📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Vice President Marketing and Partnerships
🔹 Company: Churchill Downs Incorporated
🔹 Location: Louisville, Kentucky, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, On-site
🔹 Category: Entertainment Providers
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-07-08
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading integrated marketing strategy and commercial partnerships for Churchill Downs Racetrack and its portfolio of events, including the Kentucky Derby.
- Enhancing fan engagement, expanding sponsorship revenue, and elevating the prestige of racing and entertainment experiences globally.
- Serving as the brand steward and growth driver, responsible for enhancing fan engagement, expanding sponsorship revenue, and elevating the prestige of our racing and entertainment experiences globally.
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure integrated execution and serving as a senior spokesperson and ambassador for the brand with media, partners, and key stakeholders.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic and innovative leader with a proven track record in brand marketing, sponsorship, and media to drive growth and commercial revenue through strategic partnerships and innovative campaigns.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead all brand and consumer marketing efforts for Churchill Downs Racetrack, including the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks, and ancillary events.
✅ Develop and execute multi-channel marketing campaigns (digital, broadcast, experiential, social, PR) that drive attendance, viewership, and cultural relevance.
✅ Steward the Kentucky Derby brand and visual identity, ensuring consistency and resonance across all touchpoints.
✅ Oversee fan engagement strategy, including loyalty programs, data capture, personalization, and CRM initiatives.
✅ Drive sponsorship strategy, acquisition, and renewal efforts across racing events and media platforms.
✅ Build long-term, high-value relationships with blue-chip brands, aligning their objectives with Churchill Downs’ platforms and experiences.
✅ Oversee delivery of all partner activations, integrations, and contractual rights to ensure exceptional client satisfaction and retention.
✅ Lead media strategy, including national and regional broadcast deals, digital rights, and emerging platforms.
✅ Collaborate with internal and external content producers to tell compelling stories around the Kentucky Derby and Churchill Downs’ legacy.
✅ Expand reach through influencer marketing, creator partnerships, and behind-the-scenes storytelling.
✅ Lead and inspire a high-performing team across brand marketing, creative, digital, PR, and partnerships.
✅ Collaborate with ticketing, hospitality, operations, racing, and gaming teams to ensure integrated execution.
✅ Serve as a senior spokesperson and ambassador for the brand with media, partners, and key stakeholders.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong executive presence with the ability to build relationships with Fortune 500 partners and C-suite stakeholders, as well as experience managing high-profile events or properties with national or global significance.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field (MBA preferred)
Experience: 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in brand marketing, sponsorship, and media, preferably in sports, entertainment, or lifestyle brands.
Required Skills:
- Proven track record of driving brand growth and commercial revenue through strategic partnerships and innovative campaigns.
- Deep understanding of modern marketing channels, fan engagement, and experiential activations.
- Strong executive presence with the ability to build relationships with Fortune 500 partners and C-suite stakeholders.
- Experience managing high-profile events or properties with national or global significance.
- Passion for sports, tradition, and delivering best-in-class experiences.
Preferred Skills:
- Previous leadership role in major sports league, entertainment property, or experiential brand.
- Experience in both in-house and agency-side environments.
- Familiarity with horse racing, premium events, or seasonal consumer brands a plus.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in both in-house and agency-side environments, as well as familiarity with horse racing or seasonal consumer brands, may have an advantage in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $180,000 - $250,000 per year (Based on industry standards for a VP of Marketing role in the entertainment industry with 10+ years of experience in Louisville, KY)
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
- Employee discounts on events and services
- Professional development opportunities
Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a VP of Marketing role in the entertainment industry with 10+ years of experience in Louisville, KY. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as relevant experience, skills, and market conditions.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Churchill Downs Incorporated operates in the entertainment industry, with a focus on horse racing, online wagering, and casino gaming. The company is publicly traded and has a market capitalization of over $5 billion.
Company Size: Churchill Downs Incorporated has 5,001-10,000 employees, making it a large organization with significant resources and opportunities for career growth.
Founded: Churchill Downs Incorporated was founded in 1875 and has a rich history and tradition in the horse racing industry.
Company Description:
- 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.
- Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, CDI has expanded through the development of live and historical racing entertainment venues, the growth of the TwinSpires horse racing online wagering business and the operation and development of regional casino gaming properties.
