<p>SUMMARY</p> <p>Experienced Senior Project Manager focused on aligning and providing portfolio level oversight to projects for the Churchill Downs Racetrack (CDRT) including IT work related to CDRT construction projects. This pivotal role will foster a culture of excellence and collaboration by ensuring the seamless integration and support of technology solutions while adhering to regulatory requirements and company standards. The ideal candidate will possess a strong blend of project management expertise, leadership skills, technical acumen, and regulatory knowledge, particularly within the racing and gaming sectors. Additionally, serve as a coach within the PMO and the broader organization, evangelizing CDI PMO processes and best practices.</p> <p>ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:</p> <ul> <li>Provide portfolio oversight, reporting and guidance for the CDRT portfolio of projects, managing one or more as the assigned PM, and collaborating with other PMs as assigned to CDRT project </li><li>Collaborate with other project managers to successfully plan and manage CDRT's portfolio of IT project and initiative work for year-round success and ultimately ensure the annual marquee event of the Kentucky Derby is an extraordinary experience for our guests. </li><li>Act as PMO trusted partner to local CDRT IT team and CDRT leadership bringing transparency and awareness to the project and initiative work in support of the unique and challenging environment of the 150 plus year facility. </li><li>Oversee all aspects of highly complex projects, including IT workstreams for Derby prep and CDRT construction projects, with significant stakeholder visibility and engagement, ensuring adherence to CDI PMO standard operating procedures (SOPs) and best practices. </li><li>Lead and ensure a successful IT Derby prep project and preparation is completed with all needed IT work for CDRT opening week in advance of the Kentucky Derby each year in the April/May timeframe. </li><li>Coach project managers and other CDI team members by offering guidance and advice on project management processes and best practices, acting as SME for CDRT to PMO Project Managers. </li><li>Champion and serve as a role model for continuous improvement initiatives within the CDI IT PMO, enhancing processes, tools, and templates to drive efficiency and effectiveness. </li><li>Spearhead the development and execution of comprehensive project plans that effectively navigate fixed deadlines and ambiguous scope. </li><li>Leverage strong influencing and negotiating skills to effectively collaborate and secure resources in a matrixed environment where direct control may be limited. </li><li>Demonstrate strong stakeholder management skills by effectively escalating issues and providing constructive feedback to leadership, ensuring alignment with project goals while confidently advocating for team needs and priorities. </li><li>Exemplify strong conflict resolution skills by effectively mediating disputes and fostering a collaborative environment, promoting open communication and constructive feedback among team members. </li><li>Proactively manage project risks and issues, implementing robust mitigation strategies to ensure successful project outcomes. </li><li>Oversee project progress and provide regular updates to stakeholders, including C-suite executives, highlighting key milestones and any deviations from the project plan. </li><li>Ensure timely delivery of services and adherence to contractual obligations with vendors to meet project objectives. </li><li>Facilitate system testing and training sessions to ensure smooth transition of IT services into production. </li><li>Ensure all project documentation is accurately maintained and accessible for reporting purposes. </li><li>Thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with strong ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. </li><li>Split on site workdays between CDRT and Louisville, KY CDI headquarters office five days a week. Split to be aligned based on the needs of CDRT and CDI PMO which will vary depending on time of year. </li><li>May be assigned other projects as needed. </li></ul> <p>REGULATORY</p> <p>Ability to obtain racing and/or gaming licenses as required in any jurisdiction where CDI operates. The gaming industry is highly regulated and as such demands an extensive background check to obtain a license.</p> <p>EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE</p> <ul> <li>Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Industrial Engineering or related field. Master's degree strongly preferred. </li><li>Project Management Professional (PMP) certification strongly preferred, ability to obtain within 1 year if no active PMP certification. </li><li>Proven experience (minimum five to seven years) in project management, preferably within IT, gaming industry or other regulated environments. </li><li>Minimum of five years of successfully managing complex and risky projects. </li><li>Proven experience managing IT workstreams for construction projects. </li><li>Strong ability to gauge and understand business needs, with the ability to establish and maintain a high level of stakeholder trust and confidence through effective communication and relationship management. </li><li>Understanding of IT infrastructure general concepts, including networking, servers, storage, and security systems. </li><li>Experience working with regulatory bodies and implementing compliance measures within IT projects. </li><li>Expert in utilizing project management tools and software for project resource planning, task tracking, scheduling, and reporting. (e.g. MS Project, PPM tool(s)). </li><li>Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with stakeholders at all levels. </li><li>Ability to navigate the ambiguous driving progress when given unclear, contradictory or inconsistent information. </li><li>Strong propensity to take initiative, act with confidence and work under own direction with limited oversight. </li><li>High level of emotional intelligence and self-awareness to remain tactful in contentious or politically sensitive situations. </li><li>Adept at fostering accountability and collaboration within cross-functional project teams to successfully achieve project objectives. </li><li>Experience getting work done through others without direct authority. </li><li>Proven ability to manage vendor implementation timelines and contracts. </li><li>Project experience leading ERP implementations is a plus </li><li>Experience leveraging lean/six sigma methodologies a plus. </li><li>Familiarity with vendor application services commonly used in gaming facilities, such as player tracking systems, slot management software, and surveillance solutions is a plus. </li></ul> <p>PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORKING CONDITIONS:</p> <ul> <li>Extended periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. </li><li>Regular use of a keyboard and mouse for typing and navigating software. </li><li>Viewing a computer screen for prolonged periods. </li><li>Ability to manipulate paperwork, including filing, sorting, and organizing. </li><li>Moving within the office environment to attend meetings, use office equipment, or interact with colleagues. </li><li>Occasional lifting of office supplies or paperwork (up to 20 pounds). </li><li>Speaking and listening to colleagues and clients in person, over the phone, or via video conferencing. </li><li>Working in a climate-controlled office environment with moderate noise levels. </li><li>Performing repetitive tasks such as data entry or document preparation. </li><li>Working under artificial lighting conditions typical of an office environment, which may include fluorescent or LED lighting. </li><li>Working in a racetrack environment with a mix of indoor and occasional outdoor work. </li><li>Ability to walk for distances across the CDRT property to locations of IT project work as needed. </li><li>Role is onsite five days a week split between CDRT and the Louisville, KY CDI headquarters office. </li></ul> <p>ABOUT THE COMPANY:</p> <p>Churchill Downs Incorporated ("CDI", NASDAQ: CHDN) has been creating extraordinary entertainment experiences for over 150 years, beginning with the company's most iconic and enduring asset, the Kentucky Derby. Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, CDI has expanded through the development of live and historical racing entertainment venues, the growth of the TwinSpires horse racing online wagering business and the operation and development of regional casino gaming properties. More information is available at www.churchilldownsincorporated.com.</p> <p>If you are passionate about project management and thrive in a challenging yet rewarding setting, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity to drive advancement within our PMO Team.</p>