Senior Director, Community Engagement

Louisville, KYPosted Aug 7, 2026

ABOUT CHURCHILL DOWNS INCORPORATED

Churchill Downs Incorporated (“CDI”) (Nasdaq: CHDN) has been creating extraordinary entertainment experiences for more than 150 years, beginning with one of the most iconic and enduring events in sports and entertainment—the Kentucky Derby. Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, CDI blends a rich legacy with a forward-looking approach to growth. Through the acquisition, development, and operation of live and historical racing entertainment venues, the expansion of online wagering services and other technology businesses, and the ownership and operation of regional casino gaming properties, CDI offers diverse career opportunities across the country. Our success is driven by dedicated team members who are passionate about delivering exceptional experiences, embracing innovation, and helping shape the future of entertainment.

JOB SUMMARY

Provides strategic leadership for CDI's community engagement and corporate giving initiatives. Serves as a senior representative of the Company in Louisville, Kentucky, and other key CDI communities by developing and strengthening relationships with civic, business, nonprofit, educational, and government stakeholders.

This position partners closely with Government Relations, Communications, business leaders, and the Executive Office to identify opportunities that strengthen CDI's relationships, enhance the Company's reputation, and support business objectives through strategic community partnerships, external engagement, and community investment.

The Senior Director will help position CDI as a trusted community partner by connecting the Company's business priorities with meaningful initiatives that strengthen communities, support the horse racing and gaming industries, build strategic partnerships, and create lasting economic and community impact.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop and execute CDI's enterprise-wide community strategy, ensuring community engagement activities support the Company's long-term business priorities and reputation.
Serve as a senior representative of CDI and cultivate strategic relationships with civic leaders, business organizations, nonprofit executives, educational institutions, government agencies, and other key stakeholders.
Advise senior leadership on community engagement opportunities, emerging issues, strategic partnerships, and external relationship management.
Identify opportunities to strengthen CDI's presence and influence in the communities where the Company operates through strategic partnerships, executive engagement, and collaborative initiatives.
Lead CDI's corporate giving strategy, including oversight of charitable contributions, sponsorships, community investments, grant requests, and impact measurement.
Develop strategic partnerships that advance CDI's business and community priorities, strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, and enhance CDI's position and reputation in the communities where it operates.
Coordinate closely with Government Relations to support external relationship-building, civic engagement, and local outreach while maintaining a clear distinction between community engagement and lobbying activities.
Partner with Communications to identify opportunities to highlight CDI's community leadership, investments, partnerships, and positive impact through strategic storytelling and external communications.
Coordinate executive participation in community organizations, boards, speaking engagements, civic events, and other high-profile opportunities that strengthen CDI's relationships and visibility.
Work collaboratively with business units to align local community investments and partnerships with enterprise priorities while recognizing the unique needs of each operating jurisdiction.
Track and evaluate the impact of community investments and partnerships and provide strategic recommendations for continuous improvement.
Support CDI leadership on community engagement strategies related to acquisitions, development projects, and expansion into new markets.
Provide leadership and oversight for the Community Relations team, as applicable, including setting priorities, coordinating activities, and supporting the team's development and performance.
Other duties may be assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree required.
7 - 10 years of related experience.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

CHURCHILL DOWNS INCORPORATED

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.