THE JOB / Account Director, Health and Wellness Retail Client (Soccer)

CLIENT SERVICE / 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 or Chicago, IL. We will also consider a remote-based working arrangement for qualified candidates with east coast working hours as a prerequisite***

Octagon is looking for a dynamic leader and soccer enthusiast to help us support the development and execution of our clients’ new women’s soccer partnerships. The responsibilities include serving as the primary liaison with our clients’ sponsorship contacts to fulfill assets and support program development and activation across multiple groups in support of local and national campaigns.

The ideal candidate should have a strong client management background and display the following characteristics: highly organized and detail-oriented, the ability to consistently meet strict timelines, strong written and verbal communication skills, previous experience in developing tactical recommendations and strong working knowledge of the sports sponsorship industry. This person should also have experience in the soccer industry.

The responsibilities for this position will require travel to attend client meetings, live event executions and work on the weekends.

THE WORK YOU’LL DO

• Help our client launch and execute their new women’s soccer partnerships.
• Create and foster relationships with internal and external partners as well as outside vendors and properties.
• Be the day-to-day client liaison across multiple programs.
• Ensure contractual compliance and fulfillment of sponsorship assets, and manage the day-to-day logistics of executing various property elements.
• Assist in the design, preparation and presentation of strategic recommendations to leverage partnerships toward client business objectives.
• Collaborate with a variety of specialty groups within Octagon (creative, client services, digital, etc.)
• Lead weekly status calls and other key meetings with both internal and external constituents.
• Additional projects as assigned, which may include: sponsorship evaluations, competitive reviews, POVs, white papers, property research, etc.

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 

• At least 8 years of proven client service experience including executing sports/entertainment sponsorships, evaluating proposals, and facilitating contractual assets
• Soccer experiences strongly preferred.
• Experience developing robust marketing campaigns for a retail specific brand and/or client.
• Proven soccer subject matter expertise, having played a leadership role in the oversight and execution of major integrated soccer marketing campaigns.
• Experience leading large teams on complex projects.
• Proficient communication skills (spoken and written)
• Strategic, collaborative approach to solving problems with ideas – build relationships and influence a range of teams.
• Successful at encouraging positive agency and client relationships.
• Flexibility and willingness to travel domestically 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 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.