THE JOB / Experiential Manager (Lifestyle-Culinary and Arts & Culture) (Payment Services 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 week in office) in one of our office locations - - Stamford, CT or New York, NY.*

Do you enjoy curating experiences in the Culinary and Arts & Culture sectors?

Would you relish the opportunity to collaborate with James Beard Award-winning chefs and engage with some of the most esteemed cultural institutions in the country? Perhaps you’re energized by the idea of managing signature culinary and cultural activations and sponsorships throughout the year. If so, this could be your next big move, supporting iconic properties within the Culinary + Arts & Culture space on our Lifestyle team!

We are seeking an Experiential Manager to join our dynamic group. This person will lead a range of in-person and virtual experiences, from intimate tastings to landmark cultural celebrations. You’ll lead partner and vendor relationships, oversee event production, and collaborate closely with both internal teams and external collaborators to bring world-class brand moments to life.

Our ideal candidate is organized, detail-driven, and an exceptional communicator. We value those who are self-starting, collaborative, and confident in sharing ideas and taking initiative. If you're looking for a role that blends strategic sponsorship work with high-impact event execution, this is the opportunity for you!

THE WORK YOU’LL DO

• Lead numerous projects simultaneously with various lifestyle sponsorship properties
• Provide recommendations to best utilize sponsorship assets to meet client objectives
• Coordinate with teammates to ensure that all sponsorship assets are fulfilled and event logistics are met
• Communicate clearly and effectively with clients, vendors, venue operators, and sponsorship partners
• Oversee on-site elements including but not limited dining events, food & beverage, venue needs, décor and furniture rentals, A/V, and on-site brand integration and promotional materials
• Coordinate the day-to-day operations of planning and implementing sponsorship (all logistics: pre, during, and post, vendor management, client deliverables, event recaps, budgets, and timelines)
• Improve the value of the sponsorship assets and programs while meeting client objectives
• Assist with finance paperwork and documentation (Creation of POs, job codes and adding new clients as vendors into our systems)
• Attend events while serving as a main point of contact for vendors, guests, client and partners

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 fan or expert of lifestyle culture, food, travel, and the arts
• 4+ years’ experience within an agency or client service experience and event planning preferred
• Be comfortable and able to shine in front of clients
• A team player who loves to share their opinion and solve problems but can also work independently
• An outgoing people person who can help manage relationships with key partners (e.g. venues, vendors, suppliers, etc.)
• Detail-oriented work ethic, with the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and produce quality work, while adhering to deadlines (ex: reporting documents, client facing decks, budgets)
• Excellent project management skills
• Some budget management and/or reconciliation experience desirable
• An A+ organizer and communicator
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Software (specifically PowerPoint, Excel and Word)
• Flexibility and willingness to travel domestically and work weekends or holidays as needed. Anticipated travel: Moderate (20-45%)

The base range for this position is $60,000 – 65,000. 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 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.