Groups & Events Director

About WPP Media WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. With exceptional talent, trusted data and intelligence, and world-class partnerships – all united by our pioneering agentic marketing platform, WPP Open – we help clients navigate change, capture opportunity, and deliver transformational growth.  WPP Media is WPP's AI-driven media operating unit, bringing together media, data, and partnerships to deliver creative personalisation at scale. Connected through WPP Open and powered by Open Intelligence, clients see exactly where, how, and why their media investment is working. For more information, visit wppmedia.com [wppmedia.com]. 1548 - Account Director, Programmatic - NMU About WPP 650 Join an award-winning team at the heart of UK government, where your work will genuinely shape lives. As part of WPP 650 you’ll be part of a supportive, collaborative environment that values curiosity, kindness, and growth. Together, we use behaviour change principles to design smarter services, influence better decisions, and help millions of people across the country. Named WPP 650, after the 650 UK parliamentary constituencies, the name is a reminder that our work must reflect the full breadth of the country, every community, every audience. No two days are the same. The challenges are complex, the problems worth solving, and the learning constant. You’ll tackle issues that matter, alongside talented colleagues who care deeply about what they do. It’s demanding – but always rewarding. This is meaningful work with real-world impact – the kind you can point to with pride. Role Summary and Impact As Programmatic Account Director for the Government New Media Unit (NMU), you will own the rapid, data led delivery of always on, tactical and reactive biddable media activity across search and social for central government. Operating within an agile, test and learn delivery model, this role prioritises speed, accountability and continuous optimisation, while ensuring all government governance, compliance and assurance requirements are met. This role sits within a new, fully integrated, end to end client marketing team and acts as a test bed for the Government’s ambitious media and marketing transformation programme. The successful candidate will help define and embed a new operating model for how government delivers responsive, high impact paid media. Operating Model & Ways of Working The NMU is designed to deliver a highly agile and responsive service, operating across three defined speeds of delivery: * Always‑on activity Continuous delivery, optimisation and performance management * Tactical activity End‑to‑end delivery (brief, creative, booking, live) within approximately two weeks * Reactive activity 24‑hour turnaround, from brief to creative development and live execution, responding to policy updates, announcements or external events The Programmatic Director will play a role alongside the VP and other digital leads on the account in enabling, governing and scaling this model within WPP Media and WPP 650. Key Responsibilities Agile Delivery & Optimisation * Own and deliver rapid, data‑led biddable activity across all three operating speeds * Lead iterative test‑and‑learn cycles, including sprints, daily optimisation and rapid hypothesis testing * Operate effectively within short planning horizons (weekly or bi‑weekly), adapting to evolving priorities and incomplete briefs * Capture, embed and scale learnings at pace across the NMU and wider government ecosystem Ways of Working & Continuous Improvement * Continually review, refine and optimise ways of working to increase speed and agility across: * Planning * Campaign setup * In‑flight optimisation * Reporting and post‑campaign evaluation * Apply foresight, pre‑mediation and proactive setup to remove friction and enable rapid delivery * Contribute to the development of playbooks, guardrails and best‑practice frameworks for agile government biddable delivery * The role will be split across the clients location and WPP 650. It will predominantly be an in person and not virtual role. Governance & Decision‑Making * Ensure all government governance, compliance and assurance requirements for biddable media are met and documented * Balance speed with risk management through clear guardrails, approval thresholds and escalation routes * Exercise fast, confident decision‑making within defined autonomy, acting as a trusted senior lead for clients Budget & Performance Accountability * Manage multi‑million‑pound budgets (£40m+) with accountability for ROI, effectiveness and value for money * Embed real‑time, data‑driven performance management, drawing on platform signals, social insight and trend analysis * Advise on and implement evaluation frameworks, test roadmaps and structured learning agendas Innovation & Transformation * Re‑imagine government communications through innovative paid and owned media approaches * Address share of voice challenges and support activity to counter misinformation where required * Actively leverage WPP Open and WPP AI capabilities to support automation, insight generation and optimisation within the NMU operating model Leadership, Collaboration & Capability * Lead and develop biddable activation talent, embedding specialist knowledge and best practice * Work collaboratively within a fully integrated, cross‑functional team spanning strategy, creative, data and client stakeholders * Foster a culture of fast decision‑making, learning and continuous improvement * Contribute to capability‑building initiatives, including GCS Advance, training agendas and knowledge‑sharing forums Skills & Experience * Experience delivering biddable media in fast‑paced, high‑pressure environments * Expertise across the digital media and programmatic landscape * Proven experience managing large‑scale budgets with outcome accountability * Confidence operating in regulated or complex client environments, including government * Stakeholder management skills and advisory skills at senior level * Comfortable operating with ambiguity, evolving briefs and rapid change * Collaborative mindset with a clear appetite for transformation and new ways of working Life at WPP Media & Benefits Our passion for shaping the next era of media includes investing in our employees to help them do their best work, and we’re just as committed to employee growth as we are to responsible media investment. WPP Media employees can tap into the global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, grow their networks, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising. We have a variety of employee resource groups and host frequent in-office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. Our benefits include competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision, and dental insurance, significant paid time off, preferential partner discounts, and employee mental health awareness days. WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers. We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process. Please note this is a UK based role and requires individuals to have the right to work in this location Please read our Privacy Notice (https://www.wppmedia.com/pages/privacy-policy [https://www.wppmedia.com/pages/privacy-policy]) for more information on how we process the information you provide.   Please read our Privacy Notice [https://www.wppmedia.com/pages/privacy-policy#:~:text=WPP%20Media%20Privacy%20Notice%20for%20Recruitment] for more information on how we process the information you provide.

Position Summary: The Assistant Director, Lacrosse Operations supports the day-to-day operational management of the lacrosse program, ensuring the successful execution of team logistics, events, travel, equipment coordination, scheduling, and administrative operations. This role works collaboratively with coaching staff, student services, campus departments, and external partners to provide a high-level experience for student-athletes, staff, and families while supporting the overall goals and standards of the lacrosse program.  Position Responsibilities: * Assist in the coordination and execution of all lacrosse program operations, including practices, games, tournaments, camps, showcases, and special events  * Manage team schedules, calendars, travel itineraries, and operational timelines  * Coordinate team travel logistics including transportation, lodging, meals, and travel documentation  * Assist with roster management, database updates, player documentation, and operational reporting  * Support game-day operations including facility setup, staff coordination, visiting team logistics, and sideline operations  * Oversee equipment distribution, inventory management, and operational readiness for practices and competitions  * Coordinate operational support for camps, clinics, recruiting events, and player development programs  * Serve as a liaison between coaching staff, student-athletes, parents/guardians, campus departments, and external vendors  * Maintain strong communication with Academic Affairs, Sports Medicine, Strength & Conditioning, Residential Life, Student Services, and Admissions  * Assist in coordinating recruiting visits, prospect communications, and family engagement initiatives  * Collaborate with Marketing and Communications teams to support program visibility, branding, and event promotion  * Assist leadership with operational planning, budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation  * Maintain organized records, operational procedures, compliance documentation, and reporting systems  * Support implementation and use of video analysis, scheduling, and performance technology platforms  * Research and recommend operational improvements, efficiencies, and technology enhancements  * Ensure compliance with IMG Academy policies, NCAA recruiting guidelines, FHSAA regulations, and all applicable governing body standards  * Adhere to all company policies, procedures, and business ethics standards  * Other duties as assigned  Qualifications: * Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Business Administration, Athletic Administration, or a related field preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience  * Experience supporting athletic operations, team administration, or event management within lacrosse or a competitive sports environment  * Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills  * Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment  * Experience working collaboratively across departments and with diverse stakeholder groups  * Strong commitment to student-athlete development and operational excellence  Preferred Skills: * Experience coaching elite or nationally ranked lacrosse programs  * Experience with recruiting and college placement processes  * Knowledge of video analysis and performance technology platforms  * Bilingual preferred  * CPR Certification preferred  * Valid driver’s license with the ability to travel for games, tournaments, recruiting, and events  * Experience leading camps, clinics, and player development programs  Physical Demands and Work Environment: * Ability to lift, move, push and pull equipment or boxes in excess of 40 lbs.   * Should be able to handle outdoor temperatures for a reasonable period of time.  * Must be able to move around campus which includes gym, turf, fields, etc.  * Ability to work flexible hours to include nights, weekends and holidays is required  #LI-NS1