Senior Experiential Director (Sports + CSR Partnerships)

EXPERIENCES / Responsible for planning and executing event and experiential marketing programs for an existing client across sports and corporate social responsibilities partners such as MLB & NFL teams, Motorsport, Special Olympics, Ad Council, and other partnerships.

***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 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 and experience planning events, leading a team, building strong business relationships with vendors, and orchestrating first-class brand activations, this opportunity is for you!

Our team is searching for a new Senior Experiential Director to join our team as a playmaker at the intersection of sports/entertainment and experiential marketing.

There will be a strong focus on team leadership/management, client management, active contribution to integrated planning, concept development/vetting, vendor and program management, and on-site execution of our experiential programs with internal teammates and agency partners throughout the process. To be successful, you’ll need to be an inspiring leader, an excellent communicator, and have specific expertise in cultivating branded consumer experiences in the sports and entertainment industry.

THE WORK YOU’LL DO

• Develop a working knowledge and understanding of financial service client’s business initiatives and marketing trends, serving as a subject matter expert as you build your knowledge base
• Full understanding of requirements to develop and implement programming across channels, focusing on experiential engagement with consumers, fans, clients, and communities for our clients
• Work with the Client Services partner on the development of strategic plans and lead activation recommendations, finance trackers, budgets, and program recaps and support the development of clients’ scopes of work
• Sustain and optimize the broad body of work associated with our account team by implementing management routines and protocols to foster an environment for thoughtful ideation, critical forecasting of program deliverables, reviews/recaps, and transparent communication of program updates across teams/clients
• Manage quality control of client-facing communications and project management materials across the team
• Be a team leader encouraging an inclusive environment for all team members. Oversee employee career development across the team
• Provide consultative guidance on client and vendor/partner status calls during planning, providing relevant updates and ensuring deadlines are met
• Participate in brainstorms and creative ideation and provide research as requested
• Serve as an Octagon experiential SEM when collaborating internally and externally with clients and agency partners on integrated planning opportunities representing Octagon on cross-agency forums
• Work closely with our Experience lead and internal specialty groups throughout program development
• 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, lives, and 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

• 8-11 years of work with an agency, brand, or property on the development of world-class experiential programs
• Superior verbal and written communicator able to scale and adapt communications for a variety of audiences to optimally and succinctly articulate agency positioning and expertise
• A strategic, collaborative approach to solving problems with ideas – build relationships and influence a range of teams.
• Track record of success at cultivating positive agency, client, vendor, and property relationships
• Ability to consistently forecast ahead to put the experiential team in the best position for success
• Experience managing multiple programs, coordinating key timelines, and leading teams performing under pressure with strong attention to detail
• A people leader who is invested in the success of the team first and enjoys team building
• Existing relationships working with production/fabrication vendors along
• Substantive experience overseeing event production processes from briefing through execution
• Strong organizational and leadership skills
• Strategic problem solver - can see possible impacts of a decision on many projects
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, especially PowerPoint
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and stand for up to or more than 8 hours at a time
• A valid driver’s license and a clean driving record are required for this position.
• 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 $90,000 – $110,000. 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 an accommodation