Hospitality Director

THE JOB / Hospitality Director

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

***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 (2-3 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.***

Do you consider yourself a hospitality specialist?

Are you skilled with leading large scale hospitality programs at major, marquee events, as well as understanding the specific details that go into a more intimate, bespoke hosting program?

If you have deep knowledge of the hospitality space and are an organized leader with a passion to for events and travel, this position is for you! We are searching for a director to lead a cross-functional team and oversee global hospitality for both B2C and B2B programming.

This position will allow the Director to lead a team in developing premium hosting program experiences for top brands. Enjoy the challenge of working at the speed of light and balancing sophisticated programs? We do too. You will be able to work on multiple projects simultaneously, delivering exciting and exclusive programs to multiple clients.

We are looking for a hospitality and logistics specialist who enjoys working in a team environment. The Director would effectively work with clients and partners to deliver five-star service in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate is organized and detail oriented, willing to travel and work across multiple geographies and take pride in delivering a flawless event.

THE WORK YOU’LL DO

• Lead and empower project teams on multiple programs
• Management of direct reports as assigned
• Work closely with our Hospitality team to develop hospitality plans and program recommendations in support of clients’ goals and objectives
• Work closely with your team and colleagues to broadly lead all aspects of the management of consumer 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, Execution Guides, etc.)
• Additional projects as assigned, which may include assistance on other events and hospitality programs, sponsorship evaluations, new business requests, competitive reviews, POVs, white papers, property research, etc.
• Implement management routines and protocols to foster an environment for thoughtful ideation, critical review and transparent communication of program updates across teams/clients
• Lead quality control of client facing communications and project management materials
• Develop relationships with clients as a trusted advisor, while driving business/projects forward
• Lead all aspects of employee career development across the team
• A moderate amount of domestic event travel will be required throughout the year, including nights and weekends
• 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 hospitality, sports, entertainment & travel
• A passion for events/experiences, ranging from large-scale custom experiences to small-scale turnkey events
• 7–10-year(s) work experience in event hospitality or experiential marketing
• Strong leadership presence, with the ability to communicate concisely, persuasively and effectively, across multiple 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 make valuable contributions 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, handle 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 capable of working independently
• Detail oriented with outstanding 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 empower others, driving team to success
• Able to forecast and mitigate issues/challenges effectively
• Willing to work non-traditional hours including weekend/holiday travel
• Willingness to travel to various event sites throughout the U.S. and Globally
• Multiple languages are a plus!
• 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
• Able to provide proof of COVID vaccination or contact the organization’s HR team if eligible for an exemption
• 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 – 90,000. 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.

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