There are no current job openings at the National Thoroughbred Racing Association. For additional information on NTRA employment opportunities or to submit a resume for future consideration, contact employment@ntra.com.
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Director of Public Relations & Communications
POSITION SUMMARY
The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) is seeking a dynamic and strategic individual to lead the organization’s national communications efforts and serve as a resource for member tracks and partners. This individual will play a central role in shaping the public narrative around Thoroughbred
racing by providing expert counsel in public relations strategy, crisis communications, and proactively pitching positive stories highlighting the industry’s progress.
This full-time role, which reports to the NTRA President and CEO, is ideal for a seasoned communications professional with strong media relationships, a deep understanding of public relations, and a strong appreciation for Thoroughbred racing.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Strategic Communications Support: Provide support to NTRA member tracks and industry organizations on PR strategies, messaging, and media engagement. Lead efforts to elevate positive narratives for Thoroughbred racing in the national spotlight.
- Media Relations: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with national, regional, and industry media. Proactively pitch stories that highlight the sport’s progress in areas such as safety and integrity, fan engagement, technology and hospitality.
- Crisis Communications: Serve as a trusted advisor in the development and execution of timely and effective crisis communication plans for the NTRA and member organizations.
- Content Collaboration: Collaborate with external partners (e.g., America’s Best Racing, Light Up Racing, and others) to shape and guide cohesive content strategies that align with industry messaging and outreach goals.
- Industry Communications Calls: Lead and facilitate monthly communications calls with PR professionals across member tracks and organizations. Increase the frequency of calls around major racing events such as the Triple Crown series and the Breeders’ Cup.
- Spokesperson Duties: In coordination with NTRA leadership, identify and potentially serve as a spokesperson for the NTRA and, when appropriate, for partner tracks and industry initiatives.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
- 7–10 years of professional experience in public relations, crisis communications, or sports marketing, preferably in a high-profile or fast-paced environment.
- Strong understanding and appreciation of Thoroughbred racing and the broader horse racing industry.
- Demonstrated success in developing and executing strategic communication plans.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills; media training or spokesperson experience.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
- Proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and external partners.
ABOUT THE NTRA
The NTRA, based in Lexington, Ky., and Washington, D.C., is a broad-based coalition of more than 100 horse racing interests and thousands of individual stakeholders consisting of horseplayers, racetrack operators, owners, breeders, trainers and affiliated horse racing associations, charged with increasing
the popularity, welfare and integrity of Thoroughbred racing. In addition to the NTRA President and CEO, the NTRA Board of Directors consists of individuals representing Breeders’ Cup Limited; Churchill Downs, Inc.; Del Mar Thoroughbred Club; FanDuel Racing; Horseplayers; The Jockey Club; Maryland Jockey
Club; Monmouth Park; New York Racing Association, Inc; Oaklawn Jockey Club; PENN Entertainment; Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association; Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association; Thoroughbred Owners of California; Thoroughbred Racing Associations; and 1/ST Racing.
Contact: employment@ntra.com