Director of Special Events - Quick Hire!

Kentucky Derby Museum is a distinguished 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization located at the historic Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky. It serves as one of the premier attractions in the Louisville region, drawing over 258,000 visitors annually from across the United States and around the world. The museum celebrates not only the tradition and history of the Kentucky Derby but also embodies the spirit of hospitality and pride associated with this world-renowned event. The museum offers guests an immersive experience that educates, engages, and excites visitors about the extraordinary event that is the Kentucky Derby. The Kentucky Derby Museum is committed to providing a dynamic and interactive environment that honors the rich legacy of the Derby and the sport of horse racing. The Director of Special Events at the Kentucky Derby Museum plays a pivotal role in leading and managing the private and internal event operations of this iconic venue. This is a leadership position responsible for ensuring exceptional guest experiences while driving revenue growth through strategic venue rental opportunities and innovative event programming. Reporting directly to the Executive Vice President, the Director of Special Events oversees a team of 3 to 4 staff members and collaborates closely with multiple internal departments including marketing, visitor services, facilities, and catering. The role also involves managing relationships with external vendors and partners, including the in-house caterer, to deliver seamless and high-quality events that align with the museum’s mission and brand. Key responsibilities include leading the Events Department with strategic direction and operational excellence, managing the entire sales pipeline for venue rentals, and ensuring client satisfaction from inquiry through event execution. The Director is charged with producing detailed monthly financial and catering reports, coordinating vendor services, and ensuring organizational compliance with safety and accessibility standards such as ADA regulations. A critical aspect of the role is driving business development by engaging corporate clients, wedding planners, and destination management companies to maximize event revenue. This position also demands expertise in digital tools and event management software to streamline operations and optimize client experience. The Director will analyze event performance via metrics such as return on investment, guest satisfaction, and retention, implementing data-driven improvements and strategies. In addition to operational leadership, the Director is responsible for supervising event coordinators, contractor negotiations, post-event follow-up, and the development and management of the events and rentals budget. The Director of Special Events represents the Kentucky Derby Museum professionally at industry associations and trade shows, ensuring active engagement with event and hospitality networks. This role encompasses oversight of major signature events such as the annual KDM Ball and Derby week activities, ensuring flawless planning, volunteer coordination, and on-the-day event management. The Director contributes valuable insights to the museum’s strategic planning process, particularly around visitor trends, programming integration, and revenue diversification, further highlighting the importance of this role in the museum’s continued growth and success. This leadership role demands a combination of strategic thinking, strong interpersonal skills, financial acumen, and a passion for delivering exceptional event experiences. Candidates must demonstrate a proven track record of managing complex, high-volume event spaces and driving measurable business outcomes in a competitive, fast-paced environment. The Kentucky Derby Museum offers a unique opportunity for a seasoned professional to lead event operations at one of the most recognized venues in the world dedicated to horseracing heritage and southern hospitality.

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Hospitality, Event Management, Tourism, or related field
• Minimum 5 years of sales and management experience
• Proven experience managing complex, high-volume event spaces
• Proficiency in CRM systems and event software
• Strong leadership and interpersonal communication skills
• Familiarity with ADA, safety codes, and risk management
• Experience with digital ticketing systems
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to stand for long periods and walk stairs
• Ability to work in inclement weather
• Must pass criminal background check
• Must be available to work Derby week and other major events