Associate Creative Director, Art

Who We Are:

At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever-evolving world. Our heritage is built upon a century of combined expertise, where creativity meets technology, and diverse perspectives ignite inspiration. With the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, we have forged a new path as a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse.

Our global family now encompasses over 30,000 employees across 150+ offices in 64 markets, each contributing to a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences. Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology. We deliver end-to-end solutions that result in revolutionary work.

Who we are looking for:

VML is seeking a brilliant Associate Creative Director, Art to join our world class creative team: A next-level conceptual thinker and artist who knows all when it comes to creating work that demands attention. You should be able to work independently as well as collaboratively – owning a project with some oversight, without hand-holding. Client relationship and presentation skills are expected.

We’re looking for someone with both confidence and inspiration. Someone who possesses a talent for transforming great ideas into award-winning creative, and has a passion for visual storytelling. We are looking for a creative who enjoys selling their ideas as much as they love crafting them.

What you’ll do:

• Work | You’ll handle larger paid campaigns and take ideas from concept all the way through productions of various sizes. You will get to jump in on proactive creative opportunities on the core business, as well occasional opportunities on other major clients.

• People | This Associate Creative Director is a key member of our team. You will partner with an ACD (Copy) to be one of our primary, hands-on teams, and you’ll be expected to set the bar for creative work on the account. You will contribute to the team culture and chemistry. In addition to executing work, you will act as a mentor and help to cultivate the growth of more junior creative teams.

• Process | On top of driving, developing, and delivering creative work, you will be expected lead presentations and influence their outcomes. You will have opportunities to influence our creative process and how we work across various teams, inclusive of integrated campaign and social.

Who you are:

• Culturally Aware | You keep up with internet and social culture. You’re always curious about new, unexplored rabbit holes and corners of the internet. You uncover trends and are able to quickly jump on them.

• Creatively Brave | You are passionate about the power of creativity with the knowledge and authority to identify and nurture the best ideas. You provide flexible solutions, allowing the agency to adapt to solve clients’ challenges.

• Collaborative | You cultivate partnerships and build trust by demonstrating a commitment to the success of others, championing a team mentality, and leading by example. You are able to take live feedback, navigate discussions with clients with empathy, all while steering the work to the best possible place. You believe in the power of collaborationand you help create an open and optimistic culture.

What you’ll need:

• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in copywriting, preferably in advertising or a related industry.

• A portfolio of strategically sound, award-worthy creative work that you have taken from concept, through execution.

• A strong understanding of the conceptual and executional phases of the creative process.

• Experience presenting to and interacting with clients, as well as the ability to collaborate with other internal departments.

What we offer:

• Passionate, driven people | We champion a culture of people that do extraordinary work.

• Consciously cultivated culture | We aim to embody the behaviors to build an inclusive community that is in it together, bringing both positivity and active listening into the workplace as we simultaneously strive to empower creative bravery.

• Competitive benefits | What we offer full time hires ranges from the full spectrum of group health coverage options (medical, dental, vision) to a generous 401k match (100% dollar-for-dollar match, up to 5% of salary contribution), and a variety of paid time off offerings that reflect our investment in all aspects of your overall life balance and wellness.

• Growth-minded opportunities | We aim to nurture a culture of real-time feedback, growth-oriented mindset, and plenty of training opportunities through VML and WPP, so you can continue to grow personally and professionally.

VML is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, military/veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, or other protected group status. We believe in creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion and strives to recruit a diverse slate of candidates to help us achieve that goal.

The base salary range for this position at the time of this posting is indicated below. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package, click WPP Benefits for more details.

_$75,000—$180,000 USD

At VML, we are committed to fostering an all-inclusive work environment that is both rewarding and career-forward. Our Inclusion, Equity & Belonging initiatives, alongside the VML Foundation, reflect our dedication to giving back and making a positive impact in our communities and beyond. Our people are the heartbeat of our organization—creators, doers, innovators, makers, and thinkers—who drive not just marketing, but meaningful experiences that resonate in every action and interaction.

VML is a WPP Agency. For more information, please visit our website, and follow VML on our social channels via Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

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