Experiential Director, Experiences (Financial Services Client) (Brand Campaigns, NFL, Motorsports, & CSR)

THE JOB / Experiential Director, Experiences (Financial Services Client) (Brand Campaigns, NFL, Motorsports, & CSR)

EXPERIENCES / Responsible for planning and executing event and experiential marketing programs.

***Our headquarters is in Stamford, CT, but the location of this position is in Charlotte, N.C.***

Are you an experiential specialist?

Do you love cultivating events and experiences?  Do you also have a passion for the MLB, NBA and Film spaces and enjoy creating purpose driven activation programs? 

If you have deep knowledge of the experiential space and are a forward-thinking leader eager to join an innovative, dynamic team; this opportunity is for you! Our team is searching for a dedicated and hardworking Experiential Director to lead a cross-functional team with the goal of producing world-class experiences.   

But what will I do? Glad you asked. It’s all about the Experiences! You’ll lead a team in developing a spectrum of activations across our client’s NFL and Motorsports portfolio, local market partnerships and impactful CSR initiatives such as Special Olympics. You’ll deliver a collection of experiences that create meaningful connection, harnessing the uniqueness and spirit of each event.

We are looking for a future leader who possess the “It Factor”, understands every aspect of creating compelling brand experiences and thrives working with a larger collaborative team. Our next teammate enjoys working with partners, managing a team and delivering word class client service within a fast-paced environment.

The Experiential Director will report into the Senior Experiential Director and lead a team of three.

Please also know that the well-being of our employees, partners, fans, and consumers are top of mind to our agency, and we are taking measures to ensure proper health and safety initiatives and protocols are in place for our events and activations.

The work you’ll do

• Lead and motivate project teams on multiple programs with NFL & Motorsports partners, among CSR campaigns.
• Work closely with our Client Services team to develop experiential activation plans and program recommendations in support of clients’ goals and objectives
• Work closely with your team and colleagues to broadly manage large scale fan facing programming – including vendor management, logistical planning, budget management, event execution and recapping
• Conduct pre-planning, management, and implementation for events including vendor vetting and selection, contract review and negotiation and requisite event activation plans and supporting communication documents (i.e. Work Plans, Event Overviews, Event Guides, etc.)
• Implement management routines and protocols to foster an environment for thoughtful ideation, critical review and transparent communication of program updates across teams/clients
• Manage quality control of client facing communications and project management materials across the team
• Develop relationships with clients as a trusted advisor, while driving business/projects forward
• Oversee employee career development across the team
• Other Administrative and related duties as assigned

The bigger team you’ll join

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

• Have a passion for sports, cause marketing, entertainment, gaming, music and/or celebrity & lifestyle culture
• 7-10 year(s) work experience in experiential marketing
• Strong leadership presence, with the ability to communicate concisely, persuasively and effectively, through both written and verbal mediums
• Think of yourself as a people leader who is invested in the success of the team first
• History of building positive relationships, both internally and externally – finding opportunities to add value with every interaction
• Proactive, critical thinker who thrives when the pressure is on
• Not afraid to “pitch in”, “roll up your sleeves” and get it done. You take initiative. No task is too big or too small
• Able to prioritize multiple projects with ease, manage deadlines, coordinate key timelines and perform under pressure with strong attention to detail
• Exhibits emotional intelligence and can adapt to working with various personalities
• Results driven and able to work independently
• Detail oriented with superior organization skills and maintain that standard of excellence and consistency across your team
• Have demonstrated experience in positions requiring discretion, judgment, tact, and poise and you are absolutely reliable and trustworthy
• Can lead client meetings, staff planning and keep all parties on task, on time and on budget
• Can motivate others, driving team to success
• Have the ability to forecast and mitigate issues/challenges effectively
• Willing to work non-traditional hours including some potential weekend/holiday travel to various event sites throughout the U.S.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and stand for up to or more than eight hours at a time
• Flexibility and willingness to travel domestically and internationally, and work weekends or holidays as needed. Anticipated travel level: Moderate (20-45%)

L5: The base range for this position is $70,000 – $85,000. 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.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

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