Title:  Marketing Manager

JOB SUMMARY

The Ellis Park Marketing Manager is responsible for planning, developing, and executing marketing, advertising, public relations, admissions strategy, and sponsorship programs for Ellis Park Racing & Gaming. This role oversees all campaigns and promotional efforts that drive brand awareness, visitation, engagement, and revenue growth. The Marketing Manager works closely with internal departments, external agencies, media partners, and community organizations to ensure cohesive and effective marketing initiatives.

This position also oversees Admissions operations, ensuring seamless guest entry experiences, and leads the development and acquisition of sponsorships that enhance the property’s visibility, community reach, and financial performance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodations. This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive, but a general illustration. It may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities deemed necessary.

• Develop, coordinate, and execute marketing and advertising campaigns that drive brand awareness, player development, and revenue growth.
• Manage the creation, production, and implementation of all marketing materials through internal resources and external agencies.
• Review and secure approval for all advertising materials prior to release.
• Evaluate marketing initiative performance and produce actionable reporting and insights.
• Cultivate strong relationships with media outlets, community organizations, and business partners.
• Implement regular media and community outreach initiatives to enhance visibility and public engagement.
• Develop and distribute internal communications for all marketing initiatives and community events.
• Oversee all Admissions operations to deliver a seamless guest experience beginning at ticket purchase and continuing through on-site entry.
• Ensure accuracy and integrity in admissions reporting, reconciliation, and service standards.
• Monitor admissions metrics, including attendance expectation, event occupancy, and staffing efficiency, adjusting operational strategies as needed.
• Develop and execute a sponsorship strategy, including identifying, securing, and activating local sponsorships that support business objectives, strengthen community partnerships, and deliver on all sponsor commitments to ensure guest satisfaction.
• Meet departmental financial goals by developing and adhering to an annual financial budget, forecasting needs, monitoring expenses, and analyzing variances.
• Manage vendor contracts and allocate agency and marketing resources efficiently.
• Build meaningful guest relationships through positive interactions and visibility on the gaming floor.
• Maintain strong knowledge of promotions, events, and amenities to assist guest inquiries.
• Serve as a collaborative partner across all departments to ensure alignment and consistent communication.
• Maintain strong organizational, analytical, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Perform effectively under pressure and remain flexible with scheduling, including nights, holidays, and weekends.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Proven analytical, financial, and strategic thinking capabilities with strong critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire diverse, cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Expertise in data analysis, interpretation, and communication of insights to drive informed decision-making.
• In-depth knowledge of gaming operations and strong marketing acumen.
• Exceptional organizational, project management, and attention-to-detail skills.
• Effective communicator with strong verbal, written, and presentation abilities.
• Skilled in building relationships and collaborating with senior and executive leadership.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and a strong work ethic.
• Flexibility to work a variable schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Advertising, Communications, or a related field preferred.
• Three (3) to five (5) years of relevant marketing experience strongly preferred; a combination of education and professional certification may be considered.
• Experience managing budgets and analyzing financial performance.
• Prior experience working with advertising agencies and/or public relations firms required.
• Familiarity with gaming or casino operations required.
• Strong background in sponsorship development and/or event partnerships preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Commission (KHRGC) license.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

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. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit or stand; walk; use hands to finger reach, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee may also be required to lift, push, and pull up to 25lbs. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. The employee is subjected to circulation throughout the assigned areas, including the smoking area, actively observing players, and functioning of machines.