📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Associate Director, Global Communications and Publicity
🔹 Company: Octagon
🔹 Location: Chicago, IL; New York, NY; Stamford, CT
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Advertising Services
🔹 Date Posted: May 1, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Supporting global communications and PR efforts across multiple agencies
- Generating positive publicity and editorial coverage for clients and campaigns
- Managing digital platforms and internal communications
- Leading publicity opportunities for executives and clients
- Collaborating with senior leaders and C-suite to accomplish PR and marketing objectives
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong background in communications, public relations, and marketing, with a focus on media relations and storytelling. Experience working with international advertising, marketing, sports business, and entertainment trade outlets is a plus.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Supporting the SVP of Global Communications on overall communications, publicity, and media relations efforts for Octagon, R&CPMK, FRUKT, Futures, and No 2nd Place
✅ Working with senior representatives to pitch, secure, and place regular coverage
✅ Writing and updating communications materials, including press releases, bios, talking points, pitches, etc.
✅ Proactively pitching media outlets and coordinating publicity opportunities for executives, staff, and some clients
✅ Managing Octagon’s social media efforts and platforms to grow channels and increase engagement
✅ Managing editorial, social media, and awards calendars and assignments while developing positive relationships with internal teams to secure additional content
✅ Managing Octagon and R&CPMK agency and staff award submissions
✅ Maintaining press/media contact lists
✅ Working with team members on ad hoc projects, assignments, and events
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, creative execution, and day-to-day management of communications and PR efforts across multiple agencies and platforms.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field
Experience: 5+ years of experience working in Communications, Public Relations, and/or Marketing
Required Skills:
- Strong writing skills and experience drafting communications materials
- Proven experience pitching stories and working with media to secure earned media placements
- Experience managing social media accounts and drafting social-friendly copy
- Experience drafting industry and professional award submissions
- Proficiency with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Ability to plan effectively and keep publication timelines and calendars organized
- Self-starter with problem-solving skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- Comfortable working directly with C-suite and senior leadership to accomplish PR and marketing objectives
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with WordPress, Canva, and Constant Contact
- Background in managing digital platforms and internal communications
- Fluency in additional languages
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong portfolio of writing samples, media placements, and social media campaigns will be given priority.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $100,000 - $110,000 per year
Benefits:
- Unlimited PTO policy
- Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans with FSA/HSA and Dependent Care FSA options
- Generous family and parental leave policy (12 weeks)
- Access to 401K program with company match and Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- Pretax transportation/commuter benefits and parent travel program
- Dedicated mental health resources, including Headspace membership and Employee Assistance Program
- Discount portal for everyday goods and services
- Employee resource groups and inclusive diversity programming and initiatives
- Personal development programs
Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on industry standards for similar roles and experience levels. The comprehensive benefits package is designed to support employees' overall well-being and work-life balance.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Octagon is a global agency specializing in sports, entertainment, and culture, with a focus on sports marketing, entertainment marketing, and talent representation and management.
Company Size: Octagon has 501-1,000 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment with opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Founded: Octagon was founded in 1983 and has since grown into a leading global agency in its industry.
Company Description:
- Octagon is the world’s largest creative marketing and sponsorship consulting practice
- They are a pioneer and leader in athlete and personality representation and management
- Octagon works with hundreds of blue-chip corporate clients, more than 1,000 athletes and personalities, and manages more than 10,000 events per year
Company Specialties:
- Sports marketing
- Entertainment marketing
- Talent representation and management
Company Website: http://www.octagon.com
ASSUMPTION: Working at Octagon offers the opportunity to collaborate with high-profile clients and talent in the sports and entertainment industries, providing a dynamic and fast-paced work environment.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the mid-level management stage, with opportunities for growth and advancement within the company.
Reporting Structure: The Associate Director, Global Communications and Publicity will report directly to the Senior Vice President of Global Communications and work closely with other senior leaders across multiple agencies.
Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with the option to work in Chicago, IL; New York, NY; or Stamford, CT.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to a Director or Vice President role within the Communications department
- Expansion into other areas of the business, such as talent representation or event management
- Potential to work on high-profile campaigns and events, gaining valuable experience and exposure
ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will have a strong track record of career progression and a clear vision for their long-term goals within the company.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Octagon has multiple office locations, with the option to work in Chicago, IL; New York, NY; or Stamford, CT.