- To learn more about CDI and its family of properties, visit: https://www.churchilldownsincorporated.com/
Company Specialties:
- Casino Gaming
- Online Pari-Mutuel Wagering
- Entertainment
- Historical Horse Racing
- Horse Racing
- and Hotel Operations
Company Website: https://www.churchilldownsincorporated.com/
ASSUMPTION: Churchill Downs Incorporated is a well-established and respected company in the entertainment industry, with a strong brand and a history of creating memorable experiences for its customers.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is a senior-level position, reporting directly to the President of Churchill Downs Racetrack.
Reporting Structure: The VP Marketing and Partnerships will oversee a team of marketing, creative, digital, PR, and partnerships professionals, as well as collaborate with cross-functional teams from ticketing, hospitality, operations, racing, and gaming.
Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with the expectation of working from the Churchill Downs Racetrack office in Louisville, Kentucky, Monday through Friday. Flexibility to work evenings and weekends may be required to support event schedules and partner activations.
Growth Opportunities:
- As a senior-level role, there may be opportunities for the VP Marketing and Partnerships to grow into an even more strategic or executive position within the company, such as Chief Marketing Officer or President of Churchill Downs Racetrack.
- Given the company's diverse portfolio of entertainment properties and businesses, there may also be opportunities for the VP Marketing and Partnerships to take on additional responsibilities or transfer to a different business unit within the organization.
ASSUMPTION: Churchill Downs Incorporated values internal mobility and provides opportunities for employees to grow and develop their careers within the organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: The Churchill Downs Racetrack office is a modern, professional environment with a focus on collaboration and innovation.
Office Location(s): 600 N. Hurstbourne Pkwy., Suite 400, Louisville, KY 40222, US
Geographic Context:
- Louisville, Kentucky, is the largest city in the state and the 29th-most populous city in the United States, with a population of over 600,000 people.
- The city is known for its rich history, vibrant arts and culture scene, and diverse economy, with strengths in healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics.
- Louisville is home to several major corporations, including Yum! Brands, Humana, and Kindred Healthcare, as well as a thriving startup ecosystem.
Work Schedule: The work schedule for this role is typically Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed to support event schedules and partner activations.
ASSUMPTION: Louisville, Kentucky, offers a high quality of life, with affordable housing, a strong job market, and a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission and resume review
- Phone or video screen with the HR department
- In-person or video interview with the hiring manager and/or other members of the leadership team
- Final interview with the President of Churchill Downs Racetrack
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Leadership and team management abilities
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- Expertise in brand marketing, sponsorship, and media
- Alignment with Churchill Downs’ company culture and values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, using specific examples and quantifiable achievements.
- Be prepared to discuss your strategic vision for the Kentucky Derby brand and how you would drive fan engagement and sponsorship revenue.
- Demonstrate your understanding of the horse racing industry and Churchill Downs’ unique position within it.
ATS Keywords: Brand Marketing, Sponsorship, Media Strategy, Fan Engagement, Partnership Development, Revenue Growth, Digital Marketing, Experiential Activations, Team Leadership, Cross Functional Collaboration, Public Relations, Content Innovation, Relationship Building, Event Management, Strategic Planning, Executive Presence, Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs Racetrack
ASSUMPTION: Churchill Downs Incorporated uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage job applications and may use keywords to filter resumes. Including relevant keywords in your resume can help your application stand out and increase your chances of being selected for an interview.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Marketing automation tools (e.g., Marketo, Pardot)
- Social media management platforms (e.g., Hootsuite, Sprout Social)
- Project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello)
ASSUMPTION: Churchill Downs Incorporated uses a variety of tools and technologies to support its marketing and partnership efforts. Familiarity with these tools and the ability to learn new ones quickly are essential for success in this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards and acting with honesty and transparency in all aspects of our business.
- Excellence: Striving for excellence in everything we do, from the Kentucky Derby to our daily operations.
- Collaboration: Working together to achieve our goals and create extraordinary experiences for our customers, partners, and employees.
- Innovation: Embracing change and continuously seeking new and better ways to deliver exceptional entertainment experiences.
- Stewardship: Protecting and preserving our rich history and traditions while also looking ahead to the future and driving sustainable growth.
