THE JOB / Account Trainee (Golf Grassroots Programming) (Luxury Automotive Client)

EXPERIENCES / Responsible for planning and executing event and experiential marketing 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 office) in one of our office locations - - Stamford, CT or Chicago, IL.*

We are looking for an Account Trainee to support client engagement programs on behalf of a luxury automotive brand. Responsibilities will include assisting with the planning and execution of a nationwide grassroots golf initiative, a PGA TOUR title sponsorship, and other golf partnership programs! This individual will be involved in preparation in the months leading up to several amateur and professional golf events and will then travel into market to assist with the implementation of our onsite strategy at select events.

The right candidate will be able to work as part of a team and will collaborate with various internal teams and divisions, client partners/vendors, and consumers. Strong team-dynamic skills, excellent organizational skills, and strong interpersonal and communication skills are required for this position. The client’s programming spans the United States, so the ideal candidate also enjoys travel and is able to work effectively during long stretches on the road. 

This position offers a unique opportunity to learn account management, client engagement, vendor management, event planning, experiential strategy, on-site logistics, hospitality and event activation skills. This position will also allow you to be included in brainstorming sessions, work with budgets/excel, create presentations (PowerPoint) and learn valuable research/analysis skills.

THE WORK YOU’LL DO

• Travel to and staff multiple golf outings and large-scale events, representing client’s brand and implementing miscellaneous onsite responsibilities
• Communication and coordination logistics with dealership and golf course properties for grassroots events
• Organization of grassroots golf program registration website
• Execution of on-site hospitality services at PGA TOUR event
• Support account team across multiple programs and various initiatives, with a focus on PGA TOUR title sponsorship
• Provide assistance with planning and implementation of onsite tournament consumer experiences
• Manage consumer inquiries regarding event hosting program
• Assist with preparing presentations for domestic and international clients
• Manage documents: status reports, tracking documents and meeting notes
• Participate in brainstorms and creative ideation
• Handle select special projects and other 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

• A passion for and expertise in sports, entertainment, event management, and/or hospitality
• Bachelor’s Degree with 0-1 year’s work or internship experience in the communications, advertising, or marketing industries
• Previous event marketing and customer service experience a strong plus
• Desire to learn and develop a career in sports & entertainment or experiential marketing
• Knowledge, experience and interest in the game of golf
• Capacity to become knowledgeable in our clients’ industry, brand, and product offering
• You are detail-oriented, able to handle multiple tasks at a time, and produce quality work within strict timelines
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a team
• Superior organization, interpersonal and communication skills (both oral and written)
• Ability to take initiative and solve problems independently without manager supervision
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Software (specifically PowerPoint, Excel and Word)
• Valid US driver’s license and clean driving record
• Ability to lift up to 40 lb
• Flexibility and willingness to travel domestically and work weekends or holidays as needed. Anticipated travel: Moderate (20-45%)

This position pays minimum wage and is overtime-eligible.

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.