Experiential Director (Events)

Octagon is a leading global sports, entertainment, and experiential marketing company, recognized as one of the "Best Places to Work in Sports." As the experiential marketing arm of the Interpublic Group, Octagon merges passion for sports, entertainment, and culture with cutting-edge marketing strategies to create innovative and impactful experiences. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, with additional office locations in Cary, North Carolina, and Charlotte, North Carolina. This vibrant environment is dedicated to delivering outstanding event experiences that engage brands and consumers alike, fostering meaningful connections across various industries. Octagon prides itself on being Playmakers who believe in the power of play to unlock potential and create bold, insightful ideas that resonate with audiences worldwide.

The Experiential Director role at Octagon offers a unique opportunity for a seasoned professional passionate about event production and experiential marketing. This position involves planning and executing event and experiential marketing programs with a focus on world-class experiences for brand clients and their audiences. The role is flexible with regard to location, giving priority to candidates open to hybrid work, typically requiring three days per week in office at Cary or Charlotte, NC. The salary range for this position is between $70,000 and $85,000 annually, with compensation dependent on experience, qualifications, and other relevant factors.

As an Experiential Director, you will act as the 'general contractor' on various projects, overseeing communication between multiple collaborators and turning creative concepts into actionable steps. Your responsibilities will include sourcing, negotiating, and managing vendors for production elements such as audiovisual equipment, furniture, signage, stage design, and other critical components essential to event success. You will serve as the day-to-day account lead for production and fabrication, coordinating closely with creative and account teams to manage concept development, design, staffing, and on-site activation. You will also oversee production budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and adherence to client guidelines.

This role requires extensive collaboration within the larger Events Team, working alongside specialty groups like creative, digital, and client services. As a key player in the team, you will help standardize operations for production and fabrication needs across Octagon’s diverse portfolio, which includes professional golf events and industry conferences aimed at strengthening B2B relationships. The Experiential Director will lead vendor partnerships, client communication, and staff coordination, maintaining a strategic approach to address complex logistical challenges.

The role demands a proactive, solution-oriented mindset and excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. You will manage multiple projects simultaneously with varying timelines, adjusting plans as necessary to meet business goals. Domestic travel is required, with an anticipated frequency of one to two times per month, including occasional nights and weekends. Physical demands include the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods during events.

Joining Octagon means becoming part of a dynamic team celebrated for its innovative approach to experiential marketing and event production. The company encourages a collaborative culture, nurturing creativity and continuous growth. As an Experiential Director, you will have significant influence over the success of high-profile events, playing a vital role in shaping the future of experiential marketing while enjoying a rewarding and engaging work environment where your contributions truly matter.