Title: Director, Venue Operations

Employee Status: Regular Full Time

Work From Home Option: Hybrid - 2 Days/Week (40% Remote)

FLSA Status: Exempt

Job Overview:

The Director, Venue Operations is a critical leadership role responsible for the planning, execution, and continuous improvement of all front-of-house and venue operations at a newly reopened Belmont Park. This position oversees event readiness across racing and non-racing days, ensuring seamless delivery of facility setup, housekeeping, space conversions, and logistical coordination.

As NYRA reopens a reimagined Belmont Park in Fall 2026, this role will be central to delivering a world-class guest experience that meets the expectations of premier racing events such as the Belmont Stakes and Breeders’ Cup, while also supporting a robust calendar of high-end hospitality and special events. The position will collaborate closely with Sales, Event Operations, Food & Beverage and Hospitality to ensure that NYRA delivers a high-quality customer experience.

The role requires a highly operational, detail-oriented leader with deep experience in venue management, large-scale event execution, union labor coordination, and premium hospitality environments.

Essential Functions:

• Venue Operations & Event Readiness
  • Oversee venue setup and breakdown, including seating configurations, hospitality areas, signage, and guest flow infrastructure.
  • Develop and implement standardized operating procedures (SOPs) for event readiness and execution.
  • Collaborate with event operations team on all front-of-house operational planning and execution for race days and events.
  • Ensure all public-facing areas meet NYRA’s standards for cleanliness, safety, and presentation.
    
  • Manage a budget for associated venue operations and work to deliver financial results acceptable to the organization.
• Facility Conversions & Changeover Management
  • Direct all facility conversions between racing, hospitality, and non-racing events (e.g., concerts, private events, festivals).
  • Build scalable conversion playbooks aligned with the long-term Belmont Park event strategy.
  • Optimize turnaround times while maintaining quality and safety standards.
  • Partner with internal stakeholders to align space usage with revenue-generating opportunities.
• Housekeeping & Grounds Presentation
  • Oversee housekeeping operations across all guest-facing and operational areas.
    
  • Establish service standards consistent with high-end hospitality venues.
    
  • Implement performance metrics and inspection protocols to ensure consistent execution.
    
  • Coordinate closely with facilities and maintenance teams to address issues proactively.
• Loading Dock & Logistics Operations
  • Manage all loading dock operations, including scheduling, vendor coordination, and material flow.
    
  • Establish a centralized logistics framework for deliveries, event load-ins/outs, and internal distribution.
    
  • Ensure compliance with security, safety, and regulatory requirements.
    
  • Optimize dock efficiency to support concurrent racing and non-racing activities.
• Labor & Workforce Management
  
  • Lead coordination of union and non-union trade labor supporting venue operations.
  • Develop staffing models for race days, major events, and daily operations.
    
  • Oversee labor scheduling, productivity standards, and cost controls.
    
  • Foster strong relationships with labor partners to ensure operational excellence and flexibility.
• Premium Hospitality & Guest Experience Support
  • Partner with hospitality, culinary, and guest services teams to deliver a best-in-class experience.
    
  • Ensure all premium spaces (suites, clubs, VIP areas) are executed to appropriate standards.
  • Support high-profile events including:
    • Belmont Stakes Racing Festival
    • Breeders’ Cup World Championships
    • Corporate and private hospitality events
    • Anticipate and solve operational challenges in high-touch guest environments.
      

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations, Hospitality, Event Management, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in venue operations, stadium/arena management, or large-scale hospitality environments.
• Proven experience managing complex, unionized labor environments.
  
• Demonstrated success in executing large-scale, high-profile events.
  
• Strong understanding of logistics, facility operations, and event production.
  
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment with precision and accountability.
• MHE license (preferred).
• Preferred Skills:
  • Quality Control
  • Preventive Maintenance
    
  • Environment Health and Safety
    
  • Computerized Maintenance Management Systems
    
  • Maintenance Repair and Operations (MRO)
  • Property Maintenance
  • Facility Management
    
  • Operational Excellence & Execution
    
  • Event & Venue Management
    
  • Labor Relations & Workforce Optimization
    
  • Hospitality Mindset & Guest Experience Focus
  • Logistics & Systems Thinking
  • Strategic Planning & Change Management
    
  • CAD Software
• Skills Proficiency: Intermediate to 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: $107,625.00 - $120,000