Colorado Racing Division Director (Non-Classified)

The Division of Racing is a regulatory, enforcement and pari-mutuel tax collecting agency for the horse racing industry. It is responsible for regulating all aspects of pari-mutuel horse racing through licensing, on-site monitoring and enforcement. The division's main goal is to establish high standards of sport and fair-play, to promote the health and safety of the animals involved in racing and to foster honesty and fair-dealing in the industry.

The Racing Division Director is responsible for the overall administration of the Division of Racing; this position is responsible for ensuring that the mission of the agency to serve the best interests of the wagering public and the citizens of Colorado and to protect the health, safety, and welfare of all racing industry members and racehorses in the care and custody of breeders or adoption organizations is achieved.

Duties:

Duties include, but are not limited to:

Provide leadership, strategic planning, and oversight to staff assigned to professional and enforcement functions, setting division policy, goals, and objectives.

Analyze and manage budgetary and supplemental data for the division.

Serve as the senior decision maker and advisor for the division to project teams and other state and local agencies.

Provide the commission with sound recommendations and information to determine the outcome of commission decisions items, including license applications, rule changes, disciplinary actions or other commission actions.

Analyze specific division programs to ensure they meet statutory requirements for proper regulation of the racing industry.

Represent the division in commission meetings, administrative hearings, complaints, appeals and litigation, budget, professional groups, and task forces.

Set fees and determine the amount of collections required for the division’s cash fund. Work with the commission to ensure the formula for fee setting is approved by the commission.

Analyze the impact of proposed legislation and rule changes to determine the need for new policies, and regulations.

Lead, evaluate, and direct the implementation of division policies and procedures throughout the state.

Facilitate meetings and exchanges of information with many agencies outside the Department of Revenue, including, but not limited to the legislature, other state agencies, local law enforcement and government agencies to help communicate the racing industry statutes, rules, regulations and concerns.

Resolve disputes between competing animal breed organizations as issues arise.

Participates in national association meetings and select committee meetings.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience Only:

Ten (10) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position, two (2) of which must have included experience with public or business administration, establishing goals and objectives, as well as developing and managing a budget to achieve program goals and objectives

OR

Education and Experience:

A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to ten (10) years, two (2) of which must have included experience with public or business administration, establishing goals and objectives, as well as developing and managing a budget to achieve program goals and objectives

Preferred Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills:

Thorough knowledge of all aspects of horse racing, including breeding, training, racing, and wagering. Understanding of equine health and welfare issues. Knowledge of racetrack safety and security protocols.
Passion for the horse racing industry.
Strong commitment to animal welfare.
Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
Ability to adapt to changing industry conditions.
Strong ability to remain calm under pressure.