Account Director, Client Services (Soccer) (Home Improvement Client)

THE JOB / Account Director, Client Services (Soccer) (Home Improvement Client)

CLIENT SERVICES / Responsible for leading Octagon’s client business and day-to-day management of client programs.

***Our headquarters is in Stamford, CT, but the location of this position can be flexible with a priority given to candidates open to hybrid work (2-3 days week in office) 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 with East Coast working hours as a prerequisite.”

Octagon is looking for a dynamic leader and soccer enthusiast to help us support the development and execution of our clients’ 2026 FIFA World Cup partnership. The right candidate will have experience working in the soccer space (ideally with FIFA), a good understanding of the retail industry and know how to build a major new sports partnership from the ground up.

In this role you’ll work closely with the senior account team and manage the day-to-day project management and delivery of our client’s FIFA World Cup 2026 partnership. There will be a strong focus on project management, integration and team development while working closely with senior clients and key partners. Overall, you'll be responsible for rights holder relationship development, client management, planning and ideation, and the development and implementation of various client programming.

To be successful, you are a soccer subject matter expert, a confident project manager and good multi-tasker who thinks on your feet, takes initiative, identifies and solves problems independently, finds creative solutions, and keeps programs on track across multiple channels (agency, client, and property).

The responsibilities for this position will require travel to attend client meetings, live event executions and work on the weekends.

THE WORK YOU’LL DO

• Help our client develop and execute their new 2026 FIFA World Cup Partnership across North America.
• Work with senior leaders on the business to help create our client’s go to market strategy for their new 2026 FIFA World Cup Partnership.
• Lead project management of partnership aspects across internal and external workstreams – leading integrated groups in the collaboration, planning and development of partnership execution
• Craft strategic recommendations for the sponsorship that are relevant, rooted in fan passions and aligned with both brand initiatives and the client target audience
• Lead all aspects of the relationship with our key sponsorship partner(s) including the property and vendors, and be the key day-to-day point of contact on behalf of the client
• Lead delivery, management, and development of core sponsorship assets and integrations
• Build, manage, and track the program budget for internal reporting and client reports
• Oversight and management of a direct report, while also supporting career development
• Other related duties/projects as reasonably assigned
• Serve as one of the agency’s key subject matter experts in the world of soccer.

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

• 7+ years of proven experience within the soccer industry developing strong integrated brand marketing campaigns and compelling onsite activation programs.
• Strong understanding of the regional and global soccer landscape, ideally working directly with FIFA.
• Proven soccer subject matter expertise, having played a role in the development and execution of major integrated soccer marketing campaigns.
• Manage specific aspects of this new partnership across multiple client channels and internal Octagon specialty groups.
• Proficient communication skills (spoken and written)
• Strategic, collaborative approach to solving problems with ideas – build relationships and influence a range of teams.
• Successful at encouraging positive agency and client relationships.
• Flexibility and willingness to travel domestically and internationally, and work weekends or holidays as needed. Anticipated travel level: Moderate (20-45%)

L5: Based on an annual salary of $80,000 – $100,000. 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 benefit 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.

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