Senior Director of Communications

Title:

Senior Director of Communications

Requisition #: 2914

Location:

Louisville, KY, US, 40222

Property:
Churchill Downs Incorporated

Pay Range:
Market Competitive

ABOUT CHURCHILL DOWNS INCORPORATED

Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, Churchill Downs Incorporated has expanded through the development of live and historical racing entertainment venues, the growth of the Twin Spires horse racing online wagering business and the operation and development of regional casino gaming properties. Churchill Downs Incorporated is an inclusive and fun place to work. We celebrate unique approaches and points of view. We believe diversity is a mindset that drives excellence.

We’re always learning, evolving and growing. We innovate through mutual respect of ideas and collaboration. This allows us to build a common language that inspires our team members and propels us toward the achievement of our vision.

The Senior Director of Communications is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive internal and external communications strategies that protect and enhance the reputation, brand, and strategic priorities of Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI). This role serves as a key strategic advisor to senior leadership and collaborates closely with Investor Relations, Government Relations, Legal, Human Resources, and business unit leaders to ensure consistent, compelling, and accurate messaging across all stakeholders.

The Senior Director will lead corporate communications, executive messaging, media relations, crisis communications, and content development, while supporting public company disclosure requirements and stakeholder engagement at the local, state, and federal levels.

Corporate & Executive Communications

• Develop and implement enterprise-wide communications strategies aligned with CDI’s business objectives, values, and brand.
• Partner with senior leadership to craft executive messaging, speeches, presentations, talking points, and written communications for internal and external audiences.
• Ensure consistent tone, voice, and messaging across all communication channels and platforms.

Investor Relations Support

• Collaborate closely with the Investor Relations team to support earnings communications, investor presentations, press releases, and shareholder materials.
• Assist in the development of messaging for quarterly earnings calls, annual reports, investor days, and other public disclosures.
• Ensure communications align with public company requirements, disclosure standards, and regulatory guidelines.

Government & Public Affairs Communications

• Partner with Government Relations and Legal teams to support messaging related to legislative, regulatory, and public policy initiatives.
• Develop communications strategies and materials for engagement with elected officials, regulators, industry partners, and community stakeholders.
• Provide guidance on sensitive issues that may impact CDI’s public standing or operating environment.

Media Relations & External Communications

• Serve as a primary contact for media inquiries in coordination with senior leadership and external advisors.
• Develop proactive media strategies and manage reactive communications, including crisis and issues management.
• Oversee press releases, statements, and external announcements to ensure accuracy, clarity, and alignment with corporate priorities.

Internal Communications

• Develop and execute internal communications strategies that engage employees, reinforce company culture, and support organizational change.
• Partner with Human Resources and leadership to communicate key initiatives, updates, and change-management efforts.
• Support communications related to talent, culture, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Lead and mentor communications team members and manage external agencies or consultants as needed.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on communications strategy, risk, and reputation management.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure alignment across CDI’s business units and corporate functions.

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, English,…