• Experience coaching and developing hitters at scale
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools
• Fluency in Spanish is a plus
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to understand and advocate for changes due to new information and or tools in baseball.
• Professional or collegiate playing experience is a plus

Work Environment

This position operates in a variety of settings, including office, locker room, clubhouse, training, and outdoor environments. The role requires extended periods of standing and walking, as well as regular movement between facilities and on-field locations.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  This role requires prolonged periods of standing and walking long periods of time. The employee must be able to lift, carry, and transport materials and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds on a regular basis. The position may also require bending, reaching, and other physical activities associated with supporting daily baseball operations.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

Ability to work a flexible schedule, including extended hours, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Travel

Required travel between our Major League club (Houston, TX), Triple-A affiliate (Sugarland, TX), Double-A affiliate (Corpus Christi, TX), High-A affiliate (Asheville, NC), Low-A affiliate (Fayetteville, NC), and Dominican Republic Academy.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

EOE/M/F/Vet/Disability