Senior Manager, Events & Production

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 .

JOB SUMMARY

We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly organized individual with strong leadership skills for a Senior Manager of Events & Production position at Churchill Downs Racetrack. This position reports to the Director of Events and is responsible for overseeing the planning and execution of premium race day events, cultivating guest and vendor relationships, and ensuring an exceptional overall experience for Churchill Downs visitors.

The Senior Manager of Events & Production is responsible for leading the end-to-end planning and execution of high-impact events and productions. This role drives production strategy and manages vendors, budgets, timelines, and on-site operations to deliver exceptional, on-brand experiences on schedule and within budget. The successful candidate is a forward-thinking leader who excels in dynamic environments and pairs creativity with strong operational discipline.

Availability to work long and varied hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, is required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

* Manage and oversee execution of event production needs related to Marketing promotions, themed events and Premium race days (Twilight Thursdays, Downs After Dark, Post-Position Draw and Family Adventure Days)

* Translate creative concepts into detailed production plans, timelines, and run-of-show documents

* Source, negotiate, and manage vendor and venue contracts

* Identify efficiencies and scalable processes to improve production workflows

* Effectively manage event and production orders to ensure timely delivery while staying under budget

* Anticipate production challenges and proactively develop contingency plans

* Ensure compliance with safety regulations, permits, and insurance requirements

* Maintain high standards of quality, brand consistency, and attendee experience

* Assist Director of Derby Operations with Derby décor planning and production requirements

* Provide direction and oversight to staff members when assisting with production and event elements

* Utilize strong interpersonal skills to effectively communicate, resolve issues, and maintain professional relationships with all guests, departments and key stakeholders

* Serve as a dedicated Event Manager for private events during Derby Week and throughout the year

* Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

* Strong management and delegation skills.

* Possess a goal-oriented approach, with the desire and capability to track activities to business metrics and an overall plan. The successful candidate has a demonstrated desire to conceptualize, execute, and report on complex integrated events.

* Strong negotiation skills related to contracts and vendor pricing

* Excellent strategic and analytical thinking capability

* Meticulous attention to detail

* Excellent verbal and written communication skills

* Diplomatic approach with the ability to advocate for change across diverse environments among peers, managers, executives, and external partners

* Superior time management and prioritization skills, with the ability to fluidly transition between managing the work of others and being an individual contributor

* Ability to develop effective working relationships with internal and external parties

* Exceptional customer relationship management skills

* High level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive, confidential situations and information

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

* Bachelor's degree in hospitality management, business, sports management, marketing or other related field required

* 5+ years' experience in event management preferably in hospitality or sporting venues.

* Demonstrate knowledge in event production, including staging, lighting, audio, video, facility rigging, industry terminology, event-related services and technical requirements for the types of events anticipated at the facility

* Knowledge of fire and public safety regulations

* Must be able to operate under extreme deadlines and within budgets

* Proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Calendar

* CRM Knowledge preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

* Ability to be exposed to adverse weather conditions when required to work outside

* Ability to be on your feet for long periods of…