Independent Chair Ontario Racing (Independent Contractor Position) ➔ Ontario | Part time

Job Title
With almost 150 years of proud horse racing history, Woodbine Entertainment Group is the founding pioneer and largest operator of professional horse racing in Canada.
Building on our rich past, we are surging ahead to the future with an energized, new vision. Today we deliver the most thrilling and highest quality racing, dining and entertainment experiences to our visitors. In doing so, we remain a world-leader in horse-racing - and also among the most exciting and diverse entertainment facilities on the globe.
Please note that this position is not a direct employee position with Ontario Racing. The successful candidate will be engaged as an independent contractor and will not be hired as an employee of the Company.
By applying for this position, you acknowledge and understand that the role is offered on an independent contractor basis and that, if selected, you will not be considered an employee of the Company.
BACKGROUND:  The economic impact of the Ontario horse racing industry is estimated at $1.91 billion annually, with direct employment of an estimated 17,600 full time equivalent jobs involved as breeders, owners, horse people, racetrack personnel, and related employees, as well as those involved in various supporting industries. Additionally, the Ontario horse racing industry generates $329.8 million per year in Provincial taxes.
As the province’s representative horse racing industry association, Ontario Racing is responsible for execution of the Long-Term Funding Agreement signed with the Province of Ontario and Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) in 2018 and extended in 2026.
Among Ontario Racing’s initiatives are directing breed improvement programs, setting an annual program of races and purses, attracting new horse owners, building a fan base, and connecting the industry with government and the public. These initiatives are undertaken by the Board of Directors through the support of a robust committee system and the staff of Ontario Racing Management Inc. (ORM), a wholly owned subsidiary of Woodbine Entertainment Group.
ROLE AND REQUIREMENTS:  Working closely with the Ontario Racing Board of Directors, the Executive Director of ORM and the OLG, the Independent Chair is responsible for building and promoting productive relationships with industry stakeholders. The Independent Chair provides strategic leadership to the horse racing industry in Ontario and liaises with government representatives in support of this vision.
Fulfilling this role requires deep industry knowledge and experience as well as strategic focus and government advocacy skills. The successful candidate should have substantial senior leadership experience, preferably at the CEO or Board of Directors level, and experience managing stakeholder relationships. The ability to see the big picture and clarify key issues is essential, along with the communication and interpersonal skills to build consensus.
An energetic commitment to the Ontario horse racing industry - Thoroughbred, Standard bred and Quarter Horse - is required.
The Independent Chair must be an individual who is not in a relationship that could reasonably be expected to interfere with the exercise of independent judgement in relation to the business affairs of Ontario Racing, and cannot, while acting as Independent Chair, be a shareholder, partner, member, director, officer, or employee of any member or affiliate of Ontario Racing.
KEY FUNCTIONS OF

THE ROLE:

Stakeholder Management:  Build and maintain strong, productive relationships across Ontario's horse racing industry
Foster collaboration among racetracks, horsepersons’ organizations, breeders' associations, regulators, and other industry participants
Facilitate constructive dialogue and help align diverse stakeholder interests around common strategic objectives
Serve as a visible and respected ambassador for Ontario Racing and the broader industry.
Strategic Leadership:  Provide strategic leadership to the Board and the industry to shape and advance a unified vision for the future of horse racing in Ontario
Assist in defining and advancing long-term industry priorities that strengthen the…