Director, Growth

GROWTH / Responsible for prospecting, pitching, and securing new business for the company.

***Our headquarters are in Stamford, CT, but the location of this position can be flexible with a priority given to candidates open to hybrid work (3 days a week in the 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 have an exciting opportunity for a Director to join our team and play a critical role in Octagon’s future financial success by driving new business acquisitions.

In this role, you will work directly with the Chief Growth Officer and teammates whose primary goal is to drive new business gains for the US-based division. In so doing, you will be directly involved in prospecting future clients, developing and executing engagement strategies, composing strategic responses to RFIs and RFPs, and building our brand through external marketing and communications efforts. You will work collaboratively with all departments across the global and broader Octagon Sports & Entertainment network of agencies.

To be successful, you will need a growth mindset, collaborative spirit, insatiable curiosity, desire to network, ability to research, and exceptional organizational and communication skills

The position best suits a candidate passionate about winning in a competitive marketplace through strong relationship-building and compelling sales pitches.  

THE WORK YOU’LL DO

• Systematically identify and research top prospects at brands and properties
• Directly support a core team of senior executives with engagement strategies and tactics to connect with new business targets
• Led the development of compelling RFIs and RFPs through collaboration with colleagues across the organization, sound strategic approaches, and strong project management
• Develop strong internal relationships within Octagon R&CPMK and Interpublic Group to maintain a deep base of knowledge on agency capabilities, recent client work, networking opportunities, and collaborative growth potential
• Contribute to developing and implementing an annual plan to host clients and prospects at major industry events such as The Masters, Super Bowl, Tennis Grand Slams, All-Star Games, or conferences
• Cultivate relationships throughout the industry including current clients, prospective clients, and properties to continuously feed a pipeline of opportunities
• Lead efforts to track the advancements and movements of our competitors
• Support internal and external marketing and public relations activities such as social media content development, awards submissions, and thought leadership composition
• Additional responsibilities as assigned   

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

• 6+ years of experience with a sports-related agency, property, or sponsor brand in a marketing, sponsorship, or sales role
• Proficient at operating in highly collaborative and integrated teams
• Excels in research, composition, presentation, communication, and project management skills
• Broad practical knowledge of sports and entertainment brand partnerships, experiential activation, creative and content production, and sponsorship measurement
• Exceptional organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Natural relationship builder and networker
• Possesses a network of sports industry contacts at properties and sponsor brands
• Enjoys researching, exploring, and learning about brands, agencies, and the sports and entertainment industry
• Ability to lead, coach, and mentor junior-level staff members
• Entertainment experience a plus (music, film, television, gaming, culinary)
• Willing to work evenings and weekends when needed. Occasional travel for meetings, working sessions, and presentations (10%)

The base range for this position is $70,000 - 80,000. 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 package includes:

• 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.