THE JOB / Experiential Manager (Sports + Lifestyle Partnerships) (Payment Services Client)

***The location of this position can be flexible to hybrid work (3 days a week in the office) in either Stamford, CT, New York, NY, Chicago, IL, Charlotte, NC, or Atlanta, GA. We ask that New York, NY, candidates report to Stamford, CT (HQ) once a week. Remote candidates will not be considered for this role.

Our client is an award-winning Payment Services brand known for their iconic marketing initiatives. We are searching for an Account Manager who will be responsible for US event support associated with client’s property partnerships. This position will have a strong focus on event planning, logistics and customer hosting and will support the team in bringing to life world class events. You’ll definitely work hard and play hard across exciting properties including, golf, baseball, arts & culture, and culinary. If you enjoy rocking out at a private concert, cheering on your favorite sports team and meeting world-renowned chefs, this position is for you. The day-to-day includes coordinating event and activation logistics, execution of your programs, and daily client communications and management. While you’re coordinating these programs, you’ll assist in brainstorming new programs to drive our clients’ marketing objectives.

If you are looking for an opportunity with planning and executing events and activations of all sizes alongside a team who finds the fun in the chaos, this position is for you!

THE WORK YOU’LL DO

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of planning and driving sponsorship (all logistics: pre, during, and post, vendor management, client deliverables, event recaps, budgets, and timelines)
• Support all aspects of event programming, from initial brainstorm through execution (on-site and virtual) and wrap-up
• Develop tailored experiential event strategic plans
• Oversee the management of materials related to individual events, including but not limited to: digital programs, invitations, and ordering of premiums
• Create and foster relationships with internal and external partners as well as outside vendors and properties
• Facilitate and/or manage program budgets and be diligent in all accounting and expense procedure. Assist with finance paperwork and documentation (Creation of POs, job codes, and adding new clients as vendors into our systems)
• Support the team in developing sales and concept decks for internal and external audiences
• Manage numerous projects simultaneously with various sports and lifestyle sponsorship properties
• Provide recommendations to use sponsorship assets best 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 to dining events, food & beverage, venue needs, décor and furniture rentals, A/V, and on-site brand integration and promotional materials
• Enhance the value of the sponsorship assets and programs while meeting client objectives
• Attend events while serving as a main point of contact for vendors, guests, clients 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 Omnicom 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 sports, lifestyle culture, food, travel, and the arts
• 4+ years of experience within an agency or client service experience, and event planning
• You’ve worked in an event management setting and have had direct ownership or lead responsibilities over a project
• You’re an excellent project manager and can handle multiple programs simultaneously
• Be comfortable and able to shine in front of clients
• A standout colleague 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.)
• Meticulous work ethic, with the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and produce quality work, while adhering to deadlines (e.g., reporting documents, client-facing decks, budgets)
• Excellent project management skills
• Some budget management and/or reconciliation experience is 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 level: Moderate (20-45%)