Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Compensation
Hourly
Range $22.00 - $32.25
Work Schedule
Day Shifts
Weekend Shifts
Night Shifts
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Employee Discounts
Professional development opportunities
flexible schedule
Job Description
Keeneland Hospitality is the catering and event operation of the Keeneland Association, founded with the vision of being a central gathering place for the community. Established in 2015, Keeneland Hospitality delivers extraordinary experiences year-round with a focus on refined cuisine, exceptional service, and unique venue offerings. Keeneland itself is widely recognized as a premier horse racing and sales facility known for its tradition, thoroughbred sales, and racing meets that attract visitors from around the world. Keeneland Hospitality brings this reputation to life by producing top-tier catering and event services that complement the storied nature of Keeneland Association.
This role is designed to oversee the planning, catering, and execution of special events booked at Keeneland, ensuring each event delivers an outstanding and memorable experience. The Event Coordinator works closely with various supporting departments within Keeneland to manage event details and guarantee the highest level of customer service. Acting as the Keeneland representative, the position requires attendance at events and meetings, which often involves nights and weekend work due to the nature of the racing calendar and special events.
The role encompasses responsibilities during Keeneland's race meets, with a specific focus on group sales and event coordination within spaces assigned by the Director of Events. The Event Coordinator will manage catering orders daily, serve as a communication conduit between clients and the hospitality team, and work on initiatives to educate guests about horse racing to cultivate new fans. Collaboration with other Keeneland divisions such as the Keeneland Shop, tours, and betting experts enhances the race day experience for groups.
Beyond race meets, the Event Coordinator supports the Keeneland Special Event Program by assisting clients with detailed event planning after facilities are secured. This includes menu planning, event layout diagrams, timelines, and offering recommendations to elevate guest experiences. The role involves comprehensive communication with catering and other Keeneland departments, hands-on use of event software for layout creation, and coordination of setup and breakdown logistics. On-site supervision during events in partnership with the Catering Manager ensures smooth execution.
Post-event duties include coordinating reports with internal teams, managing ancillary services like AV, decor, and IT, and supporting client requests related to handicapping seminars and tours. The coordinator is also responsible for inputting events into the Keeneland calendar system and assisting with internal events and administrative tasks tied to the special event program. Preferred candidates will have 2-3 years of relevant event planning experience and a customer service-oriented approach, contributing to Keeneland Hospitality's reputation for excellence in event management.
This role is designed to oversee the planning, catering, and execution of special events booked at Keeneland, ensuring each event delivers an outstanding and memorable experience. The Event Coordinator works closely with various supporting departments within Keeneland to manage event details and guarantee the highest level of customer service. Acting as the Keeneland representative, the position requires attendance at events and meetings, which often involves nights and weekend work due to the nature of the racing calendar and special events.
The role encompasses responsibilities during Keeneland's race meets, with a specific focus on group sales and event coordination within spaces assigned by the Director of Events. The Event Coordinator will manage catering orders daily, serve as a communication conduit between clients and the hospitality team, and work on initiatives to educate guests about horse racing to cultivate new fans. Collaboration with other Keeneland divisions such as the Keeneland Shop, tours, and betting experts enhances the race day experience for groups.
Beyond race meets, the Event Coordinator supports the Keeneland Special Event Program by assisting clients with detailed event planning after facilities are secured. This includes menu planning, event layout diagrams, timelines, and offering recommendations to elevate guest experiences. The role involves comprehensive communication with catering and other Keeneland departments, hands-on use of event software for layout creation, and coordination of setup and breakdown logistics. On-site supervision during events in partnership with the Catering Manager ensures smooth execution.
Post-event duties include coordinating reports with internal teams, managing ancillary services like AV, decor, and IT, and supporting client requests related to handicapping seminars and tours. The coordinator is also responsible for inputting events into the Keeneland calendar system and assisting with internal events and administrative tasks tied to the special event program. Preferred candidates will have 2-3 years of relevant event planning experience and a customer service-oriented approach, contributing to Keeneland Hospitality's reputation for excellence in event management.
Job Requirements
- associate degree or equivalent experience preferred
- minimum 2 years event planning experience
- experience in catering or hospitality industry preferred
- excellent organizational and multitasking skills
- strong interpersonal and communication skills
- ability to work flexible hours including nights and weekends
- proficiency in event management software
- commitment to high quality customer service
Job Qualifications
- 2-3 years of event planning experience
- strong customer service skills
- proficiency with event software and calendar management
- effective communication and liaison abilities
- experience coordinating multi-departmental efforts
- knowledge or interest in horse racing preferred
- ability to work nights and weekends as required
Job Duties
- focus on sales and planning of events in assigned spaces during race meets
- serve as Keeneland representative managing catering orders daily
- act as liaison between client and Keeneland Hospitality team
- educate guests on the sport of racing to cultivate new fan base
- collaborate with other departments to enhance race day experience
- assist clients with event planning including menu, diagrams, and timelines
- communicate event needs with catering team and other departments
- serve as liaison for special events with emphasis on customer service
- use event software to provide layouts and diagrams
- coordinate setup and breakdown with setup team
- provide on-site supervision during events
- conduct post-event follow up and create reports
- coordinate ancillary services such as audio visual, decor, and IT
- input events into Keeneland calendar and coordinate responsibilities
- assist in planning internal events and meetings
- perform administrative functions related to special events
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
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