Title: Sr. Manager, Racing & Racing Secretary

Employee Status: Regular Full Time

Work From Home Option: Not Applicable

FLSA Status: Exempt

Job Overview:

The Director of Racing & Racing Secretary serves as the core owner of NYRA’s racing product and the central leader of all Racing Office operations. This role serves as the head of NYRA’s Racing Office, racing officials whose work relates to the creation of the daily racing product, and the strategic, operational, and regulatory integrity of NYRA’s racing product across all venues throughout the year.

The position is responsible for delivering a best-in-class racing experience that drives competitive fields, operational excellence, wagering growth, and industry confidence in New York Thoroughbred racing. Efforts include working closely with racing department personnel on creating racing conditions, purse structures, stakes schedules, incentive programs and other items that drive participation and interest in NYRA’s racing product.

Additionally, this position is responsible for maintaining strong relationships with domestically based racing participants including, but not limited to: regulators, owners, trainers, jockeys, racing managers, bloodstock agents, sales companies and other racing departments throughout North America.

Essential Functions:

Racing Office Leadership
• Own and lead all functions of the Racing Office, including race planning, condition book development and writing, entries and field composition.
• Direct and manage the scheduling, recruitment, performance, and accountability of NYRA racing officials working within the Racing Office, including:
o Assistant Racing Secretaries
o Claims Clerks
o Clerk of the Course
o Entry Clerks
o Placing Judges
o Program Coordinator
o Stakes Coordinator & Assistant Stakes Coordinator
• Ensure all officials perform to NYRA standards of accuracy, integrity, timeliness, and professionalism.
• Establish KPIs for Racing Operations teams and regularly report performance outcomes to senior stakeholders.
• Responsible for managing operational aspects of the team (e.g., workflow, performance, and compliance), as well as ensuring the achievement of team goals within established timelines and budgets.
• Develop contingency plans for operational disruptions (e.g., weather, equipment failure) to ensure continuity.

Ownership of NYRA’s Racing Product
• Maintain strategic and operational ownership of NYRA’s racing product, including product quality, safety, competitiveness, and reputation.
• Lead the development and execution of:
o Condition books and race conditions
o Stake and graded stakes planning and coordination
o Race date allocation and field size improvement strategy
o Product innovation and participant engagement strategy
o Incentive program development and assessment
o Recruitment of domestic participants
o Post time coordination
o Wagering menu composition
• Build field size that optimizes handle growth, horse supply, and competitive race composition, leveraging NYRA’s position as the industry leader in North America.
• Serve as one of NYRA’s key liaisons to owners, trainers, jockeys, regulators, and horsemen’s groups, ensuring alignment on racing operations, product quality, and stakeholder confidence.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on:
o Recruitment & retainment
o Increased field size
o Improved wagering appeal
o Racing integrity

Racing Integrity, Compliance & Safety
• Ensure compliance with all NY State gaming, racing, and equine welfare regulations, including coordination with the NY State Gaming Commission.
• Maintain operational integrity of entries, race results, and official communications.
• Ensure best practices for equine safety and racing official protocols for duties under your supervision.
• Maintain meticulous documentation and operational discipline that supports NYRA’s franchise obligations to the State of New York.

Strategic Product Leadership, Recruitment & Retainment
• Develop and execute strategic product roadmaps that position NYRA racing as:
o The premier racing circuit in North America
o A national leader in race presentation, integrity, and wagering appeal
• Partner with marketing, broadcasting, wagering, and operations teams to maximize the presentation quality, visibility, and commercial appeal of NYRA racing

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience in Thoroughbred racing operations, race office management and/or racing official oversight.
• Demonstrated authority and credibility working with racing officials and regulatory bodies.
• Expert knowledge of:
• Race conditions, entries, and condition book strategy
• Stakes and graded stakes coordination
• Field size economics and product optimization
• Proven ability to lead a racing operations team.
• Strong communication and stakeholder leadership skills.
• Deep commitment to integrity, safety, and excellence in New York racing.

Summary of Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

A combination of seated tasks with occasional movement throughout the day.

Pay Range / Salary: $160,000