Job Description

THE JOB / Account Director, Client Services (Global Soccer)

CLIENT SERVICES / Responsible for leading Octagon’s client business and day-to-day management of client 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, Chicago, IL or Atlanta, GA. ***

Octagon is searching for an Account Director to join our team as a key leader in the Global Soccer space. Are you a proven project manager & collaborative self-starter interested in working with a variety of internal partners and external agencies? Are you enthusiastic about global soccer and a proven subject matter expert in the space? In this role you’ll work closely with the account Vice President and manage a team responsible for the day-to-day project management and delivery of our client’s global soccer portfolio including FIFA Club World Cup 2025 and FIFA World Cup 2026. There will be a strong focus on project management, integration and team development while working closely with senior clients and key partners. Overall, you'll be responsible for rights holder relationship development, client management, planning and ideation, experiential program management, development and implementation. To be successful you’ll need to be an excellent communicator and understand global partnerships and activations.

THE WORK YOU’LL DO

• Leads and oversees the day-to-day of the client’s global soccer sponsorships
• Support client on overall sponsorship strategy & see through to execution
• Lead global project management of partnership across internal and external workstreams – leading integrated groups in the collaboration, planning and development of partnership execution
• Craft strategic recommendations for the sponsorship that are relevant, rooted in fan passions and aligned with both brand initiatives and the client target audience
• Lead all aspects of the relationship with our key sponsorship partner(s) including the property and vendors, and be the key day-to-day point of contact on behalf of the client
• Lead delivery, management, and development of core sponsorship branding assets and integrations
• Build, manage, and track the program budget for internal reporting and client reports
• Oversight and management of direct reports, while also supporting career development
• Other related duties/projects as reasonably assigned
• Domestic & international travel to support client’s programming; includes non-traditional hours, nights, and weekends

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

• Have a passion for and expertise in sports, entertainment, and global soccer  
• Minimum of 7+ years’ experience in sports sponsorship or experiential marketing
• Possesses significant (industry, property) marketing partnership/sponsorship experience, ideally within an agency setting and excel at handling expectations with multiple partners and managing complex projects
• Experience working with global rights holders, with soccer experience strongly preferred
• Confident and comfortable presenting to senior clients and partners
• Keen sense of business process and project management, understanding how sports sponsorship, event marketing, communications, and events are used impacts the bottom line and drives brand objectives
• Versatile and able to develop, create and implement POVs, strategic marketing plans and program development documents for several programs simultaneously
• Have experience overseeing executional deliverables and program activations across multiple projects
• A highly driven and motivated individual
• Exceptional communicator and strong PowerPoint skills to deliver creative, clear documents to senior stakeholders
• Experience leading teams to exceed client expectations
• A commitment to developing talent underneath and around you
• Hands-on mentality
• Excellent Project Management skills with a high degree of numeracy and literacy
• Strong attention to detail
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally is a requirement; A valid passport, or the ability to obtain a passport at a later date is required
• Flexibility and willingness to travel domestically and internationally, and work weekends or holidays as needed. Anticipated travel level: Moderate (20-45%)

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 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.