Director, Experiential

Senior Manager, Brand Experience page is loaded## Senior Manager, Brand Experiencelocations: Chicago, Illinois, USAtime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: JR101880We are in relentless pursuit of an equitable and inspiring workplace that is respectful of all, reflects and represents the world in which we live, and fosters trust, collaboration and belonging. Consistent with this approach, we hire the best qualified candidates for all positions.**About the Role**The **Senior Manager, Brand Experience** leads the strategy, development, and execution of integrated marketing and experiential programs for key client accounts. This role blends **strategic leadership, client partnership, creative collaboration, and operational oversight** to deliver high-impact brand experiences from concept through execution and measurement.The Senior Manager serves as a **senior day-to-day client lead**, guiding cross-functional teams, mentoring junior staff, and ensuring programs drive measurable impact for clients while meeting agency standards for creativity, execution, and financial performance.**Key Responsibilities****Strategy & Program Development*** Lead the strategic development of integrated marketing, promotional, and experiential programs aligned to client business objectives* Translate client goals, cultural insights, and industry trends into clear program strategies and creative briefs* Guide cross-disciplinary teams in concept development and program ideation* Lead and facilitate brainstorm sessions and creative workshops* Develop program frameworks, activation strategies, and execution roadmaps* Ensure experiential programs are integrated across social, digital, PR, and influencer channels* Apply audience insights and industry trends to strengthen strategic recommendations and innovation**Account & Client Leadership*** Serve as **primary day-to-day client lead** across assigned programs and accounts* Build strong client relationships and act as a trusted advisor on experiential and brand engagement strategy* Lead client communications including presentations, program updates, and strategic recommendations* Manage program scopes, timelines, and deliverables across multiple initiatives simultaneously* Understand client business objectives, competitive landscape, and industry dynamics to proactively identify opportunities* Identify and drive opportunities to grow accounts through new capabilities, program expansions, or strategic initiatives* Mentor and guide junior team members on account management and program execution**Experiential Production & Execution*** Oversee the end-to-end planning and execution of experiential programs and brand activations* Lead development of production documentation including: + Production timelines and schedules + Run-of-show documents + Vendor briefs + Staffing plans and training materials + Key messaging frameworks* Source, negotiate, and manage external vendors and production partners* Ensure operational excellence across program execution, troubleshooting challenges and implementing solutions in real time* Provide senior oversight during live activations and events**Financial & Operational Management*** Manage program budgets, forecasting, and financial performance across accounts* Oversee program setup and tracking within agency financial systems* Ensure projects are delivered **on budget and within scope while maintaining profitability*** Review vendor contracts, invoices, and billing coordination* Monitor financial performance across programs and identify opportunities for cost efficiencies**Measurement & Reporting*** Define program KPIs and success metrics in collaboration with clients and internal teams* Lead development of campaign recaps and performance reporting* Translate program results into actionable insights and strategic recommendations for future initiatives* Ensure measurement frameworks are aligned with client business objectives**Business Development & Agency Contribution*** Support new business efforts, including RFP development, proposal writing, and pitch presentations* Partner with cross-disciplinary teams to develop integrated marketing concepts for prospective clients* Contribute to agency thought leadership, case studies, and award submissions* Actively build industry relationships and represent the agency within the experiential marketing community**Qualifications*** Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, advertising, or a related field* 4+ years of experience in experiential marketing, brand activations, or integrated marketing* Demonstrated experience managing complex experiential programs and client relationships* Experience integrating experiential campaigns with digital, social, and PR strategies* Strong strategic thinking and creative problem-solving abilities* Proven ability to manage multiple projects, teams, and timelines simultaneously* Strong leadership and mentorship skills* Excellent communication, presentation, and client management abilities* Working knowledge of public relations and integrated marketing programs* Passion for culture, entertainment, sports, and brand experiences$60,000 - $80,000 per year#LI-IR1An employee’s pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, travel requirements, revenue-based metrics, any contractual agreements, and business or organizational needs. The range listed 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.DJEH offers a wide range of benefits: medical and dental insurance, vision, 401K, life insurance, disability insurance, paid time off, travel assistance and wellness programing.DJEH is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and believes in diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek applications from all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, military and veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. If you require a reasonable accommodation in any part of the employment process, please let us know.It started with one man’s passion to make an impact through stories... 70 years later, we are the world’s largest communications firm, which fosters an environment where people feel empowered to take the kind of bold action that makes careers, reshapes industries, and creates the unexpected. We are one global team, over 6,000 strong across 60 offices, grounded by our shared values. We promise an experience where our employees see that boldness is possibility, empathy is progress, and curiosity is momentum. Since Dan Edelman founded the firm in 1952, we have remained an independent, family-run business, and our culture is one that brings understanding, collaboration, and respect to our work and to each other.We offer more than just a career – we offer a place to grow, make a meaningful impact, and help drive change alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry. Our culture is built on trust, innovation, and inclusivity, where unique perspectives are not only welcomed, but celebrated. At Edelman, your ambitions are supported, your voice matters and your work contributes to shaping the future of communications and clients’ business.### Join our Talent CommunityJoin our talent community to receive the latest DJE Holdings news and content, and to be notified when job openings match your skills and experience. #J-18808-Ljbffr Smithfieldgroup