Title: Sr. Director, Operations
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
This position will provide leadership and direction to a dynamic operations team in delivering world-class experiences across live racing, daily venue operations, and the iconic Kentucky Derby Week. This role provides visionary guidance and hands-on execution, overseeing race day logistics such as crowd management, guest services, wayfinding, parking, and transportation. The ideal candidate will collaborate across departments to enhance operational efficiency, elevate the guest experience, and ensure safety and excellence at every touchpoint. With a passion for large-scale event execution and a commitment to innovation, the Senior Director, Operations will play a pivotal role in shaping unforgettable moments at one of the most celebrated venues in sports and entertainment.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provides analytical insights and decision support across all operational planning initiatives, ensuring data-driven strategies and effective execution.
- Creates, implements, and manages cross-departmental schedules, including timelines and milestones using appropriate tools; tracks progress, changes, and deliverables.
- Collaborates with inter-departmental teams to identify any anticipated issues or necessary corrective actions.
- Develops and executes communication strategy for ensuring necessary information is disseminated to all levels of management and staff within the team, as well as outside vendors and partners.
- Implements tracking platforms to capture race day statistics, including attendance and sales forecasts, parking operations, and guest satisfaction.
- Identifies and drives strategic enhancements to the guest services program by analyzing performance data and customer feedback. Recommends initiatives to expand service touchpoints, elevate guest communication, and improve overall service delivery.
- Provides support in budgeting and forecasting, including annual operating budget development, capital expense planning, payment tracking, and invoice reconciliation.
- Develops and oversees staffing plans for parking and crowd management, which include Derby Week and live racing.
- Negotiates and implements vendor and parking contracts.
- Designs and oversees the Derby Week credentialing system, ensuring efficient distribution, access control, and alignment with operational and security protocols.
- Spearheads Derby Week parking and transport planning, including shuttles, traffic, access, mobility support, and rideshare logistics.
- Oversees facility parking operations, including special requests, assignments, capacity, credentials, staffing, SOPs, traffic flow, and lot procedures.
- Serves as the primary contact for all venue and parking information. Maintains up-to-date documentation and ensures timely distribution to stakeholders to support seamless operations.
- Provides oversight and strategic direction for the crowd management contract, ensuring alignment with organizational standards for training, staffing, guest service, and safety.
- Designs and implements crowd manager training protocols and supporting materials for emergency scenarios, including severe weather events, shelter-in-place procedures, and partial evacuations.
- Assists Vice President, Operations in development of comprehensive wayfinding plan for Derby Week and live racing.
Other duties and special projects as assigned.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Minimum 5 years of leadership experience in sports and entertainment operations, venue operations, or project management with an emphasis on events is preferred.
- Candidate should be proficient with various software tools such as spreadsheets, databases and web-applications, including but not limited to: Word, Excel, Outlook, Smartsheet, Visio, Power Point and other MS suite applications. Ability to learn new applications as required.
- Diplomatic personality, able to collaborate with wide variety of personalities and backgrounds, under pressure and while maintaining calm demeanor.
- Evidence of strong budget management skills, with ability to forecast and track expenses through duration of project execution.
- Strong written communication skills, with ability to collect, analyze and disseminate information in a detailed and efficient manner.
- Ability to be exposed to adverse weather conditions when required to work outside.
- Ability to be on your feet for long periods of time.
- Commitment to working flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as required by event and operational demands.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor's degree in Sports, Business Management, or related field recommended.
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