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic, with a focus on execution and results.
- Collaborative and team-oriented, with a strong emphasis on cross-functional collaboration.
- Data-driven and analytical, with a focus on using data and insights to inform decision-making and strategy.
- Adaptable and flexible, with the ability to pivot and adjust plans as needed to respond to changing circumstances.
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you share Churchill Downs’ commitment to integrity and upholding the highest ethical standards in all aspects of our business?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with a focus on execution and results?
- Do you thrive in collaborative, team-oriented settings and enjoy working with cross-functional teams to achieve common goals?
- Are you comfortable using data and analytics to inform decision-making and strategy?
- Do you have the ability to adapt and pivot as needed to respond to changing circumstances?
ASSUMPTION: Churchill Downs Incorporated values employees who align with its core values and work style, and who are committed to delivering exceptional entertainment experiences for its customers, partners, and employees.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The Kentucky Derby is a high-profile, iconic event with a rich history and tradition. Maintaining the brand's prestige and relevance while driving growth and innovation can be a significant challenge.
- The horse racing industry is evolving, with new competitors and technologies emerging. Staying ahead of these changes and adapting the Kentucky Derby and Churchill Downs Racetrack's offerings to remain competitive will require continuous innovation and strategic thinking.
- The role of VP Marketing and Partnerships is a senior-level position with significant responsibilities and expectations. Balancing the demands of the role while also managing a team and collaborating with cross-functional teams can be challenging.
- Louisville, Kentucky, has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Candidates who are not comfortable with these weather conditions may face challenges adjusting to the local environment.
ASSUMPTION: These challenges are inherent to the role and the industry, and successful candidates will have the skills and experience necessary to overcome them.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike other senior marketing roles in the entertainment industry, the VP Marketing and Partnerships at Churchill Downs Racetrack has a unique focus on the Kentucky Derby and its rich history and tradition. This role requires a deep understanding of the event's unique position within the horse racing industry and the ability to balance its iconic status with innovative growth strategies.
- The horse racing industry is distinct from other sports and entertainment sectors, with its own unique challenges and opportunities. Candidates with experience in the horse racing industry or a related field may have an advantage in this role.
- As a senior-level role within a large, publicly traded company, the VP Marketing and Partnerships at Churchill Downs Incorporated has significant growth and development opportunities. Candidates with aspirations to advance their careers within the organization may find this role particularly appealing.
ASSUMPTION: While there may be similarities between this role and other senior marketing positions in the entertainment industry, the unique focus on the Kentucky Derby and the horse racing industry sets it apart from other opportunities.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a multi-channel marketing campaign to drive attendance and viewership for the Kentucky Derby, with a focus on engaging new and younger audiences.
- Negotiating and securing high-value sponsorship partnerships with Fortune 500 brands, aligning their objectives with Churchill Downs’ platforms and experiences to drive exceptional client satisfaction and retention.
- Collaborating with internal and external content producers to create compelling behind-the-scenes storytelling and influencer marketing campaigns that expand the reach and impact of the Kentucky Derby and Churchill Downs Racetrack's brand.
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are illustrative of the types of initiatives the VP Marketing and Partnerships may be responsible for in this role, and are not exhaustive or prescriptive.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the current marketing and partnership strategy for the Kentucky Derby and Churchill Downs Racetrack, and how this role fits into that strategy?
- How does the company support the growth and development of its senior leaders, and what opportunities exist for advancement within the organization?
- What are the biggest challenges facing the Kentucky Derby and Churchill Downs Racetrack in the coming years, and how can this role help address them?
- How does the company balance the preservation of the Kentucky Derby's rich history and tradition with innovation and growth?
- What is the company's approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how does this role contribute to those efforts?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and your commitment to understanding the company's culture and priorities.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the Churchill Downs Incorporated careers portal
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, using specific examples and quantifiable achievements.
- Prepare for your interview by researching the Kentucky Derby and horse racing industry, as well as Churchill Downs Incorporated's company culture and values.
- If selected for an in-person interview, plan to visit Louisville, Kentucky, and familiarize yourself with the local area and the Churchill Downs Racetrack office.
- Follow up with the hiring manager within 24 hours of your interview to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
