Associate Creative Director (Concepting)

THE JOB / Associate Creative Director (Concepting)

CREATIVE / Responsible for creating bold, innovative ideas and developing branded content and experiences for our clients’ sports programs and partnerships.  

***Our headquarters is in Stamford, CT, but the location of this position can be flexible with a priority given to candidates open to hybrid work (i 3 days week in office) in one of our office locations - - Stamford, CT, New York, NY, Charlotte, NC, Los Angeles, CA, Chicago, IL,  or Atlanta, GA. We will also consider a remote-based working arrangement for qualified candidates with East Coast working hours as a prerequisite.”

We’re looking for an Associate Creative Director that is, above all, conceptual  -- someone who can connect brands with sports and entertainment properties through powerful ideas that resonate with fans, deliver on business objectives, and can be expressed through almost any medium.  

Some days we’re making long form documentary content, other days we’re building physical experiences, and every now and then, we’re writing up and designing websites, banners, and social posts. Our work can take almost any form, but everything we do starts with a strong, clear idea rooted in fan insights. 

In addition to conceptual experience, we need someone who can tell a story and sell an idea to clients and other stakeholders. You love to collaborate with designers and writers to move the idea out of your brain and into the world for brands like Budweiser, Delta Air Lines, The Home Depot, and PlayStation. 

THE WORK YOU'LL DO

You’ll work on our concept team developing the platforms, campaigns, and stories that help our clients activate their sports and entertainment partnerships.  

How does Home Depot tell its story across College GameDay onsite activations and social content? How can Mastercard support small businesses in a Priceless way along the NYC Marathon route? How does Coca-Cola tell its story in over 100 countries as part of a FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour? These are the types of questions our team gets to answer every day. 

A fundamental love and understanding of the sports landscape is required to succeed in this role. We’re looking for creatives that are also fans – people that obsess over how sports can define culture and connect with communities like no other passion on earth. 

You’ll have to be versatile, resourceful, and confident enough to handle the different kinds of ideation required. Everything from researching and crafting big conceptual press-worthy ideas and headlines, to smart and sticky digital activations that keep fans engaged.  

Sound interesting? If so, give us a shout! 

THE BIGGER TEAM YOU'LL JOIN

Recognized as one of the “Best Places to Work in Sports”, Octagon is the global sports, entertainment, and experiential marketing arm of the Interpublic Group.

We take pride in being Playmakers – finding insightful, bold ways to create play in our work, our lives, and in the world. We believe in the power of play to create big ideas and unlock potential for our clients and talent.

We can put ourselves in the shoes of fans because we ARE fans – of sports, entertainment, and culture at large. This expertise allows us to continually evolve the fan experience across sports and entertainment alongside some of the biggest brands and talent in the world.

The world needs play more than ever. Are you a Playmaker?

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• At least 5-8 years of agency experience preferred 
• Current and review-ready portfolio 
• Conceptual and tactical copywriting experience 
• A love of sports and ability to deliver concepts that resonate authentically with fans.  
• Ability to take an active role in a collaborative environment and work as part of a team 
• Experience in team-based concept development, including ongoing delivery of fresh ideas 

The base range for this position is 100,000 - 120,000. Where an employee or prospective employee is paid within this range will depend on, among other factors, actual ranges for current/former employees in the subject position; market considerations; budgetary considerations; tenure, and standing with the company (applicable to current employees); as well as the employee’s/applicant’s background, pertinent experience, and qualifications 

Octagon’s comprehensive benefits packages include:

• Unlimited PTO policy – we understand you need time for play!
• Competitive medical/dental/vision insurance plans with FSA/HSA and Dependent Care FSA options. Pet Insurance for those who need it too!
• Generous Family and Parental Leave Policy (12 weeks) with eligibility extended to all parents regardless of gender or primary/secondary caregiver status 
• Access to our parent company (IPG) Savings plan (401K program) with company match as well as an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Pretax Transportation/Commuter Benefits and Parent Travel Program
• Dedicated Mental Health resources including Headspace membership, Employee Assistance Program (CCA), and more
• Discount portal for everyday goods and services
• Employee Resource Groups and Inclusive Diversity Programming and initiatives - Personal Development programs 

Octagon is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.