THE JOB / Account Director, Client Services

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 (2-3 days week in office) in one of our office locations - - Stamford, CT, New York, NY, Charlotte, NC, Los Angeles, CA or Atlanta, GA. We will also consider a remote-based working arrangement for qualified candidates with East Coast working hours as a prerequisite.”

Are you looking for a dynamic role in client services? Does the thought of building your career in sports partnerships excite you? Do you have a passion for golf? Well then, this may be the right role for you!

We’re looking for an Account Director as the day-to-day lead for two (2) tech client’s golf sponsorship portfolios. You’ll be the day-to-day point of contact for our client’s events and sponsorship team and will help support with planning and development, property management, talent procurement and execution, marketing and digital promotion/activation and asset tracking.

Still interested? Great! The ideal candidate is a self-starter, highly organized, multitasker, who has knowledge of golf and interest in the tech landscape. This position requires excellent communication and presentation development skills, attention to detail, client and partner management, and relationship building among constituents to bring partnerships to life.

The Account Director will work closely with Group Directors who lead all aspects of the client’s golf partnerships and supports the overall sponsorship portfolio. This position offers an outstanding opportunity to learn the business of golf by working with various golf organizations, subject matter experts, and established partners within the space.  You will work alongside teammates that are passionate about what they do as you. 

THE WORK YOU’LL DO

• Lead and grow key relationships including top golf governing bodies, tournament host organizations and vendor partners, as well as build strong relationships and partnerships with various marketing teams, internal client stakeholders, and client agencies
• Responsible for program development, supervision and implementation of operational and tactical sponsorship activations including but not limited to:
• Development of yearlong activation plan based on annual client objectives and contractual deliverables
• Lead day to day property relationship with tournament host organizations
• Provide tournament management and execution consisting of branding, buildout, product integration, and messaging
• Proactively lead engagement with internal communications, social media, Advertising, Media, Digital team and more with regards to Golf sponsorship
• Talent/Influencer Management oversight, including negotiation of offer sheets, coordination of onsite execution, and logistics management
• Budget management and financial reporting for areas of responsibility
• Provide oversight for the account team’s day-to-day activities and quality control for all client facing materials
• Lead all aspects of the management and professional development of the account team and provide training and career development opportunities
• Provide general support to efforts related to the brand and potentially other Octagon clients and programs
• Prepare presentation documents supporting strategies, ideations, sponsorship evaluations, POV’s, program overviews, recap summaries, budgets, and partnership presentations
• Project management and tracking of sponsorship assets
• Help keep the larger agency team on task and on time – manage timelines and status documents
• Develop a working knowledge and understanding of tech client’s business initiatives and marketing trends
• Other related duties as reasonably assigned

THE BIGGER TEAM YOU’LL JOIN

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/or event management
• Golf experience a strong plus
• 8+ years’ experience in related field 
• Ready and excited to be the client’s go-to person, who has excellent account management, can clearly present ideas, offer creative solutions and address challenges/obstacles head on
• Ability to balance a number of projects and tasks simultaneously and consistently deliver high quality work to tight deadlines and when under pressure
• Prior experience serving as liaison between brand and partners, both internal and external, with the ability to become the brand gatekeeper 
• Wants a seat at the table to contribute to high-level thought leadership and creative concepts
• Proficient in directing, reviewing, and providing quality control on deliverables prepared by outside vendors
• Exceptional attention to detail, time management and organizational skills
• Comfortable with a moderate amount of domestic travel that will be required throughout the year, including nights and weekends
• Experience or interest in emerging technologies

• Ability and flexibility with weekend and some holiday work as needed, and travel as necessary

• All applicants will need to provide proof of COVID vaccination or contact the organization’s HR team if eligible for an exemption.

Compensation + Benefits:

• 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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