Experiential Director (Event Production)

THE JOB / Experiential Director

EXPERIENCES / Responsible for planning and executing event and experiential marketing 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, Los Angeles, CA, 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.”

Do you enjoy turning ideas into action?

Do you love participating in and delivering fantastic experiences?

If you have knowledge and experience planning and managing events while on a constant search for the next best experience, this opportunity is for you! Our team is searching for an Event Production Director who can take a creative idea and bring it to life on-site for brands to own and consumers to enjoy.

But what will I do? Glad you asked. You’ll be the ‘general contractor’ of sorts organizing communication from multiple stakeholders and turning it into actionable steps. The ultimate goal? Planning and executing a world-class experiences for our brand clients and the consumers they are engaging with.

Still with us? Cool. Because this role will be integral in continuing to grow our team of event production experts, while taking on a lead role in a variety of new and exciting projects. We are looking for someone that is eager to try something new, dig in and work through complexity while having a lot of fun along the way.

THE WORK YOU’LL DO

• Own programs from conception to execution as the lead event planner, producer, and team leader
• Collaborate with a variety of specialty groups within Octagon (creative, client services, digital, etc.) taking the lead as experiential or event production expert
• Work on a variety of programs and projects, large and small, with both new and existing client relationships
• Manage one or more direct reports on a project basis or as a career manager
• Comfortable with hiring, leading, and maintaining strong relationships with vendors and partners
• Host client and inter-agency calls during planning, providing strategy and recommendations while keeping an organized, efficient staffing plan
• Lead on-site staff and partners at events and activations
• Manage program budgets independently
• Lead and support brainstorms and thought leadership projects
• A moderate amount of domestic event travel will be required throughout the year, including nights and weekends (approximately 1-2 times a month)
• Other administrative duties as assigned

THE BIGGER TEAM YOU’LL JOIN

Where others see complexity, we see possibility.

Octagon is the global sports, entertainment and experiential marketing arm of the Interpublic Group. But if that classification doesn’t do it for you, and it shouldn’t, let’s take it a step further.

We are what we believe. And we believe that while the world of sports and entertainment is full of opportunities and possibilities, sometimes the amount of choice can seem a little overwhelming. Even daunting.

That’s where we come into play.

At Octagon we inspire brands, talent, and our people to see the world for all its potential. We then help break down the complexity and push forward so you can make your next right move.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• Expertise in producing and managing events in the sports and entertainment field
• 6-10 years of work experience in event production or experiential marketing
• Proficiency in driving business forward and adjusting approach based on timelines and project demands
• Ability to take a leadership role, while working well within a team-centric environment
• Exceptional communicator both in persuasive and concise speech and written documents/ communication
• Proactive, problem-solver, and doer
• Managing and prioritizing multiple projects with varying timelines and needs
• Ability to “zoom in’ to figure out complex logistical problems with team members, then “zoom out” to understand big picture strategy and inform leadership
• Willingness to work non-traditional event hours and travel for work
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, especially PowerPoint
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and stand for up to or more than 8 hours at a time
• Flexibility and willingness to travel domestically and internationally, and work weekends or holidays as needed. Anticipated travel level: Moderate (20-45%)

L5: The base range for this position is $70,000 – 90,000. 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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