Event Manager

Job Summary

An Event Manager is responsible for planning, organizing, and executing various types of 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 clients. 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
• Aiding team members on event days
• Responding to day-of requests in a prompt manner
• Promoting and providing exceptional customer service
• Aiding 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
• Performing light physical work required to set up events
• Extensive walking is typically required
• Performing 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