Experiential Account Manager - Live Events & Brand Activations

Experiential Account Manager - Live Events & Brand Activations
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**Application Deadline:** 26 November 2026

**Department:** Account Management

**Employment Type:** Full Time

**Location:** New York

**Compensation:** $90,000 - $95,000 / year

### Description

Imagination is hiring an **Experiential Account Manager** to lead **live events, brand activations and product launches** for global **automotive** and other clients – from first brief through **on-site execution** and wrap and that create memorable, measurable impact for our clients. You’ll own client relationships day to day, translate brand and campaign objectives into standout experiences, and work closely with creative, production and on-site teams to bring them to life on time and on budget. As part of our Client Services team, you will be the lead across strategy, creative and **event production**, and the trusted point of contact for senior and executive client stakeholders.

This agency-side role blends **account management, project leadership and production**. You will own the day-to-day success of large-scale **experiential marketing** programs – from immersive pop-ups, conferences, auto shows, vehicle reveals, ride-and-drives, dealer and press events, and immersive brand experiences – keeping work moving, directing internal teams and anticipating what needs to happen next.

Our work follows the heartbeat of major live events and launches. This occasionally means evening, weekend and on-site support, so we prioritize ‘flexibility both ways’ – balancing show days with dedicated downtime.

This role is ideal for someone who lives and breathes experiential marketing, is confident running multiple projects at once, and enjoys collaborating with both clients and internal teams to deliver best-in-class live experiences.

**Is This Role for You?**

* You have 4+ years in account management or event production at an experiential, live events or integrated marketing agency.
* You have led live events or brand activations on-site and stayed calm when plans change on show day.
* You can read a production schedule, run of show and budget – and you know when to flag a risk.
* You enjoy being the go-to person for senior, executive-level clients.
* Please note: this is a client services role within a creative experience agency – not a sales, SaaS or customer success role.

### Key Responsibilities

* **Project Leadership & Event Production**
+ Lead experiential projects day to day, owning scope, timelines, deliverables and workback schedules from brief to delivery.
+ Define next steps, assign responsibilities and hold internal teams and suppliers accountable.
+ Anticipate production challenges and dependencies – venues, fabrication, AV, logistics and permits – and propose clear solutions early.
+ Translate client goals into actionable plans for creative, production and logistics teams.
+ Apply a strong understanding of the event production lifecycle, from concept and design through build, show days and wrap.

* **Client Relationships**
+ Act as the day-to-day point of contact for senior and executive-level clients, providing clear and consistent updates.
+ Manage high-touch client relationships with professionalism, discretion and urgency, responding to time-sensitive requests and shifting priorities.
+ Anticipate client needs and guide clients through complex decisions and deliverables.
+ Build trust and credibility over time to foster long-term relationships and account growth.

* **On-Site Event Execution**
+ Lead on-site at live events, activations and launches when required, including show-day management.
+ Ensure teams are briefed, timelines are met and details are managed through show days and beyond.
+ Be a calm, solutions-focused presence in high-pressure live environments.

* **Cross-Functional Team Leadership**
+ Lead coordination across strategy, creative, production and external partners and vendors.
+ Run internal status meetings, set agendas, document decisions and keep teams aligned.
+ Act as the connective tissue between teams, ensuring clarity, accountability and momentum.
+ Escalate risks early and agree mitigation strategies with senior team members.

* **Budgets & Financial Management**
+ Manage project budgets across the full lifecycle, tracking costs, change orders and forecasts.
+ Report regularly on project spend and flag potential budget deviations to senior team members.
+ Partner with the Senior Account Manager or Account Director on resource allocation and scheduling.

* **VIP Client Experience**
+ Curate hospitality for executive clients – hosted experiences, milestone recognition and thoughtful personal touches that strengthen relationships beyond active projects.
+ Ensure every client-facing meeting and event is polished and seamless, from catering and parking to executive accommodations.

* **Reporting & Performance**
+ With the Strategy Director, deliver clear reporting on program performance, KPIs and outcomes.
+ Gather client feedback and post-event insights to improve future work.

### Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

* 4+ years of proven account management or event production experience at an experiential marketing, live events, brand experience or integrated marketing agency.
* Hands-on experience delivering live events, brand activations, product launches, trade shows or exhibitions, including on-site leadership.
* Proven experience managing senior or executive-level clients in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments.
* Commercially minded, with experience managing budgets, forecasting and delivering profitable projects.
* In-depth working knowledge of event production: production schedules, run of show, vendor management, fabrication and AV.
* Clear and confident communicator, both written and verbal, with strong presentation skills.
* Highly organized, pro-active and detail-focused, staying calm and solutions-focused under pressure.
* Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, Event Management, Film/Video Production or a related field, or equivalent experience.
* Automotive experience (auto shows, vehicle launches, ride-and-drives, dealer or OEM programs) is a strong plus.
* Able to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends around live events.

### Benefits

**What we can offer you:**

* Work with a state-of-the-art product and deliver it to exciting and innovative brands
* Support for learning and development, including access to training, conferences and industry events
* A fun, engaging work culture
* Be part of a mission-driven team that values agility, integrity, and excellence
* Opportunity to contribute to large-scale, high-impact projects from day one

**Benefits and perks offered:**

* Comprehensive paid time off benefits
* Hybrid work model, where our team comes into the office a minimum of 3 days per week
* Generous parental leave
* Up to 4% safe harbor company 401k match
* Comprehensive, low-cost health benefits
* Wellbeing support (EAP, mental health resources)