Racing Relations Associate

New York Racing Association•Elmont, NY

3d•$66,300 - $72,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Racing Relations Associate serves as a primary point of contact for racing participants, including owners, trainers, jockeys, and industry stakeholders. The role builds and maintains professional relationships that support a positive race-day environment and smooth daily operations. The associate provides personalized customer service, supports participant needs and communications, and contributes to efforts to attract new participants and retain existing horsemen. The position works with internal teams and senior management on projects, initiatives, policies, and processes to improve NYRA’s Racing Relations program, including a new customer rewards program. It also supports marketing communications, website resources, vendor relationships, customer feedback efforts, trophy orders, and race-day presentations. The role follows a hybrid arrangement, with two days per week (40%) remote. Work is also performed in a professional office and throughout NYRA racetrack and race-day facilities. The schedule may include weekends and race days according to NYRA’s racing schedule and operational needs. Annual pay range: $66,300–$72,000.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in racing, hospitality, or a related field.
Two to five years of experience in horse racing operations, participant relations, hospitality, or a similar customer-facing role.
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and credibility across diverse stakeholders.
Strong organization, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, including weekends and race days.
Ability to sit and stand for varying periods and walk throughout indoor and outdoor racetrack facilities.
Ability to occasionally navigate stairs and uneven walking surfaces and work amid significant pedestrian activity.
Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 10 pounds.
Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and electronically, and remain responsive and professional as priorities change.

Nice To Haves

Strong understanding of the thoroughbred racing industry.

Responsibilities

Serve as a primary link between NYRA and racing participants, fostering professional relationships across the backstretch and racing community.
Provide daily support to horsemen and women, including communication about ticket requests, on- and off-track accommodations, and timely trophy delivery.
Provide personalized customer service to owners, trainers, and jockeys, anticipating and meeting their needs.
Attend race days to enhance participant experience and support NYRA’s reputation as a premier racing circuit.
Help attract new participants to NYRA and retain existing horsemen through relationship-driven engagement.
Assist with trophy orders and organize trophy presentations for winning connections.
Collaborate with internal teams on marketing communications and website resources for current and future racing participants.
Build relationships with transportation, hotel, and retail vendors to serve guests, meet deadlines, and improve the overall experience.
Identify and resolve customer issues quickly and efficiently without escalation.
Support development of Racing Relations policies and procedures aimed at consistently exceeding expectations.
Work with senior management and cross-functional teams to deliver a customer-incentive rewards program.
Gather customer feedback through online surveys, questionnaires, and email campaigns to understand customer needs.