Event Manager

Churchill Downs Racetrack; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading events venue in Louisville is seeking an experienced Event Manager to plan and execute events on race and non-race days. This role involves collaboration with clients and vendors, managing multiple event spaces, and providing exceptional customer service. Candidates should possess strong organizational skills, previous experience in event management, and a Bachelor's degree is preferred. Join a dynamic team dedicated to creating memorable experiences at a historic venue.

Qualifications

• Ability to positively address challenging situations.
• Previous experience in overseeing multiple event spaces.
• Demonstrate prior experience in dealing with high-level clients.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and execute events at Churchill Downs.
• Create custom Banquet Event Orders for events.
• Ensure exceptional customer service on event days.

Skills

Organizational skills

Verbal communication

Customer service

Time-management skills

Ability to multi-task

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Pay Range

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

An Event Manager is responsible for planning, organizing and executing various type events on both race-days and non-race days at Churchill Downs Racetrack (CDRT). Event Managers contribute to the planning, preparation, and execution of The Kentucky Derby and All Race Meets. In addition to race-day responsibilities, Event Managers work with various special event cliental. These events can include, but are not limited to,: weddings, internal trainings, corporate retreats, evening receptions, etc.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Working cross-departmentally to understand event needs (sales, marketing, community relations, ticketing, etc.) and facility policies
• Establishing and maintaining relationships with clients and vendors
• Creating custom Banquet Event Orders (BEO) which detail:
• Facility needs
• Food and beverage packages
• Event timeline
• Staffing needs
• Creating custom diagrams for approx. 35 event rooms
• Assisting team members on event days
• Responding to day-of requests in a prompt manner
• Promoting and providing exceptional customer service
• Assisting and facilitating all events booked by Group Sales, Marketing, Premium Ticketing, Horsemen Relations and Community Relations.
• Evaluating guest issues related to pricing, overcrowding, ticket discrepancies, seat locations, etc.
• Ensuring courteous, professional, sincere, and responsive communications with all customers
• Completing clerical and administrative tasks as necessary
• Act as primary Churchill Downs representative in premium dining areas.
• Performing light physical work required to set up events. Extensive walking is typically required
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Required Skills And Abilities

• Ability to positively address challenging situations
• Strong organizational skills
• Exceptional at communicating, both verbally and written
• Ability to thrive in an ever-changing environment
• Customer service minded
• Excellent time-management skills
• Ability to multi-task and develop strong professional relationships in all aspects of the position
• Previous experience working in an entertainment / sporting facility, or a similar environment
• Ability to create and communicate ideas / vision for various events

Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred
• Prior experience in overseeing multiple event spaces and groups at one time is required
• Must demonstrate prior experience in dealing with high level clients including dignitaries, officials, celebrities, premium ticket holder, club members, high stakes wagerers and/or members of the thoroughbred racing community.
• People oriented, able to multi-task, be organized, motivated and detail focused
• Prior interaction with the public and/or working knowledge of the horse racing industry preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other related software

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• The employee will be required to sit for extended periods of time
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may also be required to stand: walk; use hands to finger reach, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear.
• The employee may be asked to occasionally lift up to 20 lbs.
• The employee may be required to work nights, weekends, and holidays
• The noise level in the work environment is moderate

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.

Churchill Downs Incorporated is an inclusive and fun place to work. We celebrate unique approaches and points of view. We believe diversity is a mindset that drives excellence. We’re always learning, evolving and growing. We innovate through mutual respect of ideas and collaboration. This allows us to build a common language that inspires our team members and propels us toward the achievement of our vision.