• Job Description

  Req#: DIREC011556

  The Kentucky Derby is a beloved, sophisticated, and indulgent celebration of the greatest race on earth. We exist to host extraordinary experiences, to facilitate hopes and dreams coming true and to curate love and exhilaration that will burn in our fan’s memories for the rest of their lives.

  The Director of Licensing will play a crucial role helping to bring the Churchill Downs and Kentucky Derby brands to life around the globe. This person will manage Churchill Downs’ portfolio of licensees and, alongside the agency, will be responsible for evaluating new business opportunities and leading strategic initiatives to support the business. The Director of Licensing will help lead these initiatives by facilitating marketing strategies, identifying growth opportunities, and leading cross-departmental projects.

  This Opportunity
  
  Churchill Downs Racetrack seeks a Director of Licensing to lead the overall strategy, management and operations of the Kentucky Derby and Churchill Downs Racetrack licensing program.
  
  The Director of Licensing is responsible for creating and growing licensing and merchandising programs and partnerships that maximize revenue and brand opportunities.
  
  This includes directly managing the major functions of our licensing program which includes the use of Churchill Downs Racetrack and Kentucky Derby IP, trademarks, logos, images, and identifiers.
  
  The Director of Licensing will work closely with marketing and creative departments at Churchill Downs Racetrack, as well as licensing agency, to develop robust programs, practices and policies that strengthen brand equity and grow licensing revenues.
  
  Core Responsibilities
  
  Overall responsibility for management of the Churchill Downs Racetrack and Kentucky Derby licensing and merchandising programs and vendor relationships to maximize revenue generating opportunities.
  
  Manage licensee relationships, alongside agency, to create/approve marks/designs that align with Churchill Downs Racetrack’s brand guidelines, protect all marks and develop relationships with potential collaborative partners to grow brand reach and revenue.
  
  Protect the Churchill Downs Racetrack and Kentucky Derby brands and ensure that their IP use is compatible with our core values.
  
  Ensure that all products, services and/or programs that bear the Churchill Downs Racetrack or Kentucky Derby names, trademarks and other identifiers are of high quality and are used only in connection with products, services and programs with which the brand has chosen to be identified.
  
  Partner with and provide overall day-to-day direction to Churchill Downs Racetrack’s external licensing agency.
  
  Implement licensing programs and innovative retail marketing strategies to increase licensing revenues and support an overall commitment to grow brand affinity.
  
  Ensure that the licensing program is continually exhibiting best or emerging practices in licensing strategy and methodology, following the retail market for evolving trends for product categories or new distribution opportunities.
  
  Determine fiscal requirements and formulate the annual operating budget for Churchill Downs Racetrack’s licensing program, ensuring expenses are appropriately managed.
  
  Work in close coordination with agency, CAA, on all trademark-related legal matters, including development, deal memos and contracts for new licensees.
  
  Advise, educate, and respond to requests from other business units and departments regarding licensing inquiries, issues and trademark matters, ensuring that trademarks present an image that aligns with the Churchill Downs Racetrack and Kentucky Derby brands.
  
  Alongside agency, ensure that licensees are in full compliance with Churchill Downs Racetrack’s policies and the terms of their licenses.
  
  Skills and Competencies
  
  Knowledge of trademark-related practices and demonstrated history of performing related duties in a high-profile setting.
  
  Strong analytical capabilities, initiative, and ability to collaborate with others.
  
  Excellent oral and written communications skills as well as planning and organizational skills.
  
  Required Qualifications
  
  Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, communications, and/or related field.
  
  Minimum eight years of related professional experience.
  
  Experience managing budgets.
  
  Background in licensing or consumer products experience preferred.
  
  Prior experience with licensing, including evaluating licensing requests and familiarity with trademark enforcement procedures, is preferred.

• About the company

  The Churchill Downs Stakes is a Grade I American Thoroughbred horse race for four-year-old and older sprinters run over a distance of seven furlongs on the dirt annually in early May at Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky as an undercard ...

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