Backstretch Activities Intern

About the role

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.

The Backstretch Recreation program is funded by the Churchill Downs Racing Committee. The Churchill Downs Racing Committee is an organization created to improve the lives of the backside community at Churchill Downs Racetrack. The Committee is comprised of representatives of Churchill Downs Racetrack (“CDRT”), the Kentucky Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (“KYHBPA”) and the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association (“KTA”). The backside community is composed of people who work in the stable area at Churchill Downs Racetrack and Trackside Training Center. The majority are Spanish speakers.

Schedule

20-25 hours/week. Fall (mid Aug-Nov). Preference for evening availability (4-8pm).

Responsibilities

• Help maintain regular hours in the rec hall to meet community needs (including evenings)
• Create flyers for activities in English and Spanish
• Post announcements to social media and in the stable area at Churchill and Trackside
• Make loudspeaker announcements
• Communicate with participants in English and Spanish
• Set up and clean up for backside recreational events including tables, chairs, decorations, etc.
• Create appropriate signs, flyers, tournament rules, etc. in English and Spanish
• Track attendance or registration for participants
• Advertise and sell tickets to attendees. Track attendee information.
• Communicate with attendees in English and Spanish about schedule, location, and tickets
• Provide assistance with the organization and execution of programming including: Community celebrations, sports and game tournaments, excursions to local attractions, classes (ex. fitness, swimming, tennis), etc.
• Help interpret and translate between Spanish and English for recreation program activities
• Help with volunteer recruitment and communication

Required skills and abilities

• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) communications skills mandatory
• Experience working with and interacting with individuals from varying backgrounds
• Proficiency with computer skills (Microsoft Excel, etc)

Physical requirements and working conditions

• Requires working indoors and outdoors. Some weekends and many evenings.
• Requires lifting up to 50lbs.