Office Location(s): 290 Harbor Dr, Stamford, CT 06902, US; 7950 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 700N, McLean, VA 22102, US
Geographic Context:
- Chicago, IL: A major city with a vibrant sports and entertainment scene, offering a diverse range of cultural experiences
- New York, NY: A global hub for media, advertising, and entertainment, providing ample networking opportunities
- Stamford, CT: A suburban location with easy access to New York City, offering a more laid-back work environment
Work Schedule: Full-time, with core hours of 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM local time, with flexibility for meetings and events as needed
ASSUMPTION: The work environment at Octagon is fast-paced and dynamic, with a strong focus on collaboration and teamwork. Successful candidates will be comfortable working in a busy, high-pressure environment and managing multiple projects simultaneously.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Phone or video screening with the HR department
- In-depth interview with the Senior Vice President of Global Communications and other senior leaders
- Final interview with the hiring manager or a panel of senior leaders
- Background check and reference check
Key Assessment Areas:
- Writing and communication skills
- Media relations and pitching experience
- Cultural fit and alignment with Octagon's values
- Problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure
- Understanding of the sports and entertainment industries
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Include specific examples of media placements, social media campaigns, and other relevant achievements
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills
- Research Octagon's clients, campaigns, and industry presence to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role
ATS Keywords: Global Communications, Publicity, Media Relations, Pitching, Writing, Social Media, Award Submissions, Digital Platforms, Internal Communications, C-suite, Senior Leadership
ASSUMPTION: The interview process at Octagon is designed to assess candidates' communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills, as well as their cultural fit and alignment with the company's values.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Social media management platforms (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer)
- Content management systems (e.g., WordPress)
- Design tools (e.g., Canva)
- Email marketing platforms (e.g., Constant Contact)
ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will have experience with relevant tools and technologies, as well as a willingness to learn and adapt to new platforms as needed.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Passion for sports, entertainment, and culture
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Innovation and creativity
- Accountability and results-driven
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic
- High-pressure and deadline-driven
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and flexible
- Results-focused and data-driven
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and news in the sports and entertainment industries?
- Can you provide an example of a successful media relations campaign you've led, and how you handled any challenges that arose?
- How do you prioritize and manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously?
- How do you approach working with C-suite and senior leadership to accomplish PR and marketing objectives?
ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong cultural fit with Octagon's values and work style, as well as a clear understanding of the company's mission and vision.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple agencies and clients with varying priorities and expectations
- Working with international media outlets and trade publications
- Balancing long-lead features, short-form articles, and business or talent profiles
- Keeping up with the fast-paced and ever-evolving sports and entertainment industries
- Adapting to the dynamic and unpredictable nature of media and publicity opportunities
ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will have experience navigating complex and fast-paced work environments, and be comfortable managing multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on global communications and publicity across multiple agencies within a single organization
- Similar roles in other agencies may have a more narrow focus on specific clients or campaigns
- Career progression in this role may lead to opportunities in talent representation, event management, or other areas of the business
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should research similar roles in other agencies to understand the unique aspects of this opportunity and how it aligns with their long-term career goals.
📝 Sample Projects
- Leading a media relations campaign for a high-profile sports event, securing coverage in international advertising, marketing, sports business, and entertainment trade outlets
- Managing social media channels for a major entertainment client, increasing engagement and followers through creative content and strategic planning
- Drafting and submitting award submissions for multiple agencies and clients, resulting in industry recognition and accolades
ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will have experience with relevant projects and campaigns, and be able to provide specific examples of their achievements and impact.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into the overall communications and marketing strategy for Octagon and its agencies?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does Octagon support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What are the most challenging aspects of working in global communications and publicity, and how does Octagon address these challenges?
- How does Octagon foster a culture of collaboration and teamwork across its multiple agencies and offices?
ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will ask thoughtful and insightful questions that demonstrate their understanding of the role and their enthusiasm for the opportunity.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills
- Research Octagon's clients, campaigns, and industry presence to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR department one week after your final interview to express your continued interest in the position
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
