Account Director, Client Services (Insurance Client)

THE JOB / Account Director, Client Services (Insurance Client)

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

***Preference is to be based out of the Stamford, CT or New York, NY office, but the location of this position can be flexible with an availability for working in one of our other office locations-- Chicago, IL, Los Angeles, CA, or Atlanta, GA. We will also consider a remote-based working arrangement for qualified candidates.***  

The Account Director will be responsible for overseeing the planning, development, and execution of sponsorship marketing and strategic planning efforts on behalf of our insurance client and their sports marketing portfolio. The responsibilities include serving as the lead with our clients and agency partners on thought leadership, portfolio management, and strategic planning for the client’s local and national sponsorship investments.

As part of their responsibilities, the AD will work directly with team and league contacts and client staff to ensure fulfillment of all contractual assets and flawless partnership execution on a day-to-day basis. These duties include the development, maintenance, and execution of customized and comprehensive project plans for each property, as well as a regularly scheduled status report that will keep all parties associated with the project fully abreast of ongoing activity and progress with each element of the sponsorship platform. These include budget, event staffing (if required), creative content, communications, as well as management of third-party vendors and their associated deliverables.

The ideal candidate should have a strong client management background and display the following characteristics: highly organized and detail oriented, consistently meets deadlines, strong written and verbal communication skills, previous experience in developing tactical recommendations and strong working knowledge of the sports sponsorship industry. The Account Director will report to the Vice President, with responsibility to oversee and lead the day-to-day relationships with our clients’ primary teams, agencies and local market contacts. 

THE WORK YOU’LL DO

• Serve as a primary point of contact for the client, ensuring a deep understanding of their business needs and objectives. Build and maintain strong client relationships through proactive communication, strategic counsel, and exceptional service delivery
• Serve as subject matter expert on client’s sponsorship portfolio including terms, assets, financials and property processes, procedures and structure
• Interpret and implement the client’s business strategy to develop impactful partnerships by selecting the right assets and ensuring their effective activation
• Oversee the client’s sponsorship portfolio across two key passion areas - MLB (League & Teams) and NHL (League & Teams). Responsible for partnership management, activation, strategic direction, integration, and negotiation to enhance the value of each sponsorship
• Lead day-to-day property relationships including oversight of the asset allocation process related to sponsorship platform
• Run all monthly and other key meetings with both internal and external constituents and external agencies
• Oversee creation of presentations, progress reports, recaps and other strategic documents on programming
• Build and supervise program budgets, project management tools and timelines
• Lead and mentor AMs, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration. Support team members' professional growth and development to build a high-performing unit
• Implement client’s sponsorship portfolio, including branded and custom content coordination, media strategy & execution, and continuous portfolio evaluation
• Collaborate with cross-functional IPG agency teams, including media, creative, social and experiential to integrate sponsorship assets into broader marketing campaigns. Ensure seamless execution of sponsorship activations that enhance brand visibility and engagement
• Assess and evaluate existing, new and proposed sponsorship agreements and assets
• Stay up to date with industry trends, competitive landscape, and emerging opportunities within the sports marketing arena and the wider insurance category. Leverage insights to inform strategic recommendations and drive innovative partnership solutions
• Additional projects as assigned, which may include: sponsorship evaluations, competitive reviews, POVs, white papers, property research, etc.

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

• 8+ years of proven experience in sports sponsorship strategy and account management. Team sports or property experiences strongly preferred
• Previous work experience / personal passion in baseball and/or hockey is a plus
• Prior experience developing successful integrated sponsorship activations, initiatives, and campaigns with cross-functional agency/client teams required
• Prior budget and asset management experience required
• Proven success at providing high-level client service
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Comfort working in a fast-paced environment, leading multiple priorities at any given time, coordinating key timelines, and leading teams performing under pressure with strong attention to detail
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel & PowerPoint)
• Willing to work non-traditional hours including weekend travel
• A history of working in baseball, football or soccer is a plus
• All applicants will need to provide proof of COVID vaccination or contact the organization’s HR team if eligible for an exemption
• Flexibility and willingness to travel domestically and work weekends or holidays as needed. Anticipated travel level: Moderate (20-45%)

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.