Director, Venue Operations

New York Racing Association•New York, NY

1d•$107,625 - $120,000•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

MHE license (preferred).
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

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.