Experiential Director, Market & Guest Communications (Soccer) (Contract)

THE JOB / Experiential Director, Market & Guest Communications (Soccer) (Contract)

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

WHERE YOU'LL WORK

Our headquarters is in Stamford, CT, 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 to August 31, 2026

Contract Type: W-2 Employment

THE WORK YOU'LL DO

We're seeking a dynamic and meticulousMarket & Guest Communications Director to coordinate all communications that engage clients and their guests, manage expectations, and enhance the overall guest experience across one of our clients' FIFA World Cup hospitality programs. This role is at the operational backbone of guest engagement, ensuring every touchpoint reflects excellence & precision. You'll oversee communications, service delivery, and guest journey planning for a high-profile client. You'll work closely with our in-house Strategy Operations team and leverage our customized GMS to manage package orders, communications, track preferences, and ensure seamless execution from invitation to post-event follow-up.

• Track market package orders & support post event financial reconciliation
• Develop and execute tailored communication strategies for VIPs, clients, and guests across multiple channels (GMS, email, Guest App, SMS, WhatsApp & other platform messaging)
• Serve as the primary point of contact for markets and guest inquiries, preferences, and special requests
• Craft compelling messaging that reflects brand tone and event objectives across all guest communications
• Collaborate with Strategy Operations to ensure customized GMS fulfills all client requirements including, but not limited to guest lists, itineraries, RSVPs, seating, transportation, accommodation, and communications
• Ensure data accuracy and integrity across all touchpoints
• Implement & generate feedback system, real-time issue resolution protocols & post-event reporting
• Oversee workforce communications, providing clear guidelines for official accreditation submission, offering ongoing support and delivering detailed instructions for collection processes
• Contribute to cross-functional planning and execution of guest operational flows, by keeping client informed with the latest operational updates
• Collaborate with all support workstreams as required, including ticketing, accounting, legal, finance, transportation and accommodation
• Collect and contribute content to support the creation of guest communication materials, aimed at informing clients and their guests of VIP hospitality program logistical details & key operational information (pre-departure information, Guest App, itineraries)
• Identify, organize, and escalate client & guest requests to other support departments as needed
• Monitor last minute changes during event time and inform operational workstreams

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

• 8+ years in guest experience and event communications around major international events (FIFA World Cup and Olympic Games)
• Experience with GMS and CRM systems and/or custom event software platforms
• Experience with data analytics and reporting tools
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment
• A proactive, empathetic, and solution-focused mentality
• Multilingual communication abilities are a plus!
• Have experience working on programs at scale with multiple locations
• Have strong attention to detail, the ability to prioritize multiple tasks, and produce quality work within deadlines
• Ability to think on your feet and use your initiative. You enjoy learning new things and can quickly adapt when things change
• A natural at building relationships with just about anyone at any level in an organization
• Thrives when solving problems and finding creative solutions to challenges
• Can collaborate across disciplines, departments and projects
• Have demonstrated experience in positions requiring discretion, judgment, tact, and poise and you are reliable and trustworthy
• Exhibits emotional intelligence and can adapt to working with various personalities
• Not afraid to "pitch in", "roll up your sleeves" and get it done. Takes initiative. No task is too big or too small.
• Have excellent computer skills - Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Self-motivated with the ability to work autonomously in remote settings, maintaining high standards of performance and accountability
• A collaborative standout colleaguewith a flexible, positive attitude, eager to contribute to a successful event execution
• Flexibility and willingness to travel domestically and internationally, work weekends or holidays as needed. Anticipated travel level: Moderate (20-45%).

L5: This position pays an annualized rate of $100,000 and is not eligible for overtime.

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.

#LI-JR1