Experiential Manager

THE JOB / Experiential Manager (Sports Betting Company)

SPECIALIZED PRACTICE AREA / (pick one from below with its brief description here)

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 or Atlanta, GA.

The Experiential Manager will manage a team in developing innovative hospitality and event activations across our client’s sports and lifestyle programming.  You’ll work closely with both the agency and client team to manage the program development, planning documents and execution of various events and hospitality experiences across a spectrum of sports, entertainment and cultural platforms!

With the team located across a few Octagon offices, there will be broad exposure to the events and hospitality industry with a tremendous potential to learn and gain hands-on experience.  This position will be exposed to high profile partners and will be expected to collaborate with internal teammates, agency colleagues, preferred vendors, and VIP customers.

The ideal candidate is one who thrives in a team environment, has a passion for learning and getting better every day and motivates others to do the same, relishes in creating cool experiences, flourishes in a dynamic pace, loves details, being organized and takes pride in doing what it takes to get the job done.

Please also know that the well-being of our employees, partners, fans, and consumers are top of mind to our agency, and we are taking measures to ensure proper health and safety initiatives and protocols are in place for our events and activations.

THE WORK YOU’LL DO

• Project manage multiple events & hospitality programs simultaneously, using superior attention to detail and client management skills (scheduling, operations, logistics)
• Design, develop and present strategic program recommendations and program execution guides
• Research, vet, recommend, and procure venues and tickets for programs
• Research and implement tactical plans, handling client and vendor relationships
• Develop guidelines, sell in presentations, and best practices documents to distribute internally and to clients
• Leads management of precise financial records including budget creation, client invoicing, budget forecasting, reconciliation, and personal travel expenses
• Manage asset and workplan trackers
• Exemplary service onsite for clients and guests at all program events
• Serve as onsite host during implementation of programs (as needed)
• Provide internal and client updates as needed
• Supervise staff in the implementation of programs and events
• Lead all aspects of online guest registration systems and databases
• Develop guest communications
• Design templates and acquire invitee information from various clients
• Creation of personalized itineraries for various events
• Lead weekly status calls and other key meetings with both internal and external constituents
• Handle all event logistics to include, but not limited to, gifting, decor, lodging, transportation, food and beverage, production services, and celebrity appearances
• Review and distribute event status meeting notes, execution guides, staff implementation guides
• Compile event results reporting and wrap-up report development
• General account management and assistance with client requests
• Develop a knowledge and understanding of sports betting client’s event portfolio and business initiatives
• Additional projects as assigned, which may include assistance on other events/programs, competitive research, property research, etc.
• Weekend/holiday work 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

• 5ish years of relevant experience; sports, event or hospitality experience preferred
• Have a passion for and expertise in sports, entertainment, gaming, music and/or celebrity & lifestyle culture!
• Extraordinarily well-organized and efficient – could pass for the ultimate project manager
• A great teammate who wants to know what others are working on and wants to help
• A self-starter with the ability to prioritize multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to form effective links with clients; flexible and adaptable in working with various personalities
• Always one or 10 steps ahead; always thinking forward and figuring out answers and solutions before they become questions or challenges
• A sense of humor and good storytelling; we like to laugh
• Excellent interpersonal skills, both written and oral
• Ability to thrive despite any pressure and is outstanding at problem solving; offering creative solutions (though there will always be help, your mantra is: I will figure it out!)
• A go-getter, you demonstrate initiative and accept new challenges (there'll be plenty of last-minute client requests)
• Knowledgeable in the Microsoft Office suite; particularly Excel, PowerPoint, Word
• Experience handling a budget and Excel does not scare you
• Though not a requirement, a second language is always a plus
• Communicates effectively, both oral and written with clients and colleagues
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, Excel)
• Ability to lift up-to 50pds. and stand for up to or more than eight hours at a time
• Flexibility and willingness to travel domestically and internationally, and work weekends or holidays as needed. Anticipated travel level: Moderate (40%-50%)

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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