Sr. Experiential Manager, Activation (Global Soccer) (Financial Services Client) (Contract)

THE JOB / Sr. Experiential Manager, Activation (Global Soccer) (Financial Services Client) (Contract)

EXPERIENCES / Responsible for planning, production and execution of experiential marketing programs within the soccer portfolio.

WHERE YOU’LL WORK

The priority location for this role is Charlotte, NC, but the location of this position can be flexible with priority given to candidates open to hybrid work (3 days week in office) in one of our office locations - - Stamford, CT, New York, NY, Charlotte, NC, Atlanta, GA, Chicago, IL, Los Angeles, CA, and Miami, FL. 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: January 1^st, 2026 to August 31^st, 2026

Contract Type: W-2 Employment

THE WORK YOU’LL DO

Octagon is in search of a Sr. Experiential Manager to join our team as a leader and playmaker at the intersection of soccer, community engagement, and experiential marketing. In this role, you will work closely with the Experiential Director and organizational soccer subject matter experts to help co-lead a team responsible for strategic program development of our financial services client's comprehensive FIFA World Cup 2026™ community portfolio. 

If you have knowledge and experience planning events, leading a team, building strong business relationships with community partners and vendors, and orchestrating first-class grassroots brand activations, this opportunity is for you! 

Our ideal candidate will be organized, strategic, a creative thinker and an excellent communicator. We are looking for someone who is highly collaborative, a strong leader, and is comfortable taking the lead and voicing their opinions and ideas. 

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

Given the relevance of community partners, vendors and scale of the FIFA World Cup program, we are looking for someone with 4-6 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, community partnerships, budget management, temporary staffing, etc.   

• Contribute to the strategic planning, program development, execution, and measurement of soccer community initiatives. 
• Partner with the Experiential Director to develop activation strategies, tactical plans, budgets, and post-program recaps. 
• Lead and mentor team members, including Experiential Managers and Senior Event Executives. 
• Develop and oversee community partnership strategies, cultivating relationships with local organizations, nonprofits, and soccer clubs. 
• Collaborate with Experiential and Client Services teams to ensure seamless planning, execution, and operational feasibility of activations. 
• Manage all aspects of community events—from vendor selection and contract negotiation to activation plans, merchandise management, and event documentation. 
• Provide strategic guidance during client and vendor calls, delivering updates and ensuring timelines are met. 
• Design and implement measurement frameworks to assess ROI and community impact. 
• Lead on-site event management, ensuring flawless execution and real-time problem-solving. 
• Serve as a trusted client advisor, building relationships that advance both business and project success. 
• Oversee direct reports, provide performance feedback, and support career growth. 
• Maintain close collaboration with the integrated soccer team and internal specialty groups across program development. 
• Perform additional duties and administrative responsibilities as needed. 

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

• Deep passion for soccer and understanding of the sport’s culture and community landscape. 
• 4–6 years of experience in marketing or sponsorship, with a focus on global sports properties and large-scale events (soccer/community engagement preferred). 
• Proven leadership experience with the ability to manage teams and develop talent. 
• Strong client management skills with a track record of building and maintaining strategic relationships. 
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; able to adapt messaging for diverse audiences. 
• Strategic, collaborative problem-solver who can influence teams and foster positive relationships. 
• Demonstrated expertise in event production and logistics, from briefing through execution. 
• Self-starter with strong multitasking skills, attention to detail, and the ability to perform under pressure. 
• Experience in budget management and financial oversight. 
• Confident presenter with dynamic communication skills across all audience levels. 
• High standards for quality control across client communications and project materials. 
• Proactive, critical thinker who thrives in fast-paced, hands-on environments. 
• Experience engaging with diverse communities and applying cultural sensitivity in program design. 
• Highly organized with meticulous attention to detail and the ability to anticipate challenges. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools. 
• 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 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 $82,000 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.