Group Account Director

Summary

Join Octagon as a Group Account Director and lead client business, managing global partnerships and programs. You will oversee NBA/WNBA sponsorship initiatives and brand partnerships for a gaming client, focusing on strategic program development, team leadership, integrated planning, and presentations. The ideal candidate possesses gaming industry knowledge, strong communication skills, and sports/entertainment sponsorship expertise. This role requires managing multiple workstreams, developing junior team members, and building client relationships. The position offers flexible work arrangements, including hybrid or remote options, and is based in Stamford, CT, with other office locations considered. Octagon is recognized as a Best Place to Work in Sports.

Requirements

• 8-10 years of work with an agency, brand, or property on the development of integrated brand campaigns, specifically within global sports and/or entertainment
• Superior verbal and written communicator able to scale and adapt communications for a variety of audiences to optimally and succinctly articulate agency positioning and expertise
• A strategic, collaborative approach to solving problems with ideas – build relationships and influence a range of teams
• Track record of success at cultivating positive agency, client and property relationships
• Strong organizational and leadership skills
• Strategic problem solver - can see the possible impacts of a decision on many projects
• Flexibility and willingness to travel domestically and work weekends or holidays as needed
• A highly driven and motivated individual
• Exceptional communicator and strong PowerPoint skills to deliver creative, clear documents to senior stakeholders
• A commitment to developing talent underneath and around you
• Strong attention to detail

Responsibilities

• Oversee multiple sponsorship project work-streams from development through execution
• Assist with the development of integrated sponsorship activations, initiatives, and campaigns leveraging the client’s sponsorship portfolio and assets to their fullest potential
• Act as lead on the development & delivery of key documents to include senior executive presentations, strategic recommendations, competitive reports, best practice guides, and case studies
• Manage and develop junior team members; be a team leader cultivating an inclusive environment for all team members
• Build and cultivate positive client relationships
• Lead day-to-day management for the client's business
• Become an authority on our client's business and their competitive set
• Help identify, analyze, navigate, and negotiate sponsorship marketing opportunities for clients
• Collaborate with agency team on sponsorship activation and campaign content creation (e.g., strategy, experiential, creative, digital)
• Other related duties, as reasonably assigned
• Domestic travel to support client’s programming; includes non-traditional hours, nights, and weekends

Preferred Qualifications

• An interest in gaming and eSports, knowledge about the gaming industry including its major publishers, players, leagues and ecosystems a major plus
• Experience working with the NBA and WNBA, and an understanding and passion for basketball culture, a plus

Benefits

• 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