Associate Creative Director (Copy)

VML; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

VML in Toronto is seeking an experienced Associate Creative Director (Copy) to elevate creative campaigns. The role requires 8+ years in advertising, exceptional writing skills, and a strong portfolio. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to drive creative excellence.

The position includes a salary of $90,000—$140,000 CAD and promotes a hybrid work environment. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience as a copywriter/creative lead within an advertising agency.
• Stellar portfolio showcasing conceptual thinking and beautifully crafted copy.
• Deep understanding of adapting tone and voice for different brands and audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead the translation of strategic direction into compelling copy and campaigns.
• Develop and elevate impactful and cohesive creative concepts.
• Champion the client’s brand voice and ensure all output drives business impact.

Skills

Creative vision

Strategic skills

Exceptional writing

Digital fluency

Presentation skills

Tools

Word processing software

Keynote

PowerPoint

Job description

About VML

VML, part of WPP, is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce, creating connected brands to drive growth. VML is celebrated for its innovative and human‑first, award‑winning work for blue‑chip client partners including AstraZeneca, Colgate‑Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca‑Cola Company, and Wendy’s. The agency is recognized by the Forrester Wave™ Reports as a Leader in multiple services, including Marketing Creative and Content Service Providers, Commerce Services, Global Digital Experience Services, Global Marketing Services, and Marketing Measurement & Optimization. VML’s specialist health network, VML Health, is one of the world’s largest and most awarded health agencies. VML’s global network is powered by 26,000 talented people across 55+ markets, with principal offices in Kansas City, New York, Detroit, London, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, and Sydney.

Associate Creative Director, Copy

About the Role

We are seeking an Associate Creative Director (Copy) (+ACD Art partner) who is looking to do the best work of their career. Ideal candidates will have a strong creative vision, exceptional strategic skills, and the ability to drive world‑class, impactful work while collaborating closely with our team.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive Creative Excellence: Lead the translation of strategic direction into compelling, award‑winning copy and campaigns across various media, including broadcast, OLV, digital, and owned properties.
• Creative Partnership: Partner seamlessly with an ACD, Art, and cross‑functional strategy and account leads to develop, refine, and elevate impactful and cohesive creative concepts.
• Vision and Agility: Provide clear, inspiring narrative vision for projects while remaining adaptable and agile to meet client needs and deadlines.
• Brand Stewardship: Champion the client’s brand voice, tone, and strategic objectives, ensuring all creative output drives measurable business impact and connects authentically with audiences.
• Strategic Ideation: Drive the research and ideation phase to inform, inspire, and elevate the agency’s creative output.
• Client Partnership: Craft compelling narratives for presentation decks and confidently lead client pitches, building trusted relationships with key stakeholders.
• Production Ownership: Direct campaign asset creation from a narrative perspective, including leading script development, voice‑over recordings, audio mixes, and overseeing edits and post‑production.
• Cross‑Functional Orchestration: Collaborate closely with production, technology, and account teams to manage the authoring and delivery of online and offline assets.
• Culture Champion: Foster a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and continuous innovation, leading by example through the quality of your work and approach to problem‑solving.

Requirements

• Experience: 8+ years of experience as a copywriter/creative lead within an advertising agency or similar environment, with a proven track record of leading high‑profile campaigns.
• Portfolio: A stellar portfolio showcasing conceptual thinking, strategic problem‑solving, and beautifully crafted copy across traditional and digital spaces.
• Copy Acumen: Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with a deep understanding of how to adapt tone and voice for different brands and audiences.
• Digital Fluency: Deep expertise in the latest social media trends, platform‑specific copywriting, and emerging digital technologies.
• Technical Mastery: Highly skilled with word processing software, Keynote, and PowerPoint.
• Collaborative Spirit: A highly collaborative team player with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Agility: Proven ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment, successfully directing multiple projects simultaneously without sacrificing craft.
• Drive: A relentless passion for creativity, innovation, and driving real‑world outcomes.
• Presentation Skills: Outstanding presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, persuasively, and succinctly to senior‑level clients.
• Constructive Mindset: A mature, reasoned approach to client and internal feedback, using it collaboratively to push the work further.

Salary

$90,000—$140,000 CAD (based on role, location, experience, and qualifications).

Work Environment

We believe the best work happens when we’re together. 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

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.