Experiential Director, Multicultural Marketing (Home Improvement Client)

THE JOB / Experiential Director, 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 a Experiential Director to lead the development of marketing initiatives on behalf of a Home Improvement client. This position will manage the development of African American sports, entertainment, and grassroots marketing initiatives on behalf of a Home Improvement client. This position will manage the internal Octagon team for the day-to-day management of the business, as well as liaison 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 Experiential Director will report to the Vice President while working with them to oversee the internal Octagon team and lead the day-to-day planning and activation for the client's business. The ideal candidate will be organized, detail-oriented, 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 will be a team leader while also needing to be a team player and support the larger account team business and the agency team as a whole.

The Experiential Director will be responsible for:

• Leading regular ongoing communication with the clients and partner agencies
• Management of client promotions and events, from planning to on-site set up and tear down
• Oversee and manage program budget and agency deliverables
• Managing internal Octagon team, and supporting the development of direct reports

THE WORK YOU'LL DO

• Participate as key member of the larger Home Improvement account team
• Lead the planning and execution of all on-site activities, including but not limited to
• Development of strategy and activation plans
• Implement plans and manage on-site assets
• Negotiate and finalize partnership deals with property owners
• On-site consumer experience plan development and implementation
• Lead weekly status meetings and provide client updates
• Manage account finance tracking and budget reconciliation
• Manage internal account team and day-to-day responsibilities
• Liaison with internal Octagon teams and key client departments and client's agency partners (advertising, media, social, etc.) for related programming
• Provide client with agency point-of-views and feedback on potential partnerships, new opportunities and strategic direction
• Oversee the professional development of junior account team members, providing support and growth opportunities
• 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
• 8+ years of related experience
• 5+ years of experience in Multicultural Marketing a plus (i.e. sponsorship, event management or industry-specific knowledge)
• 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.)
• 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 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%)

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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