Experiential Account Manager - Live Events & Brand Activations

Imagination • New York, NY

10h • $90,000 - $95,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Imagination is hiring an Experiential Account Manager to lead live events, brand activations, and product launches for global automotive and other clients, from the initial brief through on-site execution and wrap. The role focuses on creating memorable, measurable impact while owning day-to-day client relationships and translating brand and campaign objectives into experiences delivered on time and on budget.

As part of the Client Services team, the Experiential Account Manager leads across strategy, creative, and event production and serves as a trusted point of contact for senior and executive client stakeholders. This agency-side role combines account management, project leadership, and production, covering programs such as immersive pop-ups, conferences, auto shows, vehicle reveals, ride-and-drives, dealer and press events, and other immersive brand experiences.

The work follows the schedule of major live events and launches and occasionally requires evening, weekend, and on-site support. The company describes its approach as flexibility both ways, balancing show days with dedicated downtime. The role is suited to someone experienced in experiential marketing who can manage multiple projects and collaborate with clients and internal teams to deliver live experiences.

Requirements

• At least 4 years of account management or event production experience at an experiential marketing, live events, brand experience, or integrated marketing agency.
• Hands-on experience delivering live events, brand activations, product launches, trade shows, or exhibitions, including on-site leadership.
• Experience managing senior or executive-level clients in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments.
• Experience managing budgets, forecasting, and delivering profitable projects.
• In-depth working knowledge of event production, including production schedules, run of show, vendor management, fabrication, and AV.
• Clear and confident written and verbal communication skills, including strong presentation skills.
• Highly organized, proactive, and detail-focused, with the ability to stay calm and solutions-focused under pressure.
• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, Event Management, Film/Video Production, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Ability to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends around live events.

Nice To Haves

• Automotive experience, such as auto shows, vehicle launches, ride-and-drives, dealer programs, or OEM programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead experiential projects day to day, owning scope, timelines, deliverables, and workback schedules from brief through delivery.
• Define next steps, assign responsibilities, and hold internal teams and suppliers accountable.
• Anticipate production challenges and dependencies, including venues, fabrication, AV, logistics, and permits, and propose solutions early.
• Translate client goals into actionable plans for creative, production, and logistics teams.
• Apply knowledge of the event production lifecycle, from concept and design through build, show days, and wrap.
• Serve as the day-to-day point of contact for senior and executive-level clients and provide clear, consistent updates.
• Manage high-touch client relationships professionally and discreetly, responding to time-sensitive requests and shifting priorities.
• Anticipate client needs and guide clients through complex decisions and deliverables.
• Build client trust and credibility to support long-term relationships and account growth.
• Lead on-site at live events, activations, and launches when required, including show-day management.
• Ensure teams are briefed, timelines are met, and event details are managed through show days and beyond.
• Coordinate work across strategy, creative, production, external partners, and vendors.
• Run internal status meetings, set agendas, document decisions, and keep teams aligned.
• Connect teams, ensure clarity and accountability, maintain momentum, and escalate risks early with mitigation strategies.
• Manage project budgets throughout the lifecycle, tracking costs, change orders, and forecasts.
• Report on project spend and flag potential budget deviations to senior team members.
• Partner with the Senior Account Manager or Account Director on resource allocation and scheduling.
• Curate hospitality for executive clients, including hosted experiences, milestone recognition, and personal touches.
• Ensure client-facing meetings and events are polished, including details such as catering, parking, and executive accommodations.
• Work with the Strategy Director to report on program performance, KPIs, and outcomes.
• Gather client feedback and post-event insights to improve future work.

Benefits

• Support for learning and development, including access to training, conferences, and industry events.
• Fun, engaging work culture.
• Opportunity to contribute to large-scale, high-impact projects from day one.
• Comprehensive paid time off benefits.
• Hybrid work model, with the team in the office a minimum of 3 days per week.
• Generous parental leave.
• Up to 4% safe harbor company 401(k) match.
• Comprehensive, low-cost health benefits.
• Wellbeing support, including EAP and mental health resources.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level