Background:  

The Columbus Clippers are a professional Minor League Baseball team based in Columbus, Ohio. As a Triple-A affiliate, the Clippers have a rich history spanning several decades, marked by a strong connection to the city, numerous championships, and affiliations with several Major League Baseball (MLB) teams. Today, the Clippers continue to build on their rich tradition of excellence and community engagement, presenting an exciting opportunity for growth and innovation in the world of Minor League Baseball. With a deep-rooted legacy and a forward-looking vision, the Columbus Clippers remain poised to enhance their impact and further their success in the ever-evolving sports landscape. 

Founded in 1977, the Columbus Clippers are a member of the International League (IL), the oldest Minor League Baseball league in operation. The team began as the Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1977 to 1978. In 1979, the Clippers formed a notable affiliation with the New York Yankees, a partnership that endured until 2006. Throughout this period, the Clippers distinguished themselves as a leading team in Triple-A baseball, capturing numerous International League championships. After their long affiliation with the Yankees, the Clippers became the Triple-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals (2007-2008) before beginning a new affiliation with the Cleveland Guardians (then known as the Cleveland Indians) in 2009. 

2009 marked a transformative period of change for the Columbus Clippers. After playing at Franklin County Stadium, formerly Cooper Stadium, from 1977 through 2008, the team moved to Huntington Park, a state-of-the-art facility in the Arena District of downtown Columbus. This modern ballpark, equipped with advanced facilities and a design focused on the fan experience, has elevated the overall game-day atmosphere, further reinforcing the Clippers' reputation as a leading franchise in Triple-A baseball. The team regularly draws large crowds to Huntington Park and has been instrumental in revitalizing the downtown Arena. Huntington Park has emerged as a key venue for local events, deepening the Clippers' ties to Columbus and contributing to their ongoing success both on and off the field. 

The Clippers have continued their winning tradition in the 21st century, securing Governors' Cup victories in 2010, 2011, and 2015. The team also won the Triple-A National Championship in 2010 and 2011, solidifying their reputation as one of the top teams in Minor League Baseball. With a track record of excellence and commitment to fostering talent and community engagement, the Columbus Clippers remain a cornerstone for Minor League Baseball, poised for continued success and growth in the years to come.  

Any interested candidates should contact TurnkeyZRG directly. 

Contacting Columbus Clippers will only delay consideration of your qualifications.  

Position Summary:  

The President and General Manager (GM) will oversee a dedicated team of 39 professionals, managing all aspects of the organization, from strategic planning and operations to day-to-day activities and community relations. The President and GM will deploy forward-looking initiatives that drive growth and increase revenue for this high-performing, first-class organization. This person will be a key representative for the organization internally and externally, crafting relationships with constituents across the Metropolitan Columbus community, Cleveland Guardians, Minor League Baseball, and the greater sports landscape.  

The Columbus Clippers seek a dynamic and inspirational leader who will elevate the front office to new heights with their leadership, drive, fresh thinking, and innovative approach. The successful candidate will possess a strong strategic vision, community engagement expertise, and creative revenue-generation skills. They will be deeply committed to fostering a people-first culture, with a proven track record of developing and implementing initiatives that prioritize both employee and community well-being. Additionally, the ideal candidate will demonstrate a history of identifying and capitalizing on new revenue opportunities to drive sustainable financial growth while aligning with our community-centered values. Active community engagement is essential, requiring the candidate to build meaningful connections and solid relationships through direct interactions. This involves proactively participating in local events, community initiatives, and representing the organization in ways that reinforce a commitment to community values. This visionary leader will be instrumental in driving the strategic objectives and shaping the future of this organization. 

Duties and Responsibilities:  

• Craft and execute a forward-thinking strategic vision and dynamic business plan for the club, ensuring alignment with the board’s goals and driving the organization toward sustained success. 

• Oversee and safeguard the financial health of the organization by managing budgets, forecasting revenue, and controlling expenses. 

• In collaboration with the leadership team, develop fruitful ticket sales and marketing strategies with a focus on driving the highest level of demand and revenue.  

• Provide leadership and guidance while managing a staff with diverse responsibilities and a broad range of experiences, fostering an inclusive environment that values varied perspectives and skills. 

• Act as the main liaison with the Cleveland Guardians and Minor League Baseball for a range of business matters, including but not limited to scheduling, media, ticketing, secondary market sales, corporate sponsorships, and event execution.  

• Manage all business aspects of the organization, including Ticket Operations and Merchandising, Marketing and Promotions, Communications and Multimedia, Event Planning, Ballpark Operations, Finance and Administration.  

• Lead the recruitment, training, and motivation of a team, with a strong focus on developing talent, building bench strength, and cultivating a positive, high-performance workplace culture. 

• Ensure compliance with all Minor League Baseball and Major League Baseball regulations. 

• Manage the maintenance and operation of Huntington Park, implementing integrated initiatives to ensure a top-tier fan experience and optimal player environment; Create and execute fruitful strategies that raise the number of Huntington Park events to increase revenue.  

• Understand the public nature of the Columbus Clippers and work well with the public and elected officials.  

• Collaborate with city and county officials and key partners to elevate the stadium and its surroundings into a premier destination for sports and entertainment.  

• Cultivate strong community ties by developing and supporting community outreach programs. 

• Act as the face of the organization, representing the Columbus Clippers at local events, in the media, and at league meetings. 

• Foster a positive and inclusive culture within the organization that reflects the values of the Columbus Clippers and the Metropolitan Columbus community. 

Qualifications:  

• Proven strategic leader and efficient communicator who can make arguments clearly and succinctly, both verbally and in writing, driving meetings toward actionable outcomes.  

• Demonstrates a strong understanding of business operations, including managing P&L and long-term strategic planning, with an entrepreneurial mindset. 

• Deep expertise in ticket sales, including individual and package strategies, historical trends, dynamic pricing models, ticket broker approaches, customer service initiatives, and value proposition development. 

• Multifaceted subject matter expert across ticketing, hospitality, fan engagement, marketing, and digital functions; maximizing revenue through evolving sales and cost-effective marketing programs.  

• Create accurate annual budget targets, regularly tracking monthly trends to predict expense and revenue outcomes throughout the year. 

• Skilled in team building and capable of managing across the organization while maintaining professional relationships with staff and management at all levels. 

• Stay informed on the latest DEI practices, actively collaborate with marginalized communities, and implement measurable strategies to ensure Huntington Park authentically reflects the diversity, needs, and aspirations of its residents. Commit to continuous improvement by regularly assessing the impact of DEI initiatives and making necessary adjustments to foster an inclusive environment. 

• Demonstrates high level of integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to the success of the organization and its community, including interactions with media, external partners, and clients. Creative thinker with a strong ability to support recommendations and decisions with factual evidence. 

Background Requirements:  

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, sports management, or a related field; MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred. 

• Extensive experience in sports management, with at least 10 years in a leadership role, ideally within Minor League or Major League Baseball.