Director of Social Strategy

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

Job summary

VML Canada (a WPP company) is seeking a Director of Social Strategy to shape how brands connect with people. Reporting to the Chief Strategy Officer, you will lead social strategies, campaigns and real-time activations for a diverse enterprise brand portfolio.

This role emphasizes building social capability, driving agency growth, and mentoring a team to translate cultural insights into brave work. You will set the standard for social excellence and own the strategic vision across platforms.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in social marketing or strategy.
• Experience leading, coaching, and developing direct reports.
• Deep expertise in social platforms, audience behaviours, and digital culture.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills across diverse stakeholder settings.
• Proven ability to collaborate across departments, disciplines, and organisational levels.

Responsibilities

• Define and champion the overarching social vision, strategies, and playbooks for a diverse roster of enterprise brands
• Lead the translation of social listening, cultural trends, and community behaviours into actionable insights that guide strategic brand decisions
• Collaborate seamlessly across creative, strategy, data, and media teams to ensure social initiatives drive measurable business outcomes
• Architect and oversee high-impact campaigns — from influencer partnerships and UGC to real-time cultural activations
• Mentor and grow a high-performing team, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior clients, influencing their approach to social and communicating complex strategies with clarity and confidence
• Drive agency growth by proactively identifying new business opportunities and positioning VML’s social capabilities in the market

Skills

Social marketing

Strategy leadership

People leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Job description

Who We Are

VML is a global creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce to create connected brandsthat 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.

Who We Are Looking For

At VML Canada (a WPP company), we create connected brands that impact the world. We are looking for a Director of Social Strategy who is ready to shape the future of how brands connect with people. Reporting to the Chief Strategy Officer, you will be the visionary force behind social strategies, campaigns, and real‑time activations for a diverse portfolio of enterprise brands.

This role is about more than managing platforms — it is about building our social capability, driving agency growth, and leading a team to translate cultural insights into brave, impactful work. If you are a strategic leader who thrives on turning complex business challenges into compelling social narratives and you want to take ownership of setting the standard for social excellence, we want you to lead the charge.

What You’ll Do

• Define and champion the overarching social vision, strategies, and playbooks for a diverse roster of enterprise brands
• Lead the translation of social listening, cultural trends, and community behaviours into actionable insights that guide strategic brand decisions
• Collaborate seamlessly across creative, strategy, data, and media teams to ensure social initiatives drive measurable business outcomes
• Architect and oversee high‑impact campaigns — from influencer partnerships and UGC to real‑time cultural activations
• Mentor and grow a high‑performing team, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior clients, influencing their approach to social and communicating complex strategies with clarity and confidence
• Drive agency growth by proactively identifying new business opportunities and positioning VML’s social capabilities in the market

Who You Are

• A curious, strategic problem‑solver who looks beyond the obvious to uncover insights and simplify the complex
• An empathetic leader who builds deep trust with clients and empowers team members to do their most meaningful work
• A bold thinker comfortable navigating ambiguity, challenging the status quo, and championing ideas that elevate brands

What You’ll Need

• 8+ years of experience in social marketing or strategy, with a proven track record on large‑scale, complex initiatives
• Demonstrated experience leading, coaching, and developing direct reports
• Deep expertise in social platforms, audience behaviours, and digital culture
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills across diverse stakeholder settings
• Proven ability to collaborate across departments, disciplines, and organisational levels

The base salary for this position at the time of this posting may range between the values at the bottom of this posting. Individual compensation varies based on job‑related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications.

$90,000—$140,000 CAD

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.

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.