Event Manager Jobs

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

Duties include, but are not limited to:

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

Supervisory Responsibilities

No supervisory responsibilities

Education, Training, And Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred
• 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.
• Prior interaction with the public and/or working knowledge of the horse racing industry preferred
• People oriented, able to multi-task, be organized, motivated and detail focused
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other related software
• Prior experience in overseeing multiple event spaces and groups at one time is required

MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT

Computer, printer, calculator, copy machine, telephone, shredder, vehicle, scanning machine, software packages, etc. Prior experience with audio visual equipment setup and operation is a plus.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This work is performed in a business office setting within a sports and entertainment facility. Events often take place outside of traditional business hours, on weekends, and holidays. Some areas of the facility may be noisy and subject to changing weather conditions. Churchill Downs Racetrack spans 1.5 million square feet. The ability to move swiftly throughout the facility and stand for long periods of time is necessary.

Personal Qualifications

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