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

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

Join to apply for the Experiential Director, Market & Guest Communications (Soccer) (Contract) role at Octagon.

Locations: Hybrid work 3 days a week in office at Stamford, CT; other office locations include New York, NY; Charlotte, NC; Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; Los Angeles, CA; Miami, FL. Remote options are available for East Coast candidates.

Contract Dates: January to August 31, 2026. Contract Type: W-2 employment.

THE WORK YOU'LL DO

We're seeking a dynamic and meticulous Market & 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.

• 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 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, 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 elevate 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 the world. We believe in the power of play to create big ideas and unlock potential for our clients and talent.

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!
• Experience working on programs at scale with multiple locations
• Strong attention to detail, ability to prioritize multiple tasks, and deliver quality work within deadlines
• Ability to think on your feet and use initiative. Enjoy learning new things and adapting quickly when circumstances change
• Natural at building relationships with just about anyone at any level in an organization
• Thrives when solving problems and finding creative solutions to challenges
• Collaborates across disciplines, departments and projects
• Demonstrated discretion, judgment, tact, and poise; 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.
• 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
• Collaborative standout colleague with a flexible, positive attitude, eager to contribute to successful event execution
• Flexibility and willingness to travel domestically and internationally; work weekends or holidays as needed. Anticipated travel level: moderate (20‑45%).

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.

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