Lead Data Strategist – Sports Innovation & Architecture

CapTech; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Certification and tuition support

Mental health well-being platform

Fertility and family-forming coverage

Stipend for lifestyle benefits

Employee-led committees fostering inclusion

Opportunities for community engagement

401(k) Matching with no vesting period

Job summary

A leading consulting firm is seeking a visionary Lead Data Strategist to drive data transformation in the sports industry. This role blends strategic consulting with technical leadership, requiring expertise in data strategy, cloud architecture, and advanced analytics. Key responsibilities include defining enterprise-level data strategies, architecting cloud solutions, and developing predictive analytics models to enhance athlete performance and fan engagement. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in data architecture and a strong understanding of the sports industry's dynamics.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in data strategy and architecture leadership.
• Expertise in cloud technologies including AWS, Azure, and GCP.
• Strong comprehension of the sports industry and digital transformation.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute enterprise-level data strategies.
• Architect cloud-based solutions for real-time data ingestion.
• Develop computer-vision models for player tracking.
• Establish frameworks for data sharing across ecosystems.
• Drive predictive analytics for fan engagement.

Skills

Data strategy

Cloud architecture

Sports innovation

AI/ML

Real-time analytics

Tools

Python

SQL

Databricks

Snowflake

AWS

Azure

GCP

Job description

Lead Data Strategist – Sports Innovation & Architecture

CapTech is an award‑winning consulting firm that collaborates with clients to achieve what’s possible through the power of technology. We serve Fortune 100 companies, mid‑size enterprises, and government agencies across the country.

We are seeking a visionary leader with expertise in data strategy, cloud architecture, and sports innovation to drive transformative solutions across the sports industry. This role blends strategic consulting with technical leadership, enabling organizations to leverage advanced data platforms, AI, and digital engagement to enhance athlete performance and fan experiences.

Strategic Leadership & Industry Expertise

• Define and execute enterprise‑level data strategies aligned with sports business objectives and emerging technology trends.
• Guide sports organizations, technology providers, and brand partners in adopting modern solutions for competition systems, scheduling, and fan engagement.
• Communicate with executive stakeholders on the business value of modern data architectures and sports technology innovations.

Technology & Architecture

• Architect cloud‑based solutions (AWS, Azure, GCP) for real‑time data ingestion, video streaming, and AI‑powered game management ensuring high availability and low latency.
• Design and implement automated scoring, officiating, and game‑management systems using sensor data, real‑time event detection, and camera technology.
• Formulate architectural trade‑offs and deliver impactful strategic plans improving data integration, data quality, and interoperability across leagues and partners.

Advanced Analytics & AI

• Develop and refine computer‑vision models for player and ball tracking, real‑time officiating, and automated review systems.
• Implement agentic AI models that adapt dynamically to league rules, competition formats, and regulatory compliance.
• Drive predictive analytics for fan engagement, ticketing, merchandising, and personalized digital experiences.

Data Ecosystem & Governance

• Establish frameworks for data sharing, API integrations, and interoperability across sports ecosystems.
• Ensure robust data governance, security, and compliance across platforms and partnerships.

Technical Skills & Tools

• Cloud platforms: AWS, Azure, GCP – architecture design and optimization.
• Data management: data integration, data quality frameworks, enterprise data delivery.
• Programming & tools: Python, SQL, Databricks, Snowflake.
• AI/ML: computer vision, real‑time analytics, adaptive AI models.
• Architecture practices: scalable, secure, high‑performance solutions; diagramming and trade‑off analysis.
• Modern data technologies: API frameworks, interoperability standards, streaming architectures.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in data strategy and architecture leadership roles.
• Expertise in cloud technologies (AWS, Azure, GCP) and advanced analytics.
• Strong understanding of sports industry dynamics and digital transformation.
• Ability to lead cross‑functional teams and influence stakeholders at all levels.

Additional Information

CapTech offers a variety of career paths based on your skills and passions. You decide where and how you want to develop, and we help you get there with a customizable career progression and comprehensive benefits package.

• Learning & Development – certification and tuition support, digital on‑demand courses, mentorship.
• Modern Health – mental health and well‑being platform with 1:1 care, group sessions, resources.
• Carrot Fertility – inclusive fertility and family‑forming coverage for all paths to parenthood.
• Fringe – company‑paid stipend for personalized lifestyle benefits (Netflix, Spotify, GrubHub, student loan repayment, travel).
• Employee Resource Groups – employee‑led committees fostering inclusion.
• Philanthropic Partnerships – opportunities to engage in community projects.
• 401(k) Matching – generous matching with no vesting period.

EEO Statement

CapTech is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to fostering a culture of equality, inclusion, and fairness. We provide reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. At this time, CapTech cannot transfer or sponsor work visas. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.