Trainee, Sponsorship Strategy 

STRATEGY / Responsible for developing and executing investment recommendations for our clients. 

*Our headquarters are in Stamford, CT, but the location of this position can be flexible with a preference for working in one of our office locations - Stamford, CT, New York, NY, Charlotte, NC, Chicago, IL or Atlanta, GA. We will also consider a remote-based working arrangement for qualified candidates.* 

Whether it is advising a client on which properties they should partner with or how to activate their newest marketing asset, we strive to ground all of our recommendations in data. We are looking for a Trainee who can support the Sponsorship Strategy team as it guides our blue-chip clients through the sponsorship planning process.  This will include accessing syndicated databases, conducting desk research or assisting in on-site research projects. 

The right person for this role will be able to analyze data, identify key and relevant insights and create presentations that effectively communicate to our internal and corporate clients. This person must be analytical, innovative, resourceful and able to solve unique problems quickly. This person will support projects across multiple clients, so it is important that you are someone who can manage your time efficiently.   

THE WORK YOU'LL DO

• Assist team in supporting the day-to-day needs for various clients including Excel based tools and models, building PowerPoint presentations, testing surveys, working with vendors, etc. 
• Access data from syndicated databases such as MRI-Simmons and Scarborough and social tracking tools like Creator IQ 
• Provide technical data support to ongoing primary and secondary research initiatives including brand scorecards and other data visualization and communication offerings 
• Perform tasks and responsibilities required with conscientiousness to produce high-quality, accurate deliverables 
• Periodically engage in project work 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

• Bachelor’s Degree with 0-1+ years of prior experience  
• A passion for sports, entertainment, gaming, music and/or celebrity & lifestyle culture. Knowledge of sports and entertainment business landscape desirable 
• Ability to handle basic administrative tasks and support multiple projects simultaneously 
• Demonstrated data visualization skills and comfort with telling a story through numbers 
• An eagerness to assist in creating high-quality work and reports, with a keen eye for detail 
• A self-starter with a “no job is too small” positive attitude 
• Meticulous attention to detail 
• Ability to be resourceful and work independently when necessary 
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment 
• Experience using Microsoft Co-Pilot and other tools to conduct desk research 
• Experience conducting primary research/survey design and/or fieldwork desirable 
• Advanced training in Microsoft Excel, including logic functions desirable 

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. 

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.