Racing Relations Specialist — Hybrid Client Experience

The 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 contact for owners, trainers, jockeys and industry stakeholders, promoting a positive race-day environment and seamless daily operations.

Based at Belmont Park with a hybrid schedule, you will build relationships, support ticketing and trophy delivery, coordinate with marketing and operations, and help implement a new rewards program while engaging high-end clients.

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Relationship management

Communication

Customer service

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in racing, hospitality, or a related field

Job description

The New York Racing Association (NYRA) is seeking a Racing Relations Specialist to serve as the primary contact for owners, trainers, jockeys and industry stakeholders, promoting a positive race-day environment and seamless daily operations.

Based at Belmont Park with a hybrid schedule, you will build relationships, support ticketing and trophy delivery, coordinate with marketing and operations, and help implement a new rewards program while engaging high-end clients.