Senior Director, Marketing

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Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, Churchill Downs Incorporated has expanded through the development of live and historical racing entertainment venues, the growth of the Twin Spires horse racing online wagering business and the operation and development of regional casino gaming properties. CDI is an inclusive and fun place to work, celebrating unique approaches, diversity, learning, evolving and growing, and innovating through mutual respect of ideas and collaboration.

The Senior Director of Marketing is responsible for providing strategic leadership and direction for all marketing functions supporting Owensboro Racing & Gaming and Ellis Park Racing & Gaming, based out of Owensboro, Kentucky. The role oversees Advertising, Brand Strategy, Direct Marketing, Players Club, Promotions, Entertainment, Sales, Player Development, and Community Engagement to drive revenue growth, enhance the guest experience, and elevate the visibility of live racing, gaming, and entertainment offerings across both properties.

The incumbent also plays a critical leadership role in advancing the visibility, profitability, and community impact of live racing, sponsor ships, and entertainment across Owensboro and Ellis Park.

• Develop and implement the annual overall marketing plan, budgets, goals, and strategies in line with the overall business goals as determined by the Vice President and General Manager and Corporate Marketing.
• Build and implement the property’s Branding, Advertising, Promotional, Players Club, Player Development, Entertainment, Sales, and Public Relations strategies that effectively meet the property’s operational needs.
• Manage Marketing guest service initiatives of Player Development, Players Club, Promotions, and Special Events team members.
• Implement, maintain, and measure Hosts’ guest development, retention, and reactivation efforts.
• Oversee the development and implementation of all promotions and events, including drawings, giveaways, special events, and more.
• Oversee the coordination and booking of any property entertainment.
• Analyze pro- and post-forma financial results of marketing programs and effectively manage marketing expenses to budget. Examine expense and revenue reports for areas of responsibility and recommend actions.
• Work directly with Corporate Marketing to review broad scope strategies and performance levels.
• Work with corporate marketing and the external agency to plan and execute all direct mail programs, including the analysis of such programs.
• Work with corporate marketing and the external agency to plan the strategy for and execute all social media platforms.
• Identify, secure, and grow corporate sponsor ships and strategic partnerships that support racing, gaming, entertainment, and community initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with local businesses, tourism agencies, chambers of commerce, civic organizations, and regional partners.
• Position Owensboro Racing & Gaming and Ellis Park as active community partners through events, sponsor ships, and outreach initiatives.
• Support sponsorship fulfillment, brand activations, and ROI measurement.
• Lead marketing strategy and execution for live Thoroughbred race meets at Ellis Park, including seasonal race meet branding and advertising, attendance growth initiatives, racing promotions, special events, and sponsorship activations.
• Collaborate with Racing Operations to align marketing efforts with race calendars, special stakes days, and other racing related events.
• Develop and execute marketing strategies to promote event space rental for private events.
• Develop good working relationships with all property leaders as well as marketing leaders at other Churchill Downs Incorporated properties and Corporate Marketing.
• Maintain a strong service culture with high team member and guest satisfaction levels. Allocate resources to areas that create value for our guests and for the company.
• Serve as a leader for team members while fostering teamwork, positive morale, motivation, and open…