Experiential Director (Host City Lead) (Global Soccer) (Financial Services Clien
Octagon, San Francisco, CA, United States
Where you'll work
Leading up to the tournament, this position offers flexibility for candidates open to hybrid work (3 days a week in the office) in one of our office locations – Stamford, CT; New York, NY; Los Angeles, CA; Chicago, IL; Atlanta, GA; or Miami, FL. Remote candidates will also be considered.
During the tournament (8–10 weeks from late May to late July), this position will be stationed in one of the following host cities:
Dallas
Houston
Miami
San Francisco
If not already located in one of these markets, Octagon will provide all transportation and accommodation assistance to relocate to the required city.
When you'll work Contract Dates:
May 1, 2026 – July 31, 2026 Contract Type:
W‑2 Employment
Responsibilities Octagon is seeking Host City Leads to execute a Financial Services client experiential program for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ across the 11 U.S. host cities. This role is the local market lead, responsible for delivering all client Stadium Activations and FIFA Fan Festival™ experiences, ensuring flawless execution throughout the tournament.
Serve as the primary in‑market lead for all major client experiential activations.
Oversee stadium activations, Fan Festival experiences, and additional special events within your assigned host city.
Act as the on‑site extension of the national and regional Octagon teams.
Implement activation plans, timelines, operational trackers, and staffing schedules for all local events.
Manage on‑site logistics including load‑in/out, vendor coordination, credentialing, transportation, accommodations, meals, and staff oversight.
Ensure all programs meet brand, safety, and operational standards.
Lead and motivate local staff, ambassadors, and production partners.
Provide clear direction, maintain alignment on deliverables, and support performance feedback and development.
Serve as the day‑to‑day in‑market point of contact for project leaders, internal teams, vendors, and partners.
Maintain consistent communication with regional leadership to ensure alignment on goals, budgets, and executional details.
Track local expenses and identify efficiencies while adhering to financial guidelines.
Support post‑event reporting, measurement, and insights to evaluate performance and ROI.
Foster a positive, inclusive, high‑energy environment that reflects Octagon’s values.
Represent the agency and client with professionalism in all interactions.
Qualifications
5–7 years of experience in experiential marketing, sponsorship, or event production – preferably with sports properties or large‑scale events.
Proven success leading multi‑market event programs with significant operational complexity.
Strong leadership presence with experience managing large, diverse teams.
Exceptional organizational skills with a meticulous eye for detail.
Demonstrated ability to manage staffing, scheduling, travel, accommodations, and on‑site logistics.
Excellent communication skills.
Skilled in budget management, forecasting, and financial accountability.
A collaborative problem solver who thrives under pressure and embraces a hands‑on leadership style.
Comfortable managing multiple concurrent projects in fast‑paced, high‑stakes environments.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and project management platforms.
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 at least eight hours at a time.
Flexibility and willingness to travel domestically and work weekends or holidays as needed. Anticipated travel level: 40–60 %
Compensation and Benefits This position pays an annualized rate of $100,000 and is not overtime‑eligible. As a contract position with Octagon, benefits are not available.
Equal Opportunity/EEO Statement 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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During the tournament (8–10 weeks from late May to late July), this position will be stationed in one of the following host cities:
Dallas
Houston
Miami
San Francisco
If not already located in one of these markets, Octagon will provide all transportation and accommodation assistance to relocate to the required city.
When you'll work Contract Dates:
May 1, 2026 – July 31, 2026 Contract Type:
W‑2 Employment
Responsibilities Octagon is seeking Host City Leads to execute a Financial Services client experiential program for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ across the 11 U.S. host cities. This role is the local market lead, responsible for delivering all client Stadium Activations and FIFA Fan Festival™ experiences, ensuring flawless execution throughout the tournament.
Serve as the primary in‑market lead for all major client experiential activations.
Oversee stadium activations, Fan Festival experiences, and additional special events within your assigned host city.
Act as the on‑site extension of the national and regional Octagon teams.
Implement activation plans, timelines, operational trackers, and staffing schedules for all local events.
Manage on‑site logistics including load‑in/out, vendor coordination, credentialing, transportation, accommodations, meals, and staff oversight.
Ensure all programs meet brand, safety, and operational standards.
Lead and motivate local staff, ambassadors, and production partners.
Provide clear direction, maintain alignment on deliverables, and support performance feedback and development.
Serve as the day‑to‑day in‑market point of contact for project leaders, internal teams, vendors, and partners.
Maintain consistent communication with regional leadership to ensure alignment on goals, budgets, and executional details.
Track local expenses and identify efficiencies while adhering to financial guidelines.
Support post‑event reporting, measurement, and insights to evaluate performance and ROI.
Foster a positive, inclusive, high‑energy environment that reflects Octagon’s values.
Represent the agency and client with professionalism in all interactions.
Qualifications
5–7 years of experience in experiential marketing, sponsorship, or event production – preferably with sports properties or large‑scale events.
Proven success leading multi‑market event programs with significant operational complexity.
Strong leadership presence with experience managing large, diverse teams.
Exceptional organizational skills with a meticulous eye for detail.
Demonstrated ability to manage staffing, scheduling, travel, accommodations, and on‑site logistics.
Excellent communication skills.
Skilled in budget management, forecasting, and financial accountability.
A collaborative problem solver who thrives under pressure and embraces a hands‑on leadership style.
Comfortable managing multiple concurrent projects in fast‑paced, high‑stakes environments.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and project management platforms.
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 at least eight hours at a time.
Flexibility and willingness to travel domestically and work weekends or holidays as needed. Anticipated travel level: 40–60 %
Compensation and Benefits This position pays an annualized rate of $100,000 and is not overtime‑eligible. As a contract position with Octagon, benefits are not available.
Equal Opportunity/EEO Statement 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr