About the Position

Creative Director, Copy

Chicago, Illinois, United States

About the Company

VML is a global creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce to create connected brands that drive growth. Guided by a Human First philosophy, VML is known for its innovative work for brands and consistently ranks among the world’s leading creative companies, including the WARC Creative 100. VML’s global network spans 55+ markets with principal offices in Buenos Aires, Kansas City, London, New York, São Paulo, Shanghai, and Singapore.

VML is part of WPP, the trusted growth partner for the world's leading brands. Powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform WPP Open, WPP unites cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, creativity, production, enterprise solutions, and expert strategic counsel.

For more information, please visit www.vml.com and follow along on LinkedIn #WeAreVML.

Responsibilities

Concept and collaborate on campaign ideas with a creative team while working on multiple projects.
Oversee the translation of the client’s vision into a roadmap that guides our agency, not only to achieve client goals, but also to generate work that is creatively brilliant, measurable, and impactful.
Craft original concepts, execute copy based on established voice/tone, and collaborate with writers on copy execution.
Partner with the Creative Director (Art) to concept, write, present, and defend work while addressing client needs.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across the agency to ensure timely deliverables.
Anticipate team and client needs, project risks, and participate in driving resolution.
Inspire clients and co-workers through good work, good spirit, and excellent communication.

Requirements

A Builder | Process-oriented innovator with an ability and appetite to create and bring people together. Innate ability to marshal people (team and client) and create gravity around ideas.
Open and collaborative | Our team is close-knit and supportive and we’re working with a lot of unknowns – you must be a champion of team environments that are comfortable and encouraging, especially working cross-discipline.
Optimistic and resilient | Dig in and figure out how to work around problems. Provide a balance needed to maintain stamina and positivity.
Ego-less | We all wear the hats that need wearing, it’s a mentality that makes the team successful.
A minimum of 10 years of experience in creative direction, preferably in advertising or a related industry.
Portfolio with successfully launched client projects on broadcast work, social, and everything in between.
Outstanding portfolio showcasing digital and social platforms with strong conceptual thinking.
Solid understanding of creative development-from drafting briefs to executing deliverables.
Well-versed in scriptwriting and in crafting both short and long-form content.
Ability to direct and mentor junior team members.
Ability to handle a high-volume environment with rapid turnaround times and manage multiple tasks and project details.
Practiced time management skills and a strong work ethic.
Agriculture experience a plus but not needed.
If you follow golf and a golf lover, brownie points. :)

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.

Salary

The base salary range for this position at the time of this posting is $100,000-$230,000 USD. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package.

Work Location

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 an average of four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

Equal Opportunity Employer

WPP (VML) is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to 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.

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Creative Director, Copy

Job description