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Senior Manager, Brand Experience

Daniel J Edelman Holdings
Full-time
On-site
Chicago, Illinois, United States
🎨 Brand & Creative Marketing

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Senior Manager, Brand Experience

πŸ”Ή Company: Daniel J. Edelman Holdings

πŸ”Ή Location: Chicago, IL or New York, NY

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Full-Time

πŸ”Ή Category: Marketing & PR

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: April 21, 2025

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: 2-5 years

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: On-site

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Supporting the development and execution of experiential programs across strategy, creative, production, and client services.
  • Serving as a key point of contact for clients, managing communications, timelines, and expectations.
  • Collaborating with internal teams to brief in creative, strategy, and production resources to meet project objectives.
  • Creating and maintaining detailed project plans, timelines, and budgets.
  • Managing third-party vendors and production partners throughout planning and activation.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of organization, strong communication skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. Experience in experiential marketing or brand activations is crucial for success in this position.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Serve as a key point of contact for clients, helping to manage communications, timelines, and expectations.

βœ… Support the development and execution of strategic, integrated experiential campaigns with measurable KPIs.

βœ… Partner with internal teams to brief in creative, strategy, and production resources to meet project objectives.

βœ… Create and maintain detailed project plans, timelines, and budgets.

βœ… Help manage third-party vendors and production partners throughout planning and activation.

βœ… Assist with financial tracking and reporting, including budget oversight, OOP management, and internal PO process.

βœ… Contribute to post-program wrap-up, including reporting, insights, and budget reconciliation.

βœ… Proactively identify opportunities to add value and support organic growth within client accounts.

ASSUMPTION: The role requires a strong attention to detail, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to multitask and stay organized under pressure.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field.

Experience: 4-5 years of experience in experiential marketing or brand activations.

Required Skills:

  • Proven ability to manage projects from planning through execution, with strong attention to detail.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills; confident presenting internally and externally.
  • Collaborative, solutions-oriented approach with the ability to multitask and stay organized under pressure.
  • Familiarity with budget management and vendor coordination.
  • Comfortable working in a cross-functional team environment with multiple stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with specific event management software (e.g., Cvent, Eventbrite).
  • Fluency in a second language.

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, familiarity with the entertainment, sports, and lifestyle industries would be beneficial for this role.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60,000 - $80,000 per year. This range is just one component of DJEH’s total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, a Paid Time Off policy, and region-specific benefits.

Benefits:

  • Medical and dental insurance
  • Vision
  • 401K
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • Paid Time Off
  • Travel assistance
  • Wellness programing

Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with flexibility based on project demands.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles and experience levels. The actual salary may vary based on factors such as relevant education, certifications, performance, and business or organizational needs.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: Public Relations and Communications

Company Size: 2-10 employees. This small size means a high level of collaboration and the opportunity to make a significant impact on the company's success.

Founded: 1952. Daniel J. Edelman Holdings is a well-established company with a rich history in the public relations industry.

Company Description:

  • Daniel J. Edelman Holdings is a global communications firm that specializes in creating breakthrough marketing campaigns.
  • The company partners brands with the people, places, and platforms that shape pop culture.
  • Daniel J. Edelman Holdings offers a full suite of services, including celebrity and influencer programming, music-film-TV/digital-sports partnerships, communications, branded content, and experiential.

Company Specialties:

  • Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Lifestyle

Company Website: https://www.djeholdings.com/

ASSUMPTION: Daniel J. Edelman Holdings is a well-established company with a strong reputation in the public relations industry. The company's focus on entertainment, sports, and lifestyle industries makes it an attractive option for candidates interested in these fields.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level management. This role is a step up from entry-level or associate positions and involves managing client relationships and project teams.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Manager, Brand Experience will report directly to the Vice President of Brand Experience and will oversee Associate Managers and Coordinators.

Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time. This role requires a presence in the office to collaborate with internal teams and manage client relationships.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Advancement to a Director or Vice President role within the Brand Experience department.
  • Expansion into other departments or service offerings within the company.
  • Opportunities to work on high-profile, global campaigns and gain experience in international markets.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities for the right candidate, including the chance to develop leadership skills and gain experience in managing teams and client relationships.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Urban, open-plan offices in Chicago and New York City.

