Director of Horse Racing - Bureau of Thoroughbred Horse Racing

Director Of Horse Racing

The Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Thoroughbred Horse Racing is seeking a driven Director of Horse Racing to lead key racing operations within Penn National, Presque Isle Downs, and Philadelphia Park. This role will give you the opportunity to guide major programs that support safety, fairness, and growth in the racing industry. You will help oversee racetrack activities that impact participants and spectators alike. Join a team that values leadership, integrity, and strong partnerships.

This position focuses on directing statewide operations, policies, and enforcement for the Bureau of Thoroughbred Horse Racing. The role ensures that racetrack activities follow established laws, procedures and industry standards. As a Director of Horse Racing, you will perform the following duties:

• Operational Management: Plan and direct bureau operations for three Thoroughbred racetracks
• Program Leadership: Oversee statewide racing activities including enforcement, licensing, marketing, and incentive programs
• Policy Development: Guide the creation and evaluation of policies and procedures for racing operations
• Contract Compliance: Monitor racetrack adherence to approved simulcast agreements and related requirements
• Industry Relations: Serve as liaison to commissioners, racetrack staff, and industry organizations
• Employee Oversight: Supervise racetrack managers, veterinarians, and judges while ensuring personnel procedures are followed

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Some weekends will be required
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 1 day a week. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Qualifications

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Five years of experience in the management of a licensed Thoroughbred or Standardbred horse racing entity or equivalent racing experience; or
• Certification as a Thoroughbred or Standardbred horse racing official; or
• Any other criteria established by the Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission.

Additional Requirements:

• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS): 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.