Job Description

EXPERIENCES / Responsible for planning and executing event and experiential marketing programs for an existing client with their new partnerships in global sports partnerships.

**The priority location for this role is Charlotte, NC, but the location of this position can be flexible for an Octagon office location with priority given to qualified candidates who will work East Coast working hours and open to hybrid work (3 days a week in the office) in one of our office locations - - Stamford, CT, New York, NY, Los Angeles, CA (EST working hours required), Chicago, IL or Atlanta, GA. Candidates not currently in or willing to relocate to one of those locations will not be considered.

Octagon is in search of an Senior Experiential Manager to join our team as playmaker at the intersection of sports and experiential marketing. In this role, you will work closely with and a large team to help curate and execute numerous simultaneous brand activations for our client’s comprehensive soccer portfolio including U.S. Soccer, FIFA Club World Cup 2025 and FIFA World Cup 2026. 

If you have knowledge and experience planning events, leading a team, building strong business relationships with vendors, and orchestrating first-class brand activations, this opportunity is for you!

There will be a strong focus on team and client management, integrated planning across internal/external channels, concept development and advance facilitation working with clients, internal teammates and agency partners throughout the process.

The position is best suited for a candidate passionate about working in a team environment with a diverse group of people from different cultural backgrounds and interested in managing multiple workstreams.

The role will encompass working primarily within the US (with the potential to reach Mexico and Canada), spanning time zones, business objectives, and the full range of football interest levels. Given the complex layers of partners, vendors, and fluid environment for this program, we are looking for someone with 5+ years of proven experience with experiential as well as an in-depth understanding of all event production elements throughout the entire process. This includes – but is not limited to – workstreams such as logistics, vendor management, production, transport, temp staffing etc.

THE WORK YOU’LL DO

• Lead and motivate project teams across multiple programs.
• Collaborate closely with our Experiential and Client Services teams surrounding the planning and execution of all market activation plans and strongly advise on the operational feasibility of those plans
• Work with creative teams to develop activation plans and program recommendations in support of client goals and objectives
• Conduct pre-planning, management, and implementation for events including vendor vetting and selection, contract review/negotiation, event activation plans, merchandise management, and communication documents (i.e., budgets, work plans, event briefs, execution guides, etc.)
• Develop relationships with clients as a trusted advisor, while driving the business and projects forward
• Oversight and management of direct reports, while also supporting career development
• Other administrative and related 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

• 5+ years’ experience in marketing/sponsorship, working with global sports properties, and managing large-scale and/or global events, soccer industry a plus
• Strong leadership presence
• Ability to communicate concisely, persuasively, and effectively across multiple mediums
• Experience managing event production processes from briefing through execution, including but not limited to, logistics management, production, A/V, tech-savviness, shipping, etc.
• Self-starter with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines, coordinate timelines, and perform under pressure
• Dynamic presentation skills with all audience levels, i.e., internal and external client presentations
• Ability to lead client meetings, and staff planning and keep all parties on task, on time, and on budget
• Manage quality control of client-facing communications and project management materials across the team
• Problem solves effectively as a team and independently
• You’re a proactive, critical thinker who thrives when the pressure is on and you're not afraid to “pitch in” and get it done
• Proven ability to develop and sustain strong working relationships with multiple national and local clients
• Endurance, stamina and physical ability to work long hours for extended days during activations
• Persistent enthusiasm, energy and drive through the project both in the office and importantly, on the road
• Spanish-language fluency is preferred, both written and verbal
• Valid drivers license and clean driving record required.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and stand for up to or more than eight hours at a time
• Flexibility and willingness to travel domestically and internationally, and work weekends or holidays as needed. Anticipated travel level: High (40-60%). As such, a valid US passport will be required

The base range for this position is $65,000 – 75,000. 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 benefits 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.