Experiential Director

Adelphi Group•Stamford, CT

11d•$70,000 - $90,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Octagon is seeking an Experiential Director to plan and execute event and experiential marketing programs. This role involves turning creative ideas into tangible, on-site experiences for brands and consumers, particularly in the realms of basketball, gaming, and global sponsorships. The position requires acting as a 'general contractor' for events, organizing communication among stakeholders, and bringing world-class experiences to life. This role is integral to growing the event production team and leading exciting new projects, requiring an individual eager to tackle complexity and have fun. The Experiential Director will own programs from conception to execution, serving as the lead event planner, producer, and team leader. They will collaborate with various Octagon specialty groups (creative, client services, digital) as the experiential or event production expert. The role involves working on diverse programs and projects with new and existing clients, potentially managing direct reports, and building strong relationships with vendors and partners. Responsibilities include hosting client and inter-agency calls, providing strategic recommendations, leading on-site staff and partners, managing program budgets independently, and supporting brainstorms. Moderate domestic travel, including nights and weekends, is expected (approximately 1-2 times a month), along with other administrative duties.

Requirements

6-10 years of work experience in event production or experiential marketing
Expertise in producing and managing events in the sports and entertainment and gaming fields with a strong attention to detail
Proficiency in driving business forward and adjusting approach based on timelines and project demands
Ability to take a leadership role, while working well within a team-centric environment
Exceptional communicator both in persuasive and concise speech and written documents/ communication
Proactive, solution-oriented thinker and doer
Manage multiple cross-functional priorities concurrently, maintaining accountability and timelines across teams.
Provide strong internal operational leadership, overseeing expense management, documentation, and planning to ensure efficient program execution.
Must be highly organized and detail-oriented.
Ability to “zoom in” to figure out complex logistical problems with team members, then “zoom out” to understand big picture strategy and inform leadership
Willingness to work non-traditional event hours and travel for work. Anticipated travel: Moderate (20-40%).
Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, especially PowerPoint and Word
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and stand for up to or more than 8 hours at a time

Responsibilities

Own programs from conception to execution as the lead event planner, producer, and team leader
Collaborate with a variety of specialty groups within Octagon (creative, client services, digital, etc.) taking the lead as experiential or event production expert
Work on a variety of programs and projects, large and small, with both new and existing client relationships
Manage one or more direct reports on a project basis or as a career manager
Comfortable with hiring, leading, and maintaining strong relationships with vendors and partners
Host client and inter-agency calls during planning, providing strategy and recommendations while keeping an organized, efficient staffing plan
Lead on-site staff and partners at events and activations
Manage program budgets independently
Lead and support brainstorms and thought leadership projects
A moderate amount of domestic event travel will be required throughout the year, including nights and weekends (approximately 1-2 times a month)
Other administrative duties as assigned