Director, Partnership Development

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 Director of Partnership Development is responsible for driving sponsorship sales at Churchill Downs Racetrack, through direct selling. This includes, but is not limited to identifying potential sponsorship candidates, conducting outreach, preparing and delivering proposals, negotiating contracts and closing deals, as well as achieving annual sales goals. The Director of Partnerships will also have responsibility for renewals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Establishing new sponsorship partner relationships utilizing various sales strategies including research, cold calls, site visits, outside sales and his/her network.
• Serving as a direct liaison between Churchill Downs Racetrack and all assigned corporate sponsor constituents, predominantly first, second and third tier clients.
• Representing Churchill Downs Racetrack at networking events and attending various business and association meetings.
• Achieving personal sales and team revenue goals through active prospecting, identifying new business opportunities, and closing deals.
• Actively and enthusiastically selling and promoting Churchill Downs Racetrack, the Kentucky Derby, the Kentucky Oaks and all other events held or promoted by the Company as sponsorship opportunities.
• Interacting with the Ticketing, Operations, Finance and Corporate (Churchill Downs Incorporated) Legal departments to successfully negotiate sponsorship contracts.
• Developing customized programs and proposals tailored to the sponsor's business objectives.
• Utilizing excellent interpersonal and service skills to build and develop mutually beneficial relationships with sponsors.
• Collaborating with all departments, specifically Ticketing, Operations and Food & Beverage partner to ensure complete customer and guest satisfaction as it relates to all sales and related events.
• Providing support as needed to the Partnership activation, fulfillment, and other teams as needed.
• Effectively communicating sponsor needs to all team members as appropriate to ensure complete fulfillment and success.
• Providing exceptional customer service at all times.
• Supporting all opportunities and leadership requests as needed.
• Championing corporate sponsor objectives.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Exceptional organizational and project management skills with an ability to handle multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines.
• Ability to exercise sound business judgment and generate effective solutions quickly.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, as well as demonstrated professionalism and diplomacy.
• Strong software skills, including Microsoft Office Suite, Salesforce, Digideck.
• Deep-running passion for sports and sponsorships.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including some weekends and evenings.
• Must work well in high stress environments while working long hours.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university in Marketing, Sports Administration or related field. Master's Degree a plus.
• At least five (5) years related experience in sports sponsorship sales, with progressive revenue and team management responsibilities.
• Proven track record of successfully closing multiple complex sponsorship deals valued at six-figures annually.
• Solid network of national business contacts relevant to the objectives of this position.

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, especially during Derby season.
• The noise level in the work environment is moderate.

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.

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