Experiential Director (Soccer) (Home Improvement Client)

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

• The priority location for this role is Atlanta, GA but the location of this position can be flexible for an Octagon office location with priority given to qualified candidates who will work East Coast working hours and open to hybrid work (3 days a week in the office) in one of our office locations - - Stamford, CT, New York, NY, Chicago, IL, Charlotte, NC or Atlanta, GA. Qualified remote candidates may also be considered.
  
  

Do you have a passion for creating unforgettable events? Do you love delivering fantastic consumer experiences that tap into fan passion?

Our team is searching for an Experiential Director who can take our Home Improvement client's creative idea and bring it to life on-site for consumers to enjoy. This role will be responsible for planning and implementing world-class experiences for our brand clients and the consumers they are engaging with through a growing portfolio of soccer platforms. Primary sponsorship properties will include US Soccer, the Mexican National Team, and MLS.

This role will be integral in continuing to grow our team of event production experts, while taking on a lead role in a variety of new and exciting projects. We are looking for someone who brings attention to detail, creative problem-solving, strong organizational skills, and excellent communication. This role will be a team leader, so the ideal candidate is comfortable providing direction and big ideas, as well as stepping back and supporting direct reports, all while collaborating with the larger account team as a whole.

THE WORK YOU'LL DO

• Own the planning and execution of all soccer-themed activations as the lead event planner, producer, and team leader
• Work closely with outside vendors on scheduling, logistics, and event preparation
• Collaborate with a variety of specialty groups within Octagon (creative, client services, digital, etc.), taking the lead as an experiential or event production expert
• Manage of one or more direct reports on a project basis or as a career manager
• Comfortable with hiring, leading, and maintaining strong relationships with vendors and partners
• Host client and inter-agency calls during planning, providing strategic guidance and recommendations while keeping an organized, efficient staffing plan
• Lead on-site staff and partners at events and activations
• Manage program budgets independently
• Lead and support brainstorms and thought leadership projects
• Other administrative 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

• Expertise in producing and managing events in the sports and entertainment field
• 6-10 years of work experience in event production or experiential marketing
• Special interest in soccer and familiarity with soccer fan culture
• Proficiency in driving business forward and adjusting approach based on timelines, budgets, and project demands
• Ability to take a leadership role, while working well within a team-centric environment
• Exceptional communicator both in persuasive and concise speech and written documents/ communication
• Proactive, solution-oriented thinker and doer
• Managing and prioritizing multiple projects with varying timelines and needs
• Ability to "zoom in' to figure out complex logistical problems with team members, then "zoom out" to understand big picture strategy and inform leadership
• Willingness to work non-traditional event hours and travel for work. Anticipated Travel: Moderate (20-45%)
• 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
  
  

The base range for this position is $70,000– 95,000. 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 make our careers website accessible to any and all users. If you need an accommodation to participate in the application process, please contact us at [email protected]. This email address is not for general employment inquiries or vendors; rather it is strictly for applicants who require special assistance accessing our employment website. Due to volume, messages sent to this email address that are not related to an accommodation cannot be answered.