Churchill Downs Racetrack · 1 week ago
Director, Partnership Development
Louisville, KY
Contract
Onsite
Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
5+ years expChurchill Downs Racetrack, the world’s most legendary racetrack, is seeking a Director of Partnership Development. This role is responsible for driving sponsorship sales by identifying potential candidates, conducting outreach, negotiating contracts, and achieving sales goals.
EventsRecreationSports
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
Qualification
Required
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
Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university in Marketing, Sports Administration or related field
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
Preferred
Master's Degree a plus
Company
Churchill Downs Racetrack
Horse racing in Kentucky dates back to 1789, when the first race course was constructed in Lexington.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Casey (Cook) Ramage
VP of Marketing and Partnerships
Chad Waits
Senior Director of Partnership Development
Recent News
2025-12-16
MarketScreener
2025-12-16
Business Wire
2025-10-25
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