Experiential Manager, Experiences (Financial Services Client)

THE JOB / Experiential Manager, Experiences (Financial Services Client)

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

***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.***

If you have knowledge of the experiential space and are a forward-thinking leader eager to join an innovative, dynamic team, then this opportunity is for you. We’re searching for an enthusiastic and hardworking Experiential Manager to lead a cross-functional team with the goal of producing experiential activations across numerous integrated marketing campaigns. 

But what will I do? Glad you asked. You’ll lead a team in developing innovative consumer & employee facing experiential activations across our client’s MLB partners as well as CSR base initiatives. You will oversee a Senior Event Executive & Event Executive while leading the program development and onsite executions. You will work on multiple projects simultaneously, delivering a collection of experiences throughout the year.  

Still with us? Cool. Because we are looking for a seasoned leader who understands how to create compelling experiences and accepts being part of a team. This Experiential Manager effectively demonstrates an intuitive eye for working with partners, managing a team, delivering excellent client service within a fast-paced environment, loves details and the process, and takes pride in doing what it takes to get the job done. This role reports to a Experiential Director.

THE WORK YOU’LL DO

• Lead and motivate project teams across multiple programs.
• Work closely across our experiential and internal creative teams to develop activation plans and program recommendations in support of client goals and objectives
• Conduct pre-planning, management, and implementation for events including vendor vetting and selection, contract review/negotiation, event activation plans, and communication documents (i.e., budgets, work plans, event briefs, execution guides, etc.)
• Manage quality control of client facing communications and project management materials across the team
• Develop relationships with clients as a trusted advisor, while driving the business and projects forward
• Oversight and management of direct reports, while also supporting career development
• Other administrative and related duties 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

• A passion for events/experiences, ranging from large-scale custom experiences to small-scale turnkey events
• 5-8-year(s) work experience in experiential marketing or a related field
• Strong leadership presence, with the ability to communicate concisely, persuasively, and effectively across multiple mediums
• You 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, while finding opportunities to add value with every interaction
• A proactive, critical thinker who thrives when the pressure is on and you're not afraid to “pitch in” and get it done
• Ability to lead client meetings, staff planning and keep all parties on task, on time and on budget
• You’re able to prioritize multiple projects with ease, manage deadlines, coordinate timelines, and perform under pressure
• You’re results driven and able to work independently
• Attention to detail with superior organization skills and maintain that standard of excellence and consistency across your team
• A sense of humor and the ability to tell a good story (we like to laugh)
• You can motivate others, driving the team to success
• Demonstrated experience in positions requiring discretion, judgment, tact, and poise and you are reliable and trustworthy
• You have the ability to forecast and mitigate issues/challenges effectively
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, Excel)
• 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 extensively domestically (and internationally) and work weekends or holidays as needed. Anticipated travel amount:  Moderate (20-45%). As such, a valid US passport will be required

The base range for this position is $60,000 – 65,000. 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 benefit 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.