Title:  Manager, IT

JOB SUMMARY

Are you a technology-minded leader who enjoys solving challenges, leading a team, and keeping things running behind the scenes? Join the excitement at Ellis Park Racing & Gaming!

The Information Technology Manager plays an important role in keeping our property connected, secure, and running smoothly. From supporting our gaming and wagering systems to overseeing race-day video production, networks, servers, and technology infrastructure, this position helps power the exciting experiences our guests enjoy every day.

This is more than a desk job! We are looking for a hands-on leader who enjoys rolling up their sleeves, tackling technical challenges, developing team members, and finding creative solutions. You will lead our IT Technicians and Video Department Team Members while working closely with the Senior Director of IT, corporate resources, and outside vendors.

At Churchill Downs Incorporated, we believe work should be more than just a job. It should be a place where you feel welcomed, valued, and excited to be part of something special! We celebrate unique ideas, encourage teamwork, and believe different perspectives make us stronger. We are always learning, growing, and finding new ways to make a difference through collaboration, innovation, and mutual respect.

If you enjoy a fast-paced environment, thrive on teamwork, and love finding ways to make technology work better, this is your opportunity to make an impact. Come be part of the excitement at Ellis Park Racing & Gaming!

Please note: Team members must be at least 21 years of age to work at Ellis Park Racing & Gaming

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

As our Information Technology Manager, you will help keep the technology behind the excitement running smoothly! You'll lead a talented team, tackle technology challenges, and make sure our systems are ready to support the fast-paced action at Ellis Park Racing & Gaming.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Lead, motivate, and develop IT Technicians and Video Department Team Members, creating a positive, productive, and team-focused environment.

• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, coach, evaluate, and support team members in reaching their full potential.

• Organize daily operations by assigning projects, managing workloads, and ensuring the team has the resources needed to succeed.

• Develop and manage an on-call rotation to ensure 24/7 technology support, including live racing, weekends, holidays, and special events.

• Oversee the IT ticketing system, prioritize service requests, and ensure technical issues are addressed promptly and efficiently.

• Partner with corporate IT teams, vendors, and property departments to resolve challenges and keep operations moving.

• Oversee technology supporting our gaming and wagering operations, including Historical Horse Racing (HHR) machines, gaming systems, tote/wagering systems, and sportsbook technology.

• Lead Video Department operations, including live race-day video production, broadcast support, simulcast signals, in-house TV/AV systems, and digital signage.

• Keep our technology infrastructure running smoothly, including networks, servers, phone systems, point-of-sale systems, and security/surveillance technology.

• Jump in and assist with troubleshooting hardware, software, network, and system issues whenever needed.

• Protect company technology and information by overseeing security updates, vulnerability management, user access, backups, and disaster recovery testing.

• Support PCI DSS compliance and coordinate information security matters with corporate IT.

• Ensure system changes, documentation, and technology procedures meet company standards and KHRGC regulatory requirements.

• Coordinate IT projects from planning through completion, working with internal teams and outside vendors to meet deadlines.

• Identify equipment, materials, and vendor resources needed to support projects and daily operations.

• Maintain hardware and software inventories, licensing renewals, vendor contracts, and purchasing records.

• Assist with IT budgeting, resource planning, and technology improvements.

• Develop and maintain IT policies, procedures, process documentation, and user guides.

• Support regulatory audits, compliance reviews, and corrective action plans.

• Stay informed of gaming and technology regulations to help guide future technology purchases and improvements.

• Protect confidential company information, including financial records, budgets, revenue information, policies, and proprietary business information.

• Lead by example and ensure all team members follow company policies, procedures, internal controls, and applicable federal, state, and KHRGC regulations.

• Build positive relationships throughout the property by providing outstanding customer service and encouraging teamwork and collaboration.

• Take on additional responsibilities and special projects as needed to help keep our operations running at their best.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

We are looking for someone who brings technical knowledge, leadership, and a can-do attitude!

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, coach, and develop a successful team.

• Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.

• Knowledge of Microsoft environments, including Windows Server, Active Directory, and Microsoft 365/Entra ID.

• Understanding of network infrastructure, Cisco networking, VoIP/unified communications, Linux, and SAN storage.

• Knowledge of IT security, system maintenance, data protection, and vulnerability management.

• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize assignments, and meet deadlines.

• Experience with IT service management and ticketing systems.

• Ability to understand technical documentation, vendor specifications, company procedures, and regulatory requirements.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical information to both technical and non-technical team members.

• Ability to work independently while being a strong team player.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to make sound decisions, take ownership of responsibilities, and follow through on commitments.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise good judgment, and demonstrate professionalism.

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where priorities can change quickly.

• Ability to build positive working relationships with team members, leadership, vendors, and business partners.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Kentucky gaming/racing license and Race and Sportsbook Employee License.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology or a related field with at least three (3) years of IT experience, OR an equivalent combination of at least five (5) years of IT experience.

• At least two (2) years of experience supervising or managing technical staff.

• Experience with Microsoft environments, including Windows Server, Active Directory, and Microsoft 365/Entra ID.

• Experience with network management, IT infrastructure, and information security.

• Experience using IT service management and ticketing systems.

• Knowledge of Cisco networking, VoIP/unified communications (Cisco preferred), Linux, and SAN storage.

• Familiarity with business and property technology systems, including point-of-sale, accounting and HR software, audio/visual systems, HHR machines, gaming systems, and security/surveillance systems.

• Previous experience in a casino, gaming, racing, or pari-mutuel wagering environment is preferred.

• Additional industry certifications are preferred, including:

  • Microsoft 365 Administrator or Azure Administrator.

  • VMware Certified Professional (VCP).

  • CompTIA Security+ or CISSP.

  • Cisco CCNA or CompTIA Network+.

  • ITIL 4 Foundation.

  • Please note: Team members must be at least 21 years of age to work at Ellis Park Racing & Gaming

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical demands described below are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee will frequently be required to sit, stand, and walk throughout the property. The position requires the use of hands and arms to reach, handle, operate, and work with computers, equipment, tools, and controls. The employee may occasionally be required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl when accessing equipment and technology systems. The employee must be able to lift, push, and pull up to 25 pounds and move throughout assigned property areas, including smoking areas, as needed.

The work environment may include moderate to loud noise levels, especially during live racing, gaming operations, and special events. This position requires a flexible schedule, including evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and participation in an on-call rotation. The employee must be available to respond to urgent technical issues to help keep property operations running smoothly.

The working conditions described above are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodations.