Churchill Downs

Senior Director, Human Resources

Churchill Downs$125K — $150K *
Hospitality & Recreation
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources Management or related field
  • 10-15 years of progressive human resources experience
  • Certifications such as SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP preferred
  • Experience in gaming or hospitality industry preferred
  • Comprehensive knowledge of gaming industry regulations and compliance requirements
  • Strong strategic planning and execution skills
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Responsibilities

  • Oversee HR team hiring, training, development, and performance management
  • Establish departmental standards, budgets, and processes for HR operations
  • Direct recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, and compliance functions
  • Lead employee relations initiatives and resolve workplace grievances
  • Advise managers on best employment practices and performance management
  • Develop HR strategies that align with business objectives
  • Analyze HR metrics to identify trends and support decision making

Benefits

  • Opportunities for professional development and leadership training
  • Employee recognition and engagement programs
  • Positive work environment focused on employee morale and retention
  • Access to HR-related training and resources
  • Potential for long-term career growth in the gaming and hospitality sector
Full Job Description
JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Director of Human Resources leads all HR functions for both properties in Louisville, KY (Derby City Gaming & Hotel and Derby City Gaming Downtown) including talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, ensuring compliance with employment laws and corporate standards, and more. This position partners with the People Leaders to drive employee engagement, retention, and overall business performance. The Sr HR leader will lead and develop the HR team while creating HR standards and programs to support organizational goals and a positive employee culture.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Oversee the hiring, training, development, performance, and efficient management of Human Resources staff.
  • Plan, organize, assign, coach, and evaluate HR team workloads and performance.
  • Establish and maintain departmental standards, objectives, budgets, staffing plans, and administrative processes to ensure efficient HR operations.
  • Direct all property HR functions, including recruitment, onboarding, compensation, benefits, employee relations, performance management, training, and compliance.
  • Lead employee relations initiatives by evaluating workplace concerns, resolving grievances, conducting investigations, and partnering with Corporate HR, Legal, or outside counsel as needed.
  • Maintain open communication with Team Members and leadership to identify concerns, strengthen engagement, and foster a positive work environment.
  • Advise managers on employment practices, including interviewing, hiring, coaching, documentation, corrective action, performance management, and terminations.
  • Lead or partner with the General Manager to administer annual goal-setting, development planning, performance reviews, and compensation processes, ensuring consistency, accountability, and alignment with organizational objectives.
  • Partner with property leadership to develop and implement short- and long-term HR strategies that support business objectives and organizational culture.
  • Manage HR-related risks, including workplace investigations, discrimination claims, policy violations, and regulatory compliance matters.
  • Design and implement training, leadership development, succession planning, change management, retention, and organizational development initiatives.
  • Develop employee recognition, engagement, and retention programs that enhance morale and support a high-performance culture.
  • Analyze HR metrics, workforce trends, and HRIS data to identify opportunities and support informed business decisions.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, regulations, company policies, and HR best practices.
  • Maintain current knowledge of employment law, HR trends, and emerging technologies, applying best practices to policies, programs, and leadership guidance.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.


REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Demonstrated successful management and leadership skills in human resources operations.
  • Strong strategic planning and execution skills.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Diverse and through knowledge of multiple human resource disciplines, including compensation practices, federal and state employment laws, employee and union relations, etc.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of gaming industry regulations and compliance requirements.
  • Knowledge of and experience with human resource information systems.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.


EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources Management or related field.
  • Additional certifications (i.e., SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, etc.) preferred.
  • Ten to fifteen years of progressive human resources experience.
  • Experience in a gaming or hospitality field preferred.
  • Must obtain valid gaming license, where applicable.


PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit or stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear.
  • The employee may be required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
  • The employee may be required to work long hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.
  • The employee may be exposed to smoke when on the floor of the gaming room.


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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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About Churchill Downs

Churchill Downs is a leading entertainment company that operates a variety of businesses, including horse racing, casino gaming, and online wagering. The company is best known for hosting the Kentucky Derby, one of the most prestigious horse races in the world. Churchill Downs is committed to providing a world-class entertainment experience for its customers, while also promoting responsible gaming and supporting the communities in which it operates.
Learn more about Churchill Downs
Size
5,000 employees
Market Cap
$7.8 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$81.9 million
Founded
1875
5 Year Trend
+14.2%
Revenue
$1 billion
NASDAQ

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