Office Location(s): 55 E. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60601 and 5900 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036

Geographic Context:

  • Chicago: A vibrant, midwestern city known for its culture, food, and architecture. The office is located in the heart of the city's financial district.
  • New York: A global hub for entertainment, media, and finance. The office is located in the bustling Wilshire corridor.

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with flexibility based on project demands. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to support event activations.

ASSUMPTION: The urban office environments in Chicago and New York offer ample opportunities for networking and collaboration with industry professionals.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Phone or video screen with the HR department to discuss the role and assess cultural fit.
  • In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and a team member from the Brand Experience department.
  • Final interview with the Vice President of Brand Experience.

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Communication skills and ability to manage client relationships.
  • Project management skills and attention to detail.
  • Collaboration and teamwork skills.
  • Industry knowledge and understanding of experiential marketing.

Application Tips:

  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience in experiential marketing or brand activations and your ability to manage projects and client relationships.
  • Prepare examples of successful experiential campaigns you've worked on, including your role in their development and execution.
  • Research Daniel J. Edelman Holdings and be prepared to discuss why you're interested in the company and this role specifically.

ATS Keywords: Experiential marketing, brand activations, project management, client communication, event planning, budget management, vendor coordination, cross-functional teams, stakeholder management, integrated campaigns, KPIs

ASSUMPTION: The application process for Daniel J. Edelman Holdings is competitive, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their relevant experience and skills throughout the interview process.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Event management software (e.g., Cvent, Eventbrite)
  • Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
  • Communication and collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools is not required but may be beneficial for candidates applying for this role.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Integrity
  • Creativity
  • Collaboration
  • Excellence
  • Accountability

Work Style:

  • Fast-paced and dynamic
  • Collaborative and team-oriented
  • Results-driven and focused on client success
  • Adaptable and responsive to changing priorities

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • Do you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment?
  • Are you comfortable managing multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously?
  • Do you have a proven track record of delivering successful experiential campaigns?
  • Are you passionate about the entertainment, sports, and lifestyle industries?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who are a strong cultural fit for Daniel J. Edelman Holdings will be enthusiastic about the company's focus on creativity, collaboration, and excellence, and will be eager to contribute to the company's success in the entertainment, sports, and lifestyle spaces.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • Managing multiple projects and clients simultaneously, with tight deadlines and high expectations.
  • Adapting to changing priorities and project demands in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
  • Working with a diverse range of stakeholders, including clients, vendors, and internal teams.
  • Occasional evening and weekend work to support event activations.

ASSUMPTION: These challenges are inherent to the role and the industry, and successful candidates will be able to manage their time effectively, prioritize tasks, and maintain a strong work-life balance.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • Compared to other experiential marketing roles, this position offers a greater focus on client management and strategic campaign development.
  • Unlike some other agencies, Daniel J. Edelman Holdings has a strong focus on the entertainment, sports, and lifestyle industries, which may appeal to candidates with a passion for these areas.
  • This role offers significant growth opportunities, with the potential to advance to a Director or Vice President role within the Brand Experience department or expand into other departments or service offerings within the company.

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider their career goals and personal interests when comparing this role to similar positions in the industry.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Developing and executing an integrated experiential campaign for a major entertainment client, including event activations, influencer partnerships, and social media amplification.
  • Managing a team to produce a large-scale event for a sports client, including vendor coordination, logistics, and on-site management.
  • Creating a branded content series for a lifestyle client, including concept development, production, and distribution.

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are intended to illustrate the types of campaigns and initiatives the Senior Manager, Brand Experience may be responsible for developing and executing. Actual projects may vary based on client needs and industry trends.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the Brand Experience department?
  • How does Daniel J. Edelman Holdings support the professional development and growth of its employees?
  • What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how have previous incumbents succeeded in managing them?
  • How does Daniel J. Edelman Holdings approach diversity, equity, and inclusion in its hiring and workplace practices?
  • What are the most rewarding aspects of working on experiential marketing campaigns for entertainment, sports, and lifestyle clients?

ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to help candidates better understand the role, the team, and the company culture, and to demonstrate their interest in and enthusiasm for the position.

πŸ“Œ Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

  • Submit your application through this link
  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience in experiential marketing or brand activations and your ability to manage projects and client relationships.
  • Prepare examples of successful experiential campaigns you've worked on, including your role in their development and execution.
  • Research Daniel J. Edelman Holdings and be prepared to discuss why you're interested in the company and this role specifically.
  • Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.