Racing Relations Associate

New York Racing Association; Elmont (NY); Hybrid; USD 66,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The New York Racing Association (NYRA) is seeking a Racing Relations Specialist to serve as the primary liaison with owners, trainers, jockeys, and industry participants. You will build strong, professional relationships to promote a positive race-day environment and ensure smooth daily operations at Belmont Park.

This role involves collaborating with teams on communications, managing participant needs during race days, and helping launch a rewards program while delivering outstanding client

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in racing, hospitality, or related field.
• 2–5 years of experience in horse racing operations, participant relations, hospitality, or similar customer-facing role.
• Strong understanding of the thoroughbred racing industry preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary link between NYRA and racing participants, fostering strong relationships.
• Provide daily support to horsemen and women for ticket requests, accommodations, and trophies.
• Deliver personalized customer service to owners, trainers, and jockeys.
• Attend race days to enhance participant experience and NYRA’s reputation.
• Collaborate with internal teams to deliver marketing communications and updated resources.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Fast-paced environment

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Title: Racing Relations Associate

Employee Status: Regular Full Time

Work From Home Option: Not Applicable

FLSA Status: Exempt

Job Overview:

The New York Racing Association (NYRA) is looking for a passionate and driven, Racing Relations Specialist to join our team. This role will serve as a primary point of contact for all racing participants, including owners, trainers, jockeys and industry stakeholders. At the center of the racing community, this position will be responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships that promote a positive and professional race-day environment. The ideal candidate will be confident engaging with high-end clientele and thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment to ensure seamless daily operations.
The Racing Relations Specialist will work closely with the organization to help implement projects, initiatives, and processes in support of an enhanced, best-in-class Racing Relations program. This is an exciting opportunity to combine a passion for horse racing, a unique ability to form impactful relationships, and the opportunity to help shape the future of the Racing Relations program with the reopening of the new Belmont Park.

Essential Functions:

• Serve as a primary link between NYRA and racing participants, fostering strong, professional relationships across all levels of the backstretch and racing community
• Provide daily support to horse men and women to ensure smooth and seamless communication regarding ticket requests, on and off-track accommodations, and the timely delivery of trophies
• Deliver personalized customer service to owners, trainers, and jockeys, ensuring their needs are anticipated and met
• Attend race days to enhance the participant experience and elevate NYRA’s reputation as a premier racing circuit
• Support efforts to attract new participants to NYRA and retain existing horsemen through relationship-driven engagement
• Assist with trophy orders and organizing trophy presentations for all winning connections
• Collaborate with internal teams to deliver marketing communications and updated website resources to assure effective messaging to all current and future racing participants
• Aid in building relationships with transportation, hotel, and retails vendors to better serve guests and meet deadlines to enhance overall experience
• Identify and resolves customer issues quickly and efficiently without escalation
• Support the Racing Relations department with the development of policies and procedures aiming to consistently exceed expectations
  
• Work closely with Senior Management and cross-functional teams to deliver a new rewards program focused on customer incentives
  
• Act as a resource in gathering customer feedback through online surveys, questionnaires, and email campaigns, striving to understand customer needs
  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in racing, hospitality, or a related field
• 2–5 years of experience in horse racing operations, participant relations, hospitality, or a similar customer-facing role
  
• Strong understanding of the thoroughbred racing industry preferred
  
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and credibility across diverse stakeholders
• Highly organized with strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail
  
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, including weekends and race days
  

Summary of Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

This position operates in a professional office environment as well as throughout NYRA racetrack and race-day facilities. While a portion of the role is sedentary and involves regular use of a computer, telephone, and other standard office equipment, the position requires frequent interaction with racing participants and may involve moving between offices, hospitality areas, racing facilities, and other on-site locations in support of daily and race-day activities.

The employee must be able to sit and stand for varying periods; walk throughout racetrack facilities, including both indoor and outdoor areas; and occasionally navigate stairs, uneven walking surfaces, and areas with significant pedestrian activity. Race-day responsibilities may require extended periods of standing and walking while assisting owners, trainers, jockeys, guests, and other racing stakeholders.

The position may require assisting with trophy presentations and related race-day activities, including handling, carrying, positioning, or transporting lightweight presentation materials. The employee must be able to lift and carry items weighing up to 10 pounds.

Because responsibilities extend beyond a traditional office setting, the employee may occasionally work outdoors and be exposed to seasonal weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, rain, and direct sunlight. The racetrack environment may also include periods of elevated noise, crowds, horses and racing-related activity, and increased movement during live racing and special events.

The position requires the ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and electronically with racing participants, internal teams, vendors, and other stakeholders. The employee must also be able to remain attentive, responsive, and professional in a fast-paced, customer-facing environment where priorities and operational needs may change throughout the day.

The work schedule may include weekends and race days, consistent with NYRA's racing schedule and operational needs. The position follows a hybrid work arrangement; however, on-site presence is required when necessary to support racing operations, participant relations, events, and other departmental responsibilities.

Pay Range / Salary: $66,300.00 - $72,000.00/annually