Title: Senior Associate, Communications
Employee Status: Regular Full Time
Work From Home Option: Hybrid - 2 Days/Week (40% Remote)
FLSA Status: Exempt
Job Overview:
The Senior Associate, Communications is a seasoned individual contributor who operates independently with minimal supervision and exercises sound judgment in the execution of communications initiatives. This role supports the development and implementation of projects, programs, and processes aligned with NYRA’s overall Communications and Corporate Affairs strategy. Leveraging advanced knowledge of communications principles and best practices, the Senior Associate contributes to the establishment of effective policies, procedures, and plans that enhance NYRA’s brand, reputation, and stakeholder engagement.
This position plays a key role in shaping and executing external communications, with a primary focus on positioning NYRA and its priorities with local and regional media. The role also supports efforts to increase fan engagement and interest through strategic storytelling that highlights hospitality offerings and the overall guest experience at Belmont Park.
Essential Functions:
Responsibilities:
• Operates independently under limited supervision, applying a high level of discretion and decision-making to manage assignments, address challenges, and resolve issues as they arise.
• Leads the execution of assigned communications projects, ensuring alignment with NYRA’s organizational goals, brand standards, and messaging framework.
• Develops and implements creative, audience focused communication strategies that support external visibility, fan engagement, and institutional priorities.
• Drafts and edits external written materials, including press releases and other media-facing content, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and consistency of message.
• Manages on-site media relations activities, serving as a point of contact to support coverage, events, and stakeholder interactions.
• Supports the formalization and continuous improvement of internal communications processes and protocols to ensure consistency, efficiency, and clarity.
• Acts as a liaison across departments to facilitate coordinated messaging and alignment among internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Operates independently under limited supervision, applying a high level of discretion and decision-making to manage assignments, address challenges, and resolve issues as they arise.
• Leads the execution of assigned communications projects, ensuring alignment with NYRA’s organizational goals, brand standards, and messaging framework.
• Develops and implements creative, audience focused communication strategies that support external visibility, fan engagement, and institutional priorities.
• Drafts and edits external written materials, including press releases and other media-facing content, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and consistency of message.
• Manages on-site media relations activities, serving as a point of contact to support coverage, events, and stakeholder interactions.
• Supports the formalization and continuous improvement of internal communications processes and protocols to ensure consistency, efficiency, and clarity.
• Acts as a liaison across departments to facilitate coordinated messaging and alignment among internal teams and external stakeholders.
Qualifications:
5-10 years of PR experience. Sports, business or politics preferred.
Strong writing skills.
Experience working with reporters/news outlets to understand story goals and provide information that helps drive positive narrative.
On the record spokesperson experience preferred
Demonstrated expertise in writing compelling and creative copy for the necessary medium.
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:
Elevates Everyone’s Experience through meaningful interactions and communication. And, by treating each other with respect and consistently displaying value and appreciation for the contributions of others.
Advances a Culture of Safety and Integrity by acting in the organization’s best interest, adhering to all policies, and upholding ethical standards.
Innovates and adapts by seeking feedback to improve performance, introducing new ideas and solutions to advance the organization.
Shows Pride of Ownership by being accountable for your role and responsibilities, mentoring colleagues, maintaining transparency in all interactions, and sharing your success with everyone involved.
Achieves Excellence by delivering your best effort, demonstrating exceptional leadership attributes, and persevering through challenges.
With a lineage of nearly 150 years, The New York Racing Association (NYRA) serves as the cornerstone of New York State's thoroughbred industry at three major tracks (Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park, and Saratoga Race Course). The industry contributes more than $3 billion annually to its urban, suburban, and rural economy. NYRA also offers a variety of exciting career opportunities – on and off the track. From Finance to Facilities, Turf to Technology, in all departments we are stewards of our sport. Join our talented team of professionals.
NYRA is committed to equal employment opportunity and to compliance with federal, state, and local anti - discrimination laws. NYRA values diversity and complies with New York State and New York City law, which prohibits discrimination and harassment against any employee, applicant for employment, or intern based on race, age, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, gender identity / expression and transgender status), national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including predisposing genetic characteristics), age (18-years-of-age & up), veteran status, military status, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, caregiver status, partnership status, unemployment status, certain arrest or conviction records and domestic or sexual violence victim status. NYRA does not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on an employee’s membership in one or more of these protected categories, an employee’s known relationship or association with a member of one or more of these protected categories, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Visit us at NYRA.com to learn more!
The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) holds the exclusive franchise to conduct thoroughbred racing at Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course. NYRA tracks are the cornerstone of New York State’s horse racing industry, which is responsible for 19,000 jobs and more than $3 billion in annual economic impact.
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