Director Racing Relations

Title: Director Racing Relations

Employee Status: Regular Full Time

Work From Home Option: Not Applicable

FLSA Status: Exempt

The Director of Racing Relations is a leadership role responsible for leading NYRA’s engagement with racing participants—owners, trainers, and jockeys— and assisting in its transition into a best-in-class, data-driven relationship model.
In addition to leading NYRA’s interaction with racing participants throughout the world, this role will work in partnership with other team members to design, implement, and continuously refine an industry-leading recognition program that mirrors best practices from casino, airline and other highly competitive industry loyalty ecosystems, while remaining tailored to the unique dynamics of thoroughbred racing. The position assists in the delivery of high-touch hospitality experiences at New Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course, ensuring that NYRA participants feel valued, prioritized, and deeply connected to the organization.
Blending industry expertise, relationship management, and customer reinvestment strategy, the Director will serve as a key architect in elevating NYRA’s competitive position and strengthening long-term participation across its racing circuits.

• Participant Relations & Industry Engagement
  • Serve as NYRA’s senior relationship lead for owners, trainers, and jockeys, fostering strong, trust-based partnerships.
  • Leverage deep industry knowledge and established connections to enhance recruitment, retention, and overall participant satisfaction.
  • Act as a key liaison between racing participants and NYRA leadership, ensuring alignment of interests and proactive issue resolution.
  • Represent NYRA at industry events, sales, and stakeholder meetings to strengthen brand presence and engagement.
• Loyalty & Rewards Program Design
  • Assists in the creation and execution of a comprehensive NYRA Racing Rewards program focused on participation, performance, and engagement.
  • Work in partnership with NYRA Bets and other NYRA Stakeholders to develop a tiered recognition structure that appropriately values participation across key meets (e.g., Saratoga, Belmont Stakes Festival, Belmont Fall/Spring/Winter).
  • Assist in the establishment theoretical value models to guide reinvestment.
  • Upon completion, lead implementation of a customer reinvestment (CR) strategy that prioritizes experiential rewards.
  • Continuously evaluate program effectiveness using KPIs such as participation growth, retention, and incremental contribution.
• Hospitality & Experience Delivery
  • Work with the Premium Services team on the design and execution of premium hospitality offerings for racing participants at Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course.
  • Collaborate with operations, food & beverage, and event teams to deliver best-in-class race day experiences, including stakes days, festivals, and marquee events.
  • Ensure hospitality offerings reflect participant tiering and loyalty status, reinforcing the value of engagement within the program.
  • Develop innovative, differentiated experiences (e.g., exclusive access, behind-the-scenes opportunities, concierge services).
• Data, Analytics & Strategy
  • Partner with business intelligence teams to develop and maintain a robust data infrastructure supporting participant tracking and program performance.
  • Analyze participation trends, horse inventory movement, and competitive landscape to inform strategic decision-making.
  • Identify opportunities to optimize scheduling, incentives, and engagement strategies based on participant behavior and industry dynamics.
• Employee Leadership
  • Inspires and motivates team members to continually improve and reach their full potential
  • Provides clear vision and direction, aligning team efforts with…