The Ohio Harness Horsemen's Association is looking for a dynamic Executive Director to join their team!  If you are passionate about serving a nonprofit organization that supports horse owners, breeders, trainers, drivers and fans, then this may be the opportunity for you!

Standardbred Racing Knowledge

The Executive Director must exhibit and master a combination of knowledge concerning the Standardbred Racing industry within the first few months from the date of hire, and must become very familiar with and have a working knowledge of the following matters:

• Ohio Revised Code, Chapter 3769 (Horse Racing Rules).
• Ohio State Racing Commission Administrative Rules.
• Ohio Revised Code – Casino Rules.
• Interstate Horse Racing Act of 1978.
• United States Trotting Association Rules and Regulations.
• An understanding of the Horsemen’s Purse Pool reports received weekly and/or monthly from the four Standardbred Racetracks.
• An understanding of the monthly Ohio Lottery Commission’s VLT Report.
• An understanding of the Ohio State Racing Commission’s weekly Pari-Mutuel reports.
• An understanding of the Ohio State Racing Commission’s combined Simulcast Revenue Report.
• Become familiar with and work with the Ohio State Racing Commission staff, Ohio racetrack officials, United States Trotting Association Officials, and OHHA Directors.

Scope of Duties and Responsibilities   

• Executive Director will be in charge of strategic planning and the management and delegation of the day-to-day duties and responsibilities to OHHA staff.
• Executive Director is expected to be well versed and experienced in public speaking and be able to communicate well with all Members of the Association.
• Executive Director shall be the main contact person with racetrack management on all matters and must review the Horsemen’s Purse Pool reports received from the four Standardbred racetracks, on a weekly basis during each racetrack’s racing season, and on a monthly basis during the months the racetrack is not conducting live racing.
• Executive Director shall work in connection with the Executive Director of the Ohio State Racing Commission on all matters of concern for OHHA matters such as rule changes, medication testing, backstretch problems, race office problems, and Judges’ decisions.
• Executive Director shall represent OHHA at industry meetings, including monthly meetings, Ohio Fair Mangers’ Executive Committee meetings, Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation Convention, Racetrack Horsemen’s Committee meetings, Ohio Department of Agriculture Equine Health Advisor Committee meetings, Ohio Fair Mangers’ Convention (harness racing workshop), and represent OHHA during Little Brown Jug week at Delaware in the OHHA hospitality tent.
• Executive Director is expected to travel to all commercial racetracks on a fairly regular basis during their live racing season and attend racing programs at county and independent fairs as often as possible (15 to 20 per season).
• Executive Director oversees the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Health Insurance Trust, Political Action Committee for Equine Racing (P.AC.E.R.), the On Track Accident Insurance Program for racetracks and fairs. Executive Director is responsible for all sulky insurance claims, verifying eligibility and amount of the claim to be paid and consulting with the claimant and the repair firm.
• Executive Director is responsible for organizing any special meetings or events that OHHA might conduct.
• Executive Director is responsible for upholding and enforcing the policies and procedures adopted by the Board of Directors.
• Executive Director is responsible for overseeing the content of all OHHA publications (newsletters, magazines, stallion director, staking guide, Huff’s guide, and website.)
• Executive Director is responsible for keeping OHHA Directors and Members informed of industry news through period reports in newsletters, magazines, website, Facebook, etc.
• Executive Director is responsible for delegating responsibility to staff and volunteer members of the OHHA with respect to the Annual Awards Banquet and OFRC banquets.
• Executive Director must be proficient in computer programs and specifically in Microsoft Office and electronic mail.
• Executive Director will conduct performance reviews of all employees.
• Executive Director will perform any other additional duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.

Reporting Duties to the President

• Executive Director must communicate and consult with the OHHA President and/or the President’s designee on all significant matters. Executive Director shall communicate with all committee Chairpersons on matters involving their committees and communicate and advise the Board of Directors when necessary.
• Executive Director shall keep the President informed on any major matters affecting the wellbeing of the Association and its members and shall collaborate with the President and/or his/her designee, when necessary, to address any major issues.
• With respect to interactions with governmental entities or lobbyists, the Executive Director will be the initial contact person, however, Executive Director shall brief the President and/or his/her designee on all legislative and Racing Commission matters brought to the attention of the Executive Director without undue delay.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Accounting, or Management or previous Executive Management experience with a horsemen’s association or any association or trade group. The successful candidate must have the ability to understand and work with legislators, interact with racetrack management, horsemen, the Ohio State Racing Commission, and the media. Knowledge of Standardbred Racing and previous management of a Horsemen’s Association is a plus.

Travel Requirements

• Must be able to drive across the State of Ohio to commercial racetracks and any of the current fair racing locations. Must be able to work flexible hours and attend many industry events as needed inside and outside of Ohio, even after normal business hours. In addition, there will be occasional travel outside the State of Ohio to attend regional and national horsemen’s association meetings.

Salary & Benefits

• The Executive Director position is an Administrative salaried exempt position under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Compensation consideration will start at $125,000 and is negotiable dependent on experience and qualifications. 

Red Envelope Consulting is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.