Title:  Churchill Downs Racetrack Rotation Analyst

OVERVIEW

Introducing CDImmerse, an immersive rotational program designed for emerging professionals seeking to launch a career in Racetrack Operations with Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI)—an iconic brand in racing, gaming, and entertainment. Tailored for recent graduates, the program offers hands-on experience and a firsthand look at the people, departments, and decisions that drive a successful racetrack.

Designed for recent graduates interested in building a career in Thoroughbred horseracing, venue operations, hospitality, marketing, partnerships, and entertainment, the program provides structured assignments across the functions that bring Churchill Downs Racetrack and the Kentucky Derby to life.

Through hands-on operational experience, cross-functional projects, leadership exposure, and formal development opportunities, the analyst will build business acumen, racing industry knowledge, and the professional capabilities needed to contribute in a dynamic, highly visible environment. Rotational assignments may include Racing Operations; Backside, Track and Business Operations; and Guest Experience.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Complete structured rotations across key Churchill Downs Racetrack functions while building a broad understanding of racetrack operations, the racing ecosystem, and the guest experience.
• Support roles including, but not limited to, Racing Office, Race Operations, Track Operations, Horsemen Relations, Mutuels, and Racing Integrity initiatives, as assigned.
• Gain firsthand exposure to Backside Operations including the stable area, paddock operations, the starting gate, grounds, and safety operations.
• Contribute to Premium Hospitality, Ticketing and Admissions, Group Sales, Event Operations, and Marketing and Communications projects.
• Analyze operational, financial, attendance, wagering, sales, and guest-experience data to identify trends and support informed decision-making.
• Assist with planning and executing live race meets, the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, special events, and other high-volume operational periods.
• Support project plans, operating procedures, reports, presentations, timelines, and post-event reviews for assigned initiatives.
• Partner with racetrack leaders and cross-functional teams to improve operational efficiency, safety, service delivery, and business performance.
• Develop an understanding of applicable racing regulations, licensing requirements, integrity standards, internal controls, and safety procedures.
• Build productive relationships with leaders, employees, vendors, partners, and other stakeholders while representing CDI professionally.
• Participate in executive exposure, mentoring, networking, operational training, feedback sessions, and other professional development activities.
• Attend and participate in meetings, events, and development activities, and perform other duties as assigned

REGULATORY

Ability to obtain and maintain a Kentucky racing license and successfully complete all applicable background check requirements.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, hospitality management, sport management, equine studies, operations management, marketing, communications, finance, analytics, or a related field within the past 6 months or by May 2027. MBA graduates welcome.
• Demonstrated leadership through internships, campus organizations, athletics, work experience, military service, or community involvement.
• Strong academic performance; a GPA of 3.5 or higher is preferred.
• Prior experience in racing, equine, hospitality, sports, entertainment, events, or venue operations is helpful but not required.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated professionalism, initiative, adaptability, and learning agility.
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced, guest-focused operational environment.
• Strong organizational and project-management skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize multiple assignments, respond to changing needs, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to collaborate across departments and build relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook.
• Interest in racing operations, hospitality, events, analytics, continuous improvement, and business performance.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule and move throughout the racetrack campus as assignments require.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

• This is a fully on-site position based at Churchill Downs Racetrack.
• Work schedules may vary by assignment and may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours during live racing, Derby Week, and other major events.
• Frequent walking and standing throughout office, venue, backside, stable, paddock, track, hospitality, and outdoor areas, including extended periods during live racing and major events.
• Extended periods of sitting and computer work during office-based assignments.
• Frequent use of hands for keyboarding and office equipment.
• Occasional bending, stooping, reaching, climbing, balancing, kneeling, or crouching as operational assignments require.
• Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds.
• Work may occur indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions and may include exposure to dust, dirt, animals, large crowds, and moderate to loud noise levels.
• Use required personal protective equipment and follow applicable safety procedures when working in operational, track, backside, or other designated areas.
• Occasional travel may be required to support assigned rotations, operational activities, or professional development.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WHAT YOU WILL GAIN

• Meaningful project work across the functions that operate Churchill Downs Racetrack.
• Exposure to leaders and professionals across Churchill Downs Racetrack and Churchill Downs Incorporated.
• Hands-on experience supporting live racing, major events, hospitality, and year-round business operations.
• Leadership development, mentoring, coaching, networking, and ongoing feedback.
• A broad enterprise perspective and relationships that support long-term career growth.
• Competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, subject to plan terms and eligibility.