Senior Director, Human Resources

Derby City Gaming & Hotel boasts nearly 1,300 of the latest games, a grab-n-go restaurant, Oliver's Chophouse & Bourbon Bar, a Kentucky Derby-themed hotel, and live music! The newly expanded Derby City Gaming & Hotel was voted one of the "Best Places to Work in Greater Louisville" by Louisville Business First

JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Director of Human Resources leads all HR functions for both properties in Louisville, KY (Derby City Gaming & Hotel and Derby City Gaming Downtown) including talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, ensuring compliance with employment laws and corporate standards, and more. This position partners with the People Leaders to drive employee engagement, retention, and overall business performance. The Sr HR leader will lead and develop the HR team while creating HR standards and programs to support organizational goals and a positive employee culture.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee the hiring, training, development, performance, and efficient management of Human Resources staff.
• Plan, organize, assign, coach, and evaluate HR team workloads and performance.
• Establish and maintain departmental standards, objectives, budgets, staffing plans, and administrative processes to ensure efficient HR operations.
• Direct all property HR functions, including recruitment, onboarding, compensation, benefits, employee relations, performance management, training, and compliance.
• Lead employee relations initiatives by evaluating workplace concerns, resolving grievances, conducting investigations, and partnering with Corporate HR, Legal, or outside counsel as needed.
• Maintain open communication with Team Members and leadership to identify concerns, strengthen engagement, and foster a positive work environment.
• Advise managers on employment practices, including interviewing, hiring, coaching, documentation, corrective action, performance management, and terminations.
• Lead or partner with the General Manager to administer annual goal-setting, development planning, performance reviews, and compensation processes, ensuring consistency, accountability, and alignment with organizational objectives.
• Partner with property leadership to develop and implement short- and long-term HR strategies that support business objectives and organizational culture.
• Manage HR-related risks, including workplace investigations, discrimination claims, policy violations, and regulatory compliance matters.
• Design and implement training, leadership development, succession planning, change management, retention, and organizational development initiatives.
• Develop employee recognition, engagement, and retention programs that enhance morale and support a high-performance culture.
• Analyze HR metrics, workforce trends, and HRIS data to identify opportunities and support informed business decisions.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, regulations, company policies, and HR best practices.
• Maintain current knowledge of employment law, HR trends, and emerging technologies, applying best practices to policies, programs, and leadership guidance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrated successful management and leadership skills in human resources operations.
• Strong strategic planning and execution skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Diverse and through knowledge of multiple human resource disciplines, including compensation practices, federal and state employment laws, employee and union relations, etc.
• Comprehensive knowledge of gaming industry regulations and compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of and experience with human resource information systems.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources Management or related field.
• Additional certifications (i.e., SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, etc.) preferred.
• Ten to fifteen years of progressive human resources experience.
• Experience in a gaming or hospitality field preferred.
• Must obtain valid gaming license, where applicable.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit or stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear.
• The employee may be required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• The employee may be required to work long hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.
• The employee may be exposed to smoke when on the floor of the gaming room.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.

Work With Us

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.

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