Strategist, Sponsorship Strategy

STRATEGY / Responsible for developing and executing investment recommendations for our clients.

***Our headquarters are in Stamford, CT, but the location of this position can be flexible with a preference for working in one of our office locations - Stamford, CT, New York, NY, Charlotte, NC, Chicago, IL or Atlanta, GA. We will also consider a remote-based working arrangement for qualified candidates.***

We are looking for a Strategist to join the Sponsorship Strategy team. This position will be essential in supporting our team in developing recommendations that guide client sponsorship and marketing decisions. Whether it is advising on the right partnership opportunities, developing sharp consumer insights, or conducting primary research studies, we are looking for a candidate who can tell compelling stories, grounded in data.

Driven by data and insights, the strategy group blends art and science to identify where our clients should be showing up, and how to show up once there. Informing decisions each step of the way are partnership and asset valuations and 360-degree measurement to ensure return on investment.

This role is critical in delivering insights into the company, category, consumer, and culture to help pinpoint the right platforms and properties to deliver a brand’s message and connect with an audience. From there, this person will stay close to the execution to ensure the partnership is on strategy, reaching fans, and driving results. Finally, the Strategist will play an essential role in measuring those results with a focus on business objectives.

This person should be innovative, analytical, and resourceful, with the ability to tackle unique problems quickly. This person will support projects across multiple clients, so you must be someone who can manage your time efficiently across multiple projects.

The work you’ll do

• Perform tasks and responsibilities required with conscientiousness to produce high-quality, accurate results
• Build and deliver reports and presentations that are rooted in data, engaging, and measurable to effectively communicate findings and provide client recommendations
• Collaborate with cross-functional research, analytics, creative and activation teams
• Develop insights from quantitative, qualitative, and syndicated data sources to help understand the industry, competition, target audience, and more
• Build surveys and analyze results, and track and evaluate partnership effectiveness through customizable measurement programs

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

• 1-3 years of meaningful experience; agency experience a plus or grad degree a plus in lieu of experience
• Strong organizational, multi-tasking, and problem-solving abilities
• You are analytical and inquisitive by nature with strong attention to detail
• Working proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
• Client-facing verbal and written communication skills
• Knowledge of relevant trends in consumer, content, marketing, and sports landscapes
• Someone who enjoys getting their hands dirty in the data and has experience in working with syndicated databases, primary research, or other forms of data and research analysis

The base range for this position is $50,000 – 60,000. Where an employee or prospective employee is paid within this range will depend on, among other factors, actual ranges for current/former employees in the subject position; market considerations; budgetary considerations; tenure, and standing with the company (applicable to current employees); as well as the employee’s/applicant’s background pertinent experience, and qualifications. Octagon’s comprehensive benefits package includes:

• 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

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.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.