Title: Seasonal Partnership Activation Coordinator
Louisville, KY, US, 40208
Churchill Downs Racetrack (“CDRT”), the world’s most legendary racetrack, has been the home of The Kentucky Derby, the longest continually held annual sporting event in the United States, since 1875. Located in Louisville, CDRT features a series of themed race days during Derby Week, including the Kentucky Oaks, and conducts Thoroughbred horse racing during three race meets in the Spring, September and Fall. CDRT is located on 175 acres and has a one-mile dirt track, a 7/8-mile turf track, a stabling area, and provides seating for approximately 60,000 guests. The stable area has barns sufficient to accommodate 1,400 horses and a 114-room dormitory for backstretch personnel. CDRT also has a year-round simulcast wagering facility . www.ChurchillDowns.com.
JOB SUMMARY
Seasonal Position, Partnership Activation
Dates of Employment: Approximately January 26, 2026 until approximately June 12, 2026
Job Description:
Churchill Downs Racetrack seeks a passionate and highly motivated Partnership Activation Coordinator for a Seasonal role. This position is responsible for supporting the Partnership Development and Activation teams. Responsibilities include but are not limited to client relations, project management, inter-departmental communication and coordination, contract fulfillment, vendor relations, prospect research, assembling sales decks etc.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist in execution of sponsor promotions and activation, primarily related to 2026 Kentucky Derby Week events
- Work closely with the Sr. Manager of Partnership Activation to support all sponsorship activities such as:
- Contract Fulfillment
- Sponsor Activation
- Cross Department Communication
- Data Tracking
- Vendor Communication
- Post-event Proof of Performance
- Work with partners to secure and confirm details of sponsorship activation, gathering graphics, print and website materials
- Coordinate the implementation of deliverables with other departments
- Build relationships with internal and external Churchill Downs constituents
- Manage sponsors and vendors on-site with minimal supervision
- Work as Partnership Development & Activation team member in assisting as additional requests arise, performing additional duties as assigned
- Assist Development team in vetting potential sponsors including research of a brands current initiatives, spends and contacts
- General review of data to help form actionable information for Development team to use in future pitches
- Ability to work part-time office hours as well as nights and weekends through Kentucky Derby week, as necessary
REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with an ability to handle multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines.
- Strategic mindset with strong creative capabilities and problem-solving skills
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, as well as demonstrated professionalism and diplomacy.
- Ability to exercise sound business judgment generating effective solutions quickly and/or raising issues to management as necessary.
- Team player spirit with an exceptional customer service attitude.
- Efficient with Microsoft Office, specifically MS Excel
- Experience with social media platforms.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree, or working to obtain BA, in business, sports administration, or marketing.
- Previous experience in client services role within the sports and entertainment industry a plus.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
The noise level in this work environment is usually low to moderate.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.
Nearest Major Market: Louisville
