Senior Director, Human Resources

Senior Director, Human Resources

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.

The Senior Director, Human Resources leads the Human Resources function for Churchill Downs Racetrack and Trackside, partnering with the President, General Manager, senior leadership, and people leaders to support operational success through objectivity, practical guidance, and consistent Human Resources practices. This role oversees all aspects of the Human Resources function across both properties, including talent acquisition, employee and labor relations, performance management, leadership development, payroll and benefits administration, leave management, compliance, and Human Resources operations. The Senior Director partners with operational leaders and Corporate Human Resources to ensure consistent execution of enterprise Human Resources programs, policies, and services while maintaining a strong, visible presence across both properties.

Success in this role is built on strong partnerships, sound judgment, and the ability to equip leaders with the guidance and tools necessary to make effective people decisions while delivering responsive, business-focused Human Resources support.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Business Partnership & Leadership Support

• Partner with the President, General Manager, senior leadership, and people leaders to achieve business objectives by providing practical Human Resources leadership, coaching, and guidance that enables consistent, effective people decisions.
• Build trusted relationships through a visible, responsive presence.
• Monitor Human Resources metrics to identify workforce trends and support informed business decisions.

Talent & Leader Development

• Partner with leaders to anticipate staffing needs and lead recruiting efforts to attract, select, onboard, and retain qualified talent while building high-performing teams.
• Coach leaders through performance management, employee development, and organizational change while promoting consistency and accountability.
• Partner with Corporate Human Resources to implement recruiting, learning, leadership development, and talent initiatives that support business priorities.

Employee & Labor Relations

• Lead complex employee relations matters, workplace investigations, and performance management issues with professionalism, objectivity, and sound judgment.
• Administer collective bargaining agreements and partner with Legal, Corporate Human Resources, operational leaders, and union representatives on labor and employment matters.
• Provide guidance on corrective action, policy application, conflict resolution, ADA accommodations, and other employment matters to ensure fair and consistent Human Resources practices.
• Partner with the Security team on workers' compensation administration, return-to-work efforts, and employee case management.
• Oversee the administration of FMLA and other protected leaves of absence, partnering with Corporate HR to ensure compliance with applicable laws.
• Identify employment-related risks and recommend practical solutions that support leaders, protect the business.

HR Operations & Employee Experience

• Lead the Human Resources function, ensuring responsive, high-quality support across both properties.
• Lead, coach and develop the Human Resources team by establishing priorities, accountability, and service standards.
• Oversee onboarding and offboarding, ensuring a seamless employee experience and compliance with employment, payroll, benefits, systems, and regulatory requirements.
• Partner with Corporate Human Resources to administer payroll, benefits, leave management, compensation, organizational changes, and enterprise Human Resources programs.
• Continuously improve Human Resources processes, systems, and data integrity to enhance efficiency and compliance.
• Other duties as assigned.

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 Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, or a related field required. Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive Human Resources leadership experience in a complex operational environment. Demonstrated experience across talent acquisition, employee and labor relations, performance management, leadership development, compliance, and Human Resources operations. Experience administering collective bargaining agreements and partnering with Legal on labor and employment matters strongly preferred. Experience supporting salaried, hourly, seasonal, part-time, and union-represented employees. Experience in hospitality, entertainment, sports, gaming, manufacturing, or other fast-paced operational environments preferred. SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or equivalent certification preferred. Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred.

Required Skills and Abilities

Strong business acumen and operational mindset. High emotional intelligence, objectivity, and sound judgment. Ability to build trusted partnerships and influence through credibility. Process-oriented with a commitment to consistency and continuous improvement. Strong employee and labor relations expertise. Leadership coaching and conflict resolution skills. Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced operational environment. Visible, approachable leadership style with a commitment to exceptional service.

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 the Louisville, KY Churchill Downs Racetrack.