Director Racing Relations

Title: Director Racing Relations

Employee Status: Regular Full Time

Work From Home Option: Not Applicable

FLSA Status: Exempt

Job Overview:

The Director of Racing Relations is a leadership role responsible for leading NYRA’s engagement with racing participants—owners, trainers, and jockeys— and assisting in its transition into a best-in-class, data-driven relationship model.

In addition to leading NYRA’s interaction with racing participants throughout the world, this role will work in partnership with other team members to design, implement, and continuously refine an industry-leading recognition program that mirrors best practices from casino, airline and other highly competitive industry loyalty ecosystems, while remaining tailored to the unique dynamics of thoroughbred racing. The position assists in the delivery of high-touch hospitality experiences at New Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course, ensuring that NYRA participants feel valued, prioritized, and deeply connected to the organization.

Blending industry expertise, relationship management, and customer reinvestment strategy, the Director will serve as a key architect in elevating NYRA’s competitive position and strengthening long-term participation across its racing circuits.

Essential Functions:

• Participant Relations & Industry Engagement

• Serve as NYRA’s senior relationship lead for owners, trainers, and jockeys, fostering strong, trust-based partnerships.

• Leverage deep industry knowledge and established connections to enhance recruitment, retention, and overall participant satisfaction.

• Act as a key liaison between racing participants and NYRA leadership, ensuring alignment of interests and proactive issue resolution.

• Represent NYRA at industry events, sales, and stakeholder meetings to strengthen brand presence and engagement.

• Loyalty & Rewards Program Design

• Assists in the creation and execution of a comprehensive NYRA Racing Rewards program focused on participation, performance, and engagement.

• Work in partnership with NYRA Bets and other NYRA Stakeholders to develop a tiered recognition structure that appropriately values participation across key meets (e.g., Saratoga, Belmont Stakes Festival, Belmont Fall/Spring/Winter).

• Assist in the establishment theoretical value models to guide reinvestment.

• Upon completion, lead implementation of a customer reinvestment (CR) strategy that prioritizes experiential rewards.

• Continuously evaluate program effectiveness using KPIs such as participation growth, retention, and incremental contribution.

• Hospitality & Experience Delivery

• Work with the Premium Services team on the design and execution of premium hospitality offerings for racing participants at Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course.

• Collaborate with operations, food & beverage, and event teams to deliver best-in-class race day experiences, including stakes days, festivals, and marquee events.

• Ensure hospitality offerings reflect participant tiering and loyalty status, reinforcing the value of engagement within the program.

• Develop innovative, differentiated experiences (e.g., exclusive access, behind-the-scenes opportunities, concierge services).

• Data, Analytics & Strategy

• Partner with business intelligence teams to develop and maintain a robust data infrastructure supporting participant tracking and program performance.

• Analyze participation trends, horse inventory movement, and competitive landscape to inform strategic decision-making.

• Identify opportunities to optimize scheduling, incentives, and engagement strategies based on participant behavior and industry dynamics.

• Employee Leadership

• Inspires and motivates team members to continually improve and reach their full potential

• Provides clear vision and direction, aligning team efforts with broader organizational goals

• Leads by example, demonstrating integrity, resilience, and a strong worth ethic

• Builds trust, encouraging open communication and idea sharing

• Recognizes and celebrates team wins while addressing challenges constructively

• Cross-Functional Leadership

• Work closely with Racing Office, Operations, Marketing, Finance, and Security to ensure seamless execution of participant-focused initiatives.

• Support broader NYRA strategic initiatives, particularly those tied to the opening and success of New Belmont Park.

• Contribute to SOP development and enterprise-wide best practices related to participant engagement and service delivery.

Qualifications:

• Required:

• 8–10+ years of experience in Thoroughbred racing, racing operations, or gaming industry relations.

• Deep knowledge of the horse racing or gaming industry and participant/customer needs.

• Demonstrated experience designing or managing loyalty, rewards, or customer engagement programs.

• Strong analytical skills with a working understanding of customer reinvestment strategy and ROI modeling.

• Proven leadership experience managing cross-functional initiatives and teams.

• Preferred:

• Established network of relationships within the racing community (owners, trainers, jockeys, agents).

• Experience in gaming, hospitality, or sports environments with exposure to loyalty program design.

• Familiarity with CRM systems and data analytics platforms.

• Advanced degree in Business, Sports Management, or a related field.

• Work Environment:

• Significant on-site presence at Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course, particularly during live racing and marquee events.

• Frequent engagement with participants in both formal and informal settings.

• Availability to work weekends, holidays, and major racing events.

• Preferred Skills:

• Industry Knowledge & Credibility

• Strategic Thinking

• Customer Service

• Analytics

• Execution Excellence

• Collaboration

• Skills Proficiency: Advanced

Summary of Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

This role is primarily sedentary and performed in an office or office-like environment with no special physical demands required. The position involves extended periods of sitting with intermittent standing and walking, as well as occasional bending, reaching, and other routine movements typical of a professional workplace.

The role requires regular hand manipulation, including daily typing and repetitive hand movements while working on a computer. Occasional light lifting (generally up to 10 lbs., and infrequently up to 30 lbs.) may be required. The work environment does not typically expose the employee to hazardous conditions. There is minimal exposure to environmental hazards such as moving mechanical parts, fumes, extreme weather, or high-risk work areas. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

Pay Range / Salary: $115,000-$170,000 annually