Account Director - Experiential and Sponsorship Activation (Denver, Chicago, Los Angeles)

Motive is a dynamic agency and creative collective operating at the speed of culture. We’re a collective of deep thinkers, creative makers, cultural connoisseurs, and executional aces. We create meaningful engagements between brands and their audiences, cultivating relationships that drive tangible results for our clients. And we do it with sharp strategy and powerful creative executed across all the media and touch-points key to our targets’ lives.

As pioneers in content, digital engagement, and innovative experiential programs, Motive fosters a culture where individuals stretch their creative and executional muscles daily. If this sounds like a place you would thrive, let’s see if we can make something happen.

 

ACCOUNT DIRECTOR 

We are seeking an Account Director with deep expertise in experiential marketing and sponsorship activation to serve as the day-to-day account lead and driving force behind a high-profile hospitality and fan engagement program on behalf of a major sports property. You will guide sponsorship strategy, translate partnership assets into breakthrough experiences, and oversee the end-to-end execution of a large-scale experiential ecosystem.

This is a highly visible role requiring a leader who thrives in complex, fast-moving environments and can deliver world-class experiences on a global stage.

 

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Client Leadership & Account Management

• Lead day-to-day client relationships with confidence, authority, and strategic perspective.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with senior client stakeholders, as well as key external partners (leagues, governing bodies, rights holders).
• Serve as a trusted advisor, translating business objectives into impactful experiential and sponsorship strategies.
• Represent Motive in a highly visible role on a marquee global program.

Sponsorship & Experiential Strategy

• Translate sponsorship rights, assets, and agreements into compelling, experience-led marketing platforms.
• Identify opportunities to maximize partnership value through innovative fan engagement and hospitality experiences.
• Collaborate with Strategy and Creative teams to ensure ideas are insight-driven, differentiated, and executable at scale.

Experiential Program Leadership

• Oversee the end-to-end execution of large-scale experiential activations, including complex builds, environments, and live event ecosystems.
• Partner closely with production, fabrication, and operations teams to deliver best-in-class experiences.
• Manage integrated work streams across experiential, content, digital, and social.
• Ensure all programs are delivered on time, on budget, and at the highest level of quality.

Onsite Leadership & Execution

• Serve as a senior leader onsite during key program moments, including events and installations.
• Manage clients and stakeholders in real time, troubleshoot issues, and ensure flawless delivery under pressure.
• Lead cross-functional teams through high-stakes, live environments.

Business Growth & Team Leadership

• Identify opportunities to grow the business within the account and broader sports/experiential space.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire internal teams across disciplines.
• Foster collaboration across internal and external partners to drive best-in-class work.

 

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

• 10+ years of integrated agency experience, with a strong focus on experiential marketing and live events.
• Proven experience leading large-scale experiential programs, including complex builds and live environments.
• Deep expertise in sports partnerships and sponsorship ecosystems, including rights holders, leagues, and governing bodies.
• Experience working on global sporting events such as Olympics or Paralymics strongly preferred.
• Strong background in hospitality and VIP experience management.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex programs with multiple stakeholders and moving parts.
• Experience scoping and managing large budgets; procurement experience a plus.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing and mentoring teams.
• A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with the ability to thrive in high-pressure environments.
• Passion for culturally relevant, experience-driven marketing.

 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Willingness to travel and be onsite for key program milestones and events.
• Flexibility to work non-standard hours as required by live event schedules and global timelines.

 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Motive is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We offer an inspiring working environment and competitive benefits, including health, dental, vision, matching 401k, unlimited flex time off, and more.

The starting salary for this position is between $115,000 and $145,000 annually, based on experience.