Experiential Director Host City Lead Global Soccer Financial Services Client Contract

EXPERIENCES / Responsible for overseeing the planning and execution of experiential marketing programs in a specific Host Cities for the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

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 during late May-mid to late July), this position will sit out of one of the Host Cities:

• Dallas
• Houston
• Miami
• San Francisco

If not already in one of those markets, Octagon will provide all transportation and accommodation assistance to relocate to the above markets.

WHEN YOU’LL WORK

Contract Dates: May 1, 2026 to July 31st, 2026

Contract Type: W-2 Employment

THE WORK YOU’LL DO

Octagon is seeking Host City Leads to lead on‑the‑ground execution of a Financial Services Client experiential programs for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ across each of the 11 U.S. Host Cities. This role is the local market lead, responsible for delivering all client’s Stadium Activations and FIFA Fan Festival™ experiences, ensuring flawless execution throughout the tournament.

The position offers remote flexibility during May, but requires 8-10 consecutive weeks in‑market during June and July to oversee planning, build‑outs, rehearsals, live operations, and events strike.

As a Host City Leads, you will serve as the primary in‑market operator, managing staff, vendors, logistics, and day‑to‑day execution to bring world‑class fan experiences to life. You’ll collaborate closely with regional and national Octagon teams to ensure consistency, quality, and operational excellence across all touchpoints. Other main responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Serve as the primary in‑market lead for all major client experiential activations taking place in the host city.
• 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 all 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. 

THE BIGGER TEAM YOU’LL JOIN

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

• 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 importantly, on the road. 
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record required. 
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and stand for up to or more than eight hours at a time. 
• Flexibility and willingness to travel domestically and work weekends or holidays as needed. Anticipated travel level: High (40-60%).

This position pays an annualized rate of $100,000, and is not overtime-eligible. Contract positions with Octagon are not benefits-eligible.  

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.