Director, Events & Experience

Title: Director, Events & Experience

Employee Status: Regular Full Time

Work From Home Option: Not Applicable

FLSA Status: Exempt

Job Overview

The New York Racing Association (NYRA) is seeking a seasoned and strategic Director of Events & Experiences to play a pivotal leadership role in the lead-up to the grand reopening of the new Belmont Park racetrack. This position will be instrumental in ensuring a seamless and impactful venue launch, with a strong focus on front-of-house operations and the overall guest experience. This role will also lead the planning and execution of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, the Breeder’s Cup 2027 and other major events at the facility. Ideal candidates will bring a proven track record in planning and executing high-profile events, along with hands-on experience in opening major sports or entertainment venues. Exceptional cross-functional collaboration skills and the ability to lead and inspire a team are essential. This role will also be involved in a limited capacity with the Saratoga Summer race meet.

Essential Functions

• Operational Readiness & Leadership:
• Support the SVP, Chief Experience Officer to define and outline the KPI’s of the new facility to include each individual event venue within and around the building.
• Create and implement operational best practices to ensure event day readiness and seamless execution across all event functions
• Manage and mentor the Event Team that supports Belmont Park and Saratoga; provide clear goals, accountability, and development opportunities.
• Ensure the Events program is detailed, organized, and ready to roll out in alignment with the venue opening.
• Facility Opening & Operation:
• Create and execute a strategy for the opening of the new Belmont Park Facility
• Partner with the Facilities, Development, Sales, Marketing and PR teams to ensure final fit and finish of the new Belmont Park facility to meet the goals of leadership.
• Plan an opening celebration that exemplifies operational excellence and highlights the state-of-the-art new facility.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the facility as departments begin to experience race day crowd flow and ticket sales.
• Interdepartmental Coordination:
• Serve as the primary point of contact for aligning event operations with other Belmont Park departments (Facilities, Security, Guest Services, Racing, F&B, Marketing, etc.).
• Implement and maintain communication tools that ensure real-time information flow and accountability across teams.
• Vendor & Contractor Management:
• Vendor procurement, RFP creation and contract negotiation with event suppliers to create a network of preferred providers for all facilities.
• Work with contractors to ensure timely, budget-conscious, and high-quality delivery of all event infrastructure and services.
• Event Support:
• Support other major racing events as needed.
  

Qualifications

• Minimum Requirements:
• Education: Minimum of a Bachelor's degree, preferably in a related field.
• Experience:
• Minimum of 10 years of senior-level event operations experience in sports, live entertainment, or large-scale venue management.
• Required: Played a successful leadership role in opening at least one major sports entertainment facility.
• Experience managing event calendars and scheduling for facilities with multiple events spaces of varying sizes.
• Proven track record in managing large-scale, high-profile events with complex infrastructure and logistics.
• Strong background in developing event master plans and project management.
• Experience working with labor unions and negotiation union contracts.
• Other Requirements:
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) or similar products
• Auto CAD, Vectorworks, SketchUp or Visio experience is preferred.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment with multiple priorities and tight deadlines.
• Strong communication skills and experience working with a wide range of stakeholders including executive leadership, civic partners, and vendors.
• Exceptional leadership and team management capabilities.
• Excellent project management, budgeting, and organizational skills.
  

Summary Of Physical Requirements And Work Environment

This role a mixture of fast-paced and highly active work and office-based administrative work depending on time of year and assigned projects. On-site work could require extended periods of standing, walking, and moving throughout the venue during event days. Must be comfortable working both indoor and outdoor settings, adapting to varying weather conditions. The role also requires occasional lifting and the carrying of event materials and equipment (up to 10 lbs.).

Pay Range / Salary: $145,000-$163,000