Senior Licensing & Brand Strategy Manager

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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 .

JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Manager, Licensing will play a key role in bringing the Churchill Downs and Kentucky Derby brands to life around the globe. This position will manage Churchill Downs’ licensing portfolio and, alongside the external licensing agency, evaluate new business opportunities and execute a licensing strategy that drives sustainable revenue growth while strengthening long-term brand equity.

Working under the direction of the Senior Director, Partnership Development and Licensing, the Senior Manager will identify growth opportunities, implement market and retail strategies, and coordinate cross-departmental projects. The role will work closely with Marketing, Creative, and the external licensing agency to develop and execute programs, practices, and policies that grow licensing revenue, protect brand standards, and build brand affinity.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage the day-to-day Churchill Downs Racetrack and Kentucky Derby licensing and merchandising programs and vendor relationships in support of revenue-generating opportunities.
• Manage licensee relationships, alongside the external licensing agency and under the direction of the Senior Director, Partnership Development and Licensing, to coordinate marks and designs that align with Churchill Downs Racetrack’s brand guidelines, protect all marks, and support collaborative opportunities that grow brand reach and revenue.
• Execute the licensing strategy and innovative retail marketing programs established with the Senior Director, Partnership Development and Licensing to drive sustainable revenue growth, expand distribution, and strengthen brand equity and affinity.
• Monitor licensing performance, category trends, consumer insights, and distribution opportunities; recommend strategic actions that balance revenue growth with the long-term protection and enhancement of brand equity.

Brand & Trademark Management

• Protect the Churchill Downs Racetrack and Kentucky Derby brands and ensure that their IP use is compatible with our core values.
• Ensure that all products, services and/or programs that bear the Churchill Downs Racetrack or Kentucky Derby names, trademarks and other identifiers are of high quality and are used only in connection with products, services and programs with which the brand has chosen to be identified.
• Coordinate with the external licensing agency, CAA, and Legal on trademark-related matters, including development, deal memos, and contracts for new licensees.
• Advise, educate, and respond to requests from other business units and departments regarding licensing inquiries, issues and trademark matters, ensuring that trademarks present an image that aligns with the Churchill Downs Racetrack and Kentucky Derby brands.
• Alongside the external licensing agency, monitor licensee compliance with Churchill Downs Racetrack’s policies, brand standards, and the terms of their licenses.
• Partner with the Senior Director, Partnership Development and Licensing to coordinate the day-to-day work of Churchill Downs Racetrack’s external licensing agency and monitor deliverables and performance.
• Support the Senior Director, Partnership Development and Licensing with fiscal requirements, annual operating budget inputs, tracking, and expense management for Churchill Downs Racetrack’s licensing program.

REGULATORY

Ability to obtain and maintain a Kentucky racing license and successfully complete all applicable background check requirements.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, communications, and/or related field.
• Minimum five years of related professional experience.
• Experience managing budgets.
• Background in licensing or consumer products experience preferred.
• Prior experience with licensing, including evaluating licensing requests and familiarity with trademark enforcement procedures, is preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of trademark-related practices and demonstrated history of performing related duties in a high-profile setting.
• Strong analytical capabilities, initiative, and ability to collaborate with others.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills as well as planning and organizational skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

• Extended periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Regular use of a keyboard and mouse for typing and navigating software.
• Viewing a computer screen for prolonged periods.
• Ability to manipulate paperwork, including filing, sorting, and organizing.
• Moving within the office environment to attend meetings, use office equipment, or interact with colleagues.
• Occasional lifting of office supplies or paperwork (up to 20 pounds).
• Speaking and listening to colleagues and clients in person, over the phone, or via video conferencing.
• Working in a climate-controlled office environment with moderate noise levels.
• Performing repetitive tasks such as data entry or document preparation.
• Working under artificial lighting conditions typical of an office environment, which may include fluorescent or LED lighting.
• Role is onsite five days a week at Churchill Downs Racetrack.
• Evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required during racing meets, Derby season, and other special events.

This work is performed primarily in a business office setting within a sports and entertainment facility. Events often take place outside of traditional business hours, on weekends, and on holidays. Some areas of the facility may be noisy and subject to changing weather conditions. Churchill Downs Racetrack spans 175 acres and more than 1.5 million square feet under roof with additional entertainment facilities not protected from weather conditions.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

The above-noted job description is not intended to describe, in detail, the multitude of tasks that may be assigned but rather to give the associate a general sense of the responsibilities and expectations of the position. As the nature of business demands change so, too, may the essential functions of this position.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.

Work With Us

Churchill Downs Incorporated is an inclusive and fun place to work. We celebrate unique approaches and points of view. We believe diversity is a mindset that drives excellence. We’re always learning, evolving and growing. We innovate through mutual respect of ideas and collaboration. This allows us to build a common language that inspires our team members and propels us toward the achievement of our vision.