Experiential Director (Global Soccer) (Financial Services Client) (Contract)

EXPERIENCES / Responsible for planning and executing event and experiential marketing programs. 

WHERE YOU’LL WORK

The priority location for this role is Charlotte, NC, but the location of this position can be flexible for an Octagon office location with priority given to qualified candidates who will work East Coast working hours and open to hybrid work (3 days a week in the office) in one of our office locations - Stamford, CT, New York, NY, Chicago, IL or Atlanta, GA.  We will also consider a remote-based working arrangement for qualified candidates with East Coast working hours as a prerequisite.

WHEN YOU’LL WORK

Contract Dates:November 1, 2025 – August 31, 2026 

Contract Type: W-2 Employment 

THE WORK YOU’LL DO

Octagon is in search of an Experiential Director to join our team as playmaker at the intersection of sports and experiential marketing. In this role, you will co-lead a large team to help curate and execute numerous simultaneous brand activations for our client’s comprehensive soccer portfolio including FIFA World Cup 26™, and potential U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) support, and building a new Community platform.   

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!   

There will be a strong focus on team and client management, integrated planning across internal/external channels, concept development and advance facilitation working with clients, internal teammates and agency partners throughout the process.  

The position is best suited for a candidate passionate about working in a team environment with a diverse group of people from different cultural backgrounds and interested in managing multiple workstreams.  

The role will encompass working within the US, spanning time zones, business objectives and the full range of soccer interest levels. Given the complex layers of partners, vendors and fluid environment for this program, we are looking for someone with 7+ years of proven experience with experiential as well as an in-depth understanding of all event production elements throughout the entire process. This includes – but is not limited to – workstreams such as logistics, vendor management, production, transport, temporary staffing, etc. 

Roles and responsibilities include, but aren't limited to:

• Work with the Senior Experiential Director in the development of activation recommendations, tactical plans, finance trackers, budgets and program recaps for our soccer partnerships.   
• Understanding of requirements to develop and implement experiential programming with consumers, fans, clients and communities. 
• Lead and motivate project teams across multiple programs.  
• Collaborate closely with our Experiential and Client Services teams surrounding the planning and execution of all markets activation plans and strongly advise on operational feasibility of those plans.  
• Work with creative teams to develop activation plans and program recommendations in support of client goals and objectives.  
• Conduct pre-planning, management, and implementation for events including vendor vetting and selection, contract review/negotiation, event activation plans, merchandise management, and communication documents (i.e., budgets, work plans, event briefs, execution guides, etc.)  
• Develop relationships with clients as a trusted advisor, while driving the business and projects forward.   
• Oversight and management of direct reports, while also supporting career development.  
• Other administrative and related duties as assigned. 

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR 

• Have a passion for soccer and eager to stay up to date with development in the industry. 
• 7+ years’ experience in marketing/sponsorship, working with global sports properties and managing large-scale and/or global events, soccer industry a plus.  
• Strong leadership presence.  
• Ability to communicate concisely, persuasively, and effectively across multiple mediums.   
• Experience managing event production processes from briefing through execution, including but not limited to, logistics management, production, A/V, tech-savviness, shipping, etc.  
• Self-starter with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines, coordinate timelines, and perform under pressure.  
• Dynamic presentation skills with all audience levels, i.e., internal and external client presentations.  
• Ability to lead client meetings, staff planning and keep all parties on task, on time and on budget.  
• Manage quality control of client facing communications and project management materials across the team.  
• Problem solves effectively as a team and independently.  
• You’re a proactive, critical thinker who thrives when the pressure is on and you're not afraid to “pitch in” and get it done.  
• Proven ability to develop and sustain strong working relationships with multiple national and local clients.  
• Endurance, stamina and physical ability to work long hours for extended days during activations.  
• Persistent enthusiasm, energy and drive through the project both in the office and importantly, on the road.  
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record required.  
• 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: High (40-60%). 

This position pays an annualized rate of $100,000, and is not overtime-eligible. Contract positions with Octagon are not benefits-eligible. 

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.