Marketing Manager

Role overview

The Marketing Manager for Ellis Park Racing & Gaming is in charge of shaping and delivering the property’s marketing, advertising, public relations, admissions, and sponsorship efforts. The role is focused on building brand recognition, increasing guest visits, improving engagement, and supporting revenue growth. It requires close coordination with internal teams, outside agencies, media contacts, and community partners to keep every campaign aligned and effective.

In addition, this position leads Admissions operations to ensure guests experience a smooth entry process, and it plays a key role in building and activating sponsorships that strengthen community visibility and business results.

Key responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and launch marketing and advertising initiatives that raise awareness, support player development, and contribute to revenue growth.
• Oversee the development, production, and rollout of promotional and marketing content using both in-house support and external agencies.
• Review advertising creative and obtain approval before release.
• Track the success of marketing programs and translate results into practical reports and recommendations.
• Develop strong working relationships with media houses, community groups, and business partners.
• Carry out ongoing outreach with media and local communities to improve visibility and public connection.
• Create and share internal updates related to marketing campaigns and community activities.
• Manage Admissions operations so that guests move smoothly from ticket purchase through on-site entry.
• Maintain accuracy in admissions reporting, reconciliations, and service delivery standards.
• Monitor attendance expectations, event occupancy, and staffing efficiency, then adjust operations when needed.
• Design and implement a sponsorship approach by identifying, securing, and activating local sponsorships that support commercial goals and community partnerships while honoring sponsor commitments.
• Support departmental financial targets by building and following an annual budget, forecasting needs, controlling spend, and reviewing budget variances.
• Handle vendor agreements and use agency and marketing resources efficiently.
• Build positive relationships with guests through visible, helpful engagement on the gaming floor.
• Stay knowledgeable about promotions, events, and amenities to answer guest questions effectively.
• Work collaboratively across departments to keep communication aligned and consistent.
• Apply strong organizational, analytical, verbal, and written communication skills in daily work.
• Remain effective under pressure and be open to a flexible schedule that may include nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Take on additional responsibilities as assigned.

Skills and capabilities

• Strong strategic, analytical, and financial judgment
• Ability to think critically and solve problems in a fast-moving setting
• Experience leading cross-functional teams
• Data analysis, interpretation, and insight communication
• Marketing and gaming operations knowledge
• Project coordination and attention to detail
• Clear verbal, written, and presentation communication
• Stakeholder relationship management
• Budgeting and expense tracking
• Flexibility to work variable shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays

Experience and education

A bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Advertising, Communications, or a related field is preferred. The employer strongly prefers 3 to 5 years of relevant marketing experience. A mix of education and professional certification may also be considered. Background in budget management and financial analysis is needed, along with prior work involving advertising agencies and/or public relations firms. Experience in gaming or casino operations is required. Sponsorship development or event partnership experience is an added advantage. The successful candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a valid Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Commission (KHRGC) license.

Working conditions

The role involves regular movement around assigned areas, including the smoking area, and observing guests and machine activity. The work environment is typically moderate to loud. Physical tasks may include sitting or standing, walking, reaching, handling objects or controls, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, speaking, and hearing. The position may also require lifting, pushing, or pulling up to 25 lbs. Reasonable accommodation may be provided where appropriate.