Experiential Manager, Payment Services Client (Lifestyle - Culinary and Arts & Culture)

THE JOB / Experiential Manager

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 in Stamford, CT or NYC.***

Does working with celebrity chefs hosting once-in-a-lifetime dinner parties in one-of-a-kind locations sound like a dream come true? Do you have an interest in the arts - everything from Broadway to ballet? Are you passionate about hospitality and VIP service? This may be your next big move.

We are looking for an Experiential Manager to join our dynamic team to oversee our top-of-the-line Lifestyle campaign for our payment services client. The Lifestyle campaign will consist of in-person custom dinner events where you will manage partner and vendor relationships, plan events through execution, and provide client deliverables. In this position, you will also assist in supporting yearly sponsorships of iconic Arts & Culture properties.

Our ideal candidate is proactive, highly organized, and meticulous, and a great communicator. We are looking for someone who takes ownership of their work, thrives in a highly collaborative environment, and is comfortable taking the lead and voicing their opinions and ideas. If you are looking for a mix of sponsorship and event planning experience, this position is for you!   

THE WORK YOU’LL DO

• Act as day-to-day contact for key clients 
• Communicate clearly and effectively with clients, vendors, venue operators, and partners 
• Manage the day-to-day operations of planning and executing events (all logistics: pre, during, and post, from researching venues to wrap reports, budgets, and timelines) with support from Event Executive
• Deliver unique, custom event solutions to key program stakeholders, internally and externally, on a regular basis 
• Maintain and seek creative ways to enhance partner relationships, as well as vendors and properties. 
• Manage agreements/contracts with venues and chef partners as needed
• Maximize the value of the sponsorship assets and programs 
• Manage approvals of sponsorship branding and messaging onsite and in digital collateral
• Oversee numerous projects simultaneously, managing smaller-scale turn-key event experiences and supporting large-scale custom event experiences  
• Assist with finance paperwork and documentation (Creation of POs, job codes and adding new clients as vendors into our systems)
• Develop post event wrap-up emails and decks to clients directly following events and compile end-of-year recaps
• Attend events while serving as a main point of contact for vendors, guests, client and partners

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

• A fan or expert of celebrity & lifestyle culture, food, travel, Broadway, dance and the arts
• 3-4 years’ experience within an agency or client service experience and event planning preferred
• An A+ organizer and communicator
• A self-starter who can own projects from conception to completion, with the ability to independently problem-solve and develop creative solutions.
• Diligent work ethic, with the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and produce quality work, while adhering to deadlines (ex: reporting documents, client-facing decks, budgets)
• Be comfortable and able to shine in front of clients
• A team player who loves to share their opinion and solve problems but can also work independently
• A standout colleague who can help manage relationships with key partners (e.g. venues, vendors, suppliers, etc.)
• Excellent project management skills
• Some budget management and/or reconciliation experience desirable
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Software (specifically PowerPoint, Excel and Word)
• 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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