Senior Experiential Manager (Endurance) (Financial Services Client)

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

***Our headquarters are in Stamford, CT, but the location of this position can be flexible with a preference for working in one of our office locations - - Stamford, CT, New York, NY, Charlotte, NC, Chicago, IL, Los Angeles, CA, or Atlanta, GA. We will also consider a remote-based working arrangement for qualified candidates.***  

Do you consider yourself an experiential specialist? Do you have an interest in developing consumer experiences across several sports and cause properties? Do you love solving problems and bringing large-scale experiences to life? If so, this may be the right opportunity for you! 

Our team is searching for an enthusiastic and hardworking Senior Experiential Manager to lead a cross-functional team to produce experiential activations across numerous integrated marketing campaigns. You’ll lead a team in developing innovative consumer & employee-facing experiential activations across our client’s Global Sports Sponsorship’s Endurance (Chicago Distance Series & Chicago Marathon) platforms as well as CSR-based initiatives (Special Olympics & RED).  

You will oversee a Senior Event Executive & Event Executive while leading the program development and onsite executions. You will work on multiple projects simultaneously, delivering a collection of experiences throughout the year.  

Reporting to the Group Account Director, you’ll support our team in working closely with our clients, internal groups (Strategy, Creative, Experiences), and external vendors, to develop programs that embody our client’s brand while harnessing the uniqueness and spirit of each campaign. 

The work you’ll do 

• Support and motivate project teams across multiple programs including the Chicago Marathon, Special Olympics, and several other endurance & CSR initiatives. 
• Work closely across our experiential and internal creative teams to develop activation plans and program recommendations in support of client goals and objectives 
• Manage documents such as budgets, status reports, inventory tracking, and meeting agenda and notes 
• Conduct pre-planning, management, and implementation for events including vendor vetting and selection, contract review/negotiation, event activation plans, and communication documents (i.e., budgets, work plans, event briefs, execution guides, etc.) 
• Manage quality control of client-facing communications and project management materials across the team 
• Develop relationships with clients as a trusted advisor, while driving the business and projects forward 
• Oversight and management of direct reports, while also supporting career development 
• Additional projects as assigned, which may include: assistance on other events and hospitality programs, 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 

• 5-7 years of proven experience in sports marketing and/or client management 
• A passion and expertise in sports, CSR programs, entertainment, gaming, music, and/or celebrity & lifestyle culture 
• Experience developing successful integrated sponsorship activations, initiatives, and campaigns with cross-functional agency/client teams 
• Experience developing presentations for internal/external senior executives 
• Experience managing multiple programs, coordinating key timelines, and leading teams performing under pressure with strong attention to detail 
• A people leader who is invested in the success of the team first and enjoys team building 
• Coachable and willing to adapt to a fast-paced work environment, with a mentality that no job is too small or too big 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, Excel) 
• 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%)

The base range for this position is $65,000 - 73,000. 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 benefits 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. 

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request an accommodation.