Senior Experiential Director, Experiences (FIFA World Cup)

THE JOB / Senior Experiential Director, Experiences (FIFA World Cup)

• EXPERIENCES / Responsible for planning and executing event and experiential marketing programs for an existing client with a 2026 FIFA World Cup sponsorship.

***Our headquarters is in Stamford, CT, but the location of this position can be flexible with a priority given to candidates open to hybrid work (2-3 days week in office) in one of our office locations - - Stamford, CT, New York, NY, Charlotte, NC, Los Angeles, CA or Atlanta, GA. We will also consider a remote-based working arrangement for qualified candidates with East Coast working hours as a prerequisite.”

If you have knowledge and experience planning events, leading a team, building strong business relationships with vendors, and orchestrating first-class brand activations, this opportunity is for you! Our team is searching for a Senior Experiential Director on exciting new piece of business for an existing client activating at the 2026 World Cup.

But what will I do? Quite simply, you’ll become the day-to-day lead of a team and client group with the goal of leveraging a once in a generation opportunity to connect with the FIFA World Cup, and its rabid fans, domestically. You’ll collaborate with internal and external teams to lead the experiential programming, and its extensive staffing plan, for the client on-site at the FIFA World Cup.

This role will be integral in continuing to grow our team of creative experiential experts. We are looking for someone that is eager to try something new, dig in and work through complexity while having a lot of fun along the way.

THE WORK YOU’LL DO

• 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
• Manage of one or more direct reports as a career manager, while building and managing a hierarchy of event staff leading into 2026
• Host client and vendor/partner status calls during planning, providing relevant updates and ensuring deadlines are met
• Lead on-site staff and partners at events and activations
• Manage the holistic experiential program budget independently
• Lead on producing proposal decks and activation/execution guides
• Strategize and create plans to accomplish all planning goals leading to the event

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 passion for producing and managing events in the sports and entertainment field
• 9-12+ years of work experience in event production or experiential marketing
• Lead the experiential program team, working well within a team-centric environment with other Octagon specialties and external partners
• Exceptional communicator both in persuasive and concise speech and written documents/ communication
• Creative, problem-solver at heart
• Ability to consistently forecast ahead to put the experiential team in the best position for success
• Ability to “zoom in’ to figure out complex logistical problems with team members, then “zoom out” to understand big picture strategy and inform leadership
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, especially PowerPoint
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and stand for up to or more than 8 hours at a time
• A valid driver’s license and a clean driving record is required for this position.
• Bilingual in Spanish a major plus

• Flexibility and willingness to travel domestically and internationally, including nights and weekends for site visits and meetings ramping up to heavier travel in 2026 during the event. Anticipated travel level: Moderate (20-45%).

L6: The base range for this position is $90,000 – 120,000. 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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