Experiential Manager, Multicultural Marketing (Home Improvement Client)

THE JOB / Experiential Manager, Multicultural Marketing (Home Improvement Client)

EXPERIENCES / Responsible for planning and executing event and experiential marketing programs.

***Our headquarters is in Stamford, CT, but the location of this position is in Atlanta, GA.***

Do you have a passion for creating unforgettable events and experiences? Are you excited about creating consumer experiences to reach multicultural audiences? Ready to jumpstart your career in marketing? If so, this could be your next big opportunity!

We are seeking an Experiential Manager to help plan and execute African American sports, entertainment, and grassroots marketing initiatives on behalf of a Home Improvement client. This position will work closely with the internal Octagon team for the day-to-day management of the business, as well as with key players from the client team and other agency partners. The primary relationship/sponsorship properties will include Historically Black Colleges and Universities, grassroots properties and sporting events and local retail stores.

The ideal candidate will be organized, meticulous, and a creative problem-solver with excellent communication skills. We are looking for someone who is also highly collaborative, a self-starter, and is comfortable taking the lead and voicing opinions and ideas. This role reports directly to the Experiential Director, while also helping manage and develop junior team members and also working as a part of a larger account team.

The Experiential Manager will be responsible for:

• Working closely with sponsorship partners and vendors to execute client events and promotions
• Managing execution of various event elements, from planning, to on-site set up, to tear down and recapping
• Managing experiential production assets for all events, which may include mobile assets, signage, entertainment, audio/visual elements, and other consumer interactive elements
• Managing vendor partners, their agreements and the delivery of products and services for the event activation
• Working with local municipalities and vendors to source event permitting and insurance needs
• Leading regular ongoing communication and updates to the clients and property partners
• Working with account team to manage, track and reconcile all event budgets

THE WORK YOU’LL DO

• Planning and execution of on-site activities, including but not limited to
• Development of activation plans
• Implement plans and manage on-site assets
• Management of on-site logistics and operations (i.e. catering, security, staffing, shipping, accommodations, etc.)

• Manage program logistics and operations for consumer promotions and events
• Writing event guidebooks, activation recaps and other event related documents
• Identify and manage all vendors associated with executing the overall projects/events including event production and all logistical needs
• Inventory management of all event materials (i.e. merchandise, signage assets, promotional elements, etc.)
• Manage on-site staff including oversight of Brand Ambassadors, junior team members and other support staffers (full-time and volunteers)
• Liaison with internal Octagon teams and key client departments and client’s agency partners (advertising, media, online, etc.) for related programming
• Traffic sponsorship and promotional media related assets to partners
• Provide ongoing, monthly reconciliation of program expenses and budget updates for the client
• Support additional Octagon accounts and/or projects as needed

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

• Have a passion for and expertise in sports, entertainment, gaming, music and/or celebrity & lifestyle culture
• Understanding of U.S. Multicultural markets with hands-on event management and execution experience, ideally with sports, entertainment or grassroots cultural events
• Experience with event planning and execution, ideally with African American sports/entertainment/grassroots cultural events and/or other experiential events
• 4 – 6 years of related experience
• Excellent interpersonal skills, both oral and written
• Experiences in document writing including status reports, recaps, industry/competitive analysis
• Ability to balance multiple tasks simultaneously
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to run projects on tight deadlines and budgets
• Strong influencing and social skills, in order to work effectively with clients, internal team leaders/members and partner vendors/agencies
• A keen sense of business process and how marketing, communications, and events are used to impact the bottom line and drive brand objectives
• Ability to manage relationships with key vendors and partners (e.g. venues, properties, suppliers, etc.)
• Capacity to become knowledgeable on our client’s industry, brand and product offerings
• Ability and comfort level to connect with consumers, potential consumers or fans in an event setting
• Strong ability to work as part of a team, demonstrate initiative and solve problems effectively and independently
• Ability to learn to supervise, lead and mentor more junior limited-term employees
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Software (specifically PowerPoint, Excel and Word)
• 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 work weekends or holidays as needed. Anticipated travel level: Moderate (20-45%)

L3: The base range for this position is $60,000 – 65,000. 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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