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Churchill Downs Incorporated · 1 day ago

Senior Director of Communications

Louisville, KY

Full-time

Onsite

Director/Executive

10+ years exp

Churchill Downs Incorporated, headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, is seeking a Senior Director of Communications. This role is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive internal and external communications strategies to enhance the company's reputation and brand, while collaborating with senior leadership and various departments to ensure consistent messaging across stakeholders.

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Growth Opportunities

Responsibilities

Develop and implement enterprise-wide communications strategies aligned with CDI’s business objectives, values, and brand

Partner with senior leadership to craft executive messaging, speeches, presentations, talking points, and written communications for internal and external audiences

Ensure consistent tone, voice, and messaging across all communication channels and platforms

Collaborate closely with the Investor Relations team to support earnings communications, investor presentations, press releases, and shareholder materials

Assist in the development of messaging for quarterly earnings calls, annual reports, investor days, and other public disclosures

Ensure communications align with public company requirements, disclosure standards, and regulatory guidelines

Partner with Government Relations and Legal teams to support messaging related to legislative, regulatory, and public policy initiatives

Develop communications strategies and materials for engagement with elected officials, regulators, industry partners, and community stakeholders

Provide guidance on sensitive issues that may impact CDI’s public standing or operating environment

Serve as a primary contact for media inquiries in coordination with senior leadership and external advisors

Develop proactive media strategies and manage reactive communications, including crisis and issues management

Oversee press releases, statements, and external announcements to ensure accuracy, clarity, and alignment with corporate priorities

Develop and execute internal communications strategies that engage employees, reinforce company culture, and support organizational change

Partner with Human Resources and leadership to communicate key initiatives, updates, and change-management efforts

Support communications related to talent, culture, and employee engagement initiatives

Lead and mentor communications team members and manage external agencies or consultants as needed

Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on communications strategy, risk, and reputation management

Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure alignment across CDI’s business units and corporate functions

Qualification

Corporate communicationsMedia relationsCrisis communicationsInvestor relationsPublic affairs communicationsExecutive messagingEditing skillsWriting skillsStorytelling skillsLeadershipCollaboration

Required

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, English, Political Science, or a related field required

10+ years of progressive experience in corporate communications, public relations, or a related field, preferably within a public company or highly regulated environment

Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills, including long-form editorial and publication leadership experience

Proven experience advising senior executives and working directly with C-suite leaders

Strong understanding of media relations, crisis communications, and reputation management

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while exercising sound judgment and discretion

Preferred

Advanced degree preferred

Experience working with Government Relations, public affairs, or regulatory communications strongly preferred

Company

Churchill Downs Incorporated

Churchill Downs Incorporated (“CDI”) has been creating extraordinary entertainment experiences for nearly 150 years, beginning with the company’s most iconic and enduring asset, the Kentucky Derby.

Founded in 1875

Louisville, Kentucky, USA

5001-10000 employees