Associate Account Director - Freelance

Socket.dev; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

VML, a WPP agency, seeks a Freelance Associate Account Director to oversee CX/CRM campaigns and client engagement for a North American food client. This role leads cross-disciplinary teams and acts as connector between internal production resources and external partners.

The ideal candidate has 4–7+ years in agency settings, strong omnichannel experience, and a collaborative, resilient approach. Hybrid work, competitive compensation ($65–$71 USD per hour) and opportunities to shape major

Qualifications

• 4–7+ years of client leadership and campaign management in advertising or marketing
• Minimum 3+ years managing technical, digital projects and 360 campaigns
• Experience in large national/global agency environments
• Ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams across North American offices
• Strong understanding of web standards, UX and optimization
• High EQ and collaboration skills
• Proficiency in MS Office

Responsibilities

• Manage omnichannel campaigns and client engagements for a North American Food client.
• Lead cross-functional teams and ensure on-time delivery across channels.
• Identify opportunities to improve delivery processes and efficiency.

Skills

Client leadership

Campaign management

Project management

Digital campaigns

CX/CRM

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Who We Are

VML 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 award-winning human-first work for clients including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendy's. In 2026, VML was named Campaign’s Global Network of the Year and ranked #2 Creative Network of the Year at Cannes Lions. 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 visitwww.vml.com and follow along on LinkedIn #WeAreVML.

VML

Associate Account Director – (Freelance)

Location(s): Dallas, Kansas City, Chicago (Hybrid)

Who we are looking for:

VML is seeking a Freelance Associate Account Director, who will be responsible for overseeing CX/CRM campaigns and client engagement and team leadership, across all related processes, disciplines and launches for a North American Food client. Omnichannel campaign and marketing expertise (focus on digital and social, some broadcast) is a MUST. Data and Technical experience is preferred but not required. The right candidates will act as a primary point of contact with client leadership, internal stakeholders and serve as the “connective tissue” between internal production resources and external connections. This role will serve as part Client Partner, part Project Manager for this client’s key stakeholders and with VML’s internal creative, Strategic, technology and Project Management teams.

The ideal candidate will have experience leading in and thriving in a highly collaborative, large advertising work environment. You will have worked on complex delivery projects/campaigns, new product launches and be inclusive of all campaign elements and phases from inception to completion while remaining cool under pressure. You are familiar with the complexities around completing marketing content and all elements of a launch or update to a well-known brand. You consider yourself a strong and willing teammate — someone who can manage scopes of work, complex roll outs and omnichannel workstreams across different interagency teams and agency partners with ease. You have your finger on the pulse on the latest trends, with a focus on the moving the needle for the brand. You are a consensus builder and a hands on do-er, able to convey strategic insights and offer consultation to internal and external stakeholders.

What you will do:

• Manage and maintain a solid omnichannel base for the growth of this brand and VML holistically, from the point of view of best-in-class omnichannel campaign processes, and the adoption of new delivery methodologies and technologies. You will work with internal Process and Project Management teams to drive innovative initiatives, analyze, plan and implement the solutions that are part of our roadmap and drive cross-brand related projects acting as a point of contact for clients regarding day-to-day operations and deliverables.
• Consult and support and serve as a key pillar to our internal product, project and account teams as you identify opportunities for streamlining, automating or implementing efficient processes within VML and for our clients.
• Own and grow the relationship with the counterparts with the clients, across varied internal disciplines, business and technology leaders and you will have an active role within VML, with visibility and involvement in the development of new proposals, products and services.

Who you are:

• A Builder, possessing an entrepreneurial attitude coupled with strong business acumen. You possess the gravitas and appetite to bring people together, while marshaling people and building consensus to drive ideas and launch solutions.
• 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.
• Optimistic and resilient: Dig in and figure out how to work around problems. Exemplify a “Yes and why not?” posture. Takes care of self and team. 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.

What You’ll Need:

• Ideally 4-7+ years of client leadership, campaign management, project and product launch management experience in advertising or marketing communications; a minimum of 3+ years of hands‑on experience managing technical, digital projects and other 360 campaigns (social, digital, CX, CRM, etc.)
• Experience of working in (preferably large) agencies on large national and/or global accounts
• Self-driven with proven experience working with multi-disciplinary teams (CX, UX, Tech, Creative, PM/AM) across North American offices
• Good understanding of emerging web standards, user-centered design, optimization and search practices
• High EQ and the ability to read what a team needs to help motivate them
• Proficiency in MS Office products

VML is a WPP agency. For more information, please visit our website and follow VML on our social channels: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

The compensation 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.

$65 — $71 USD

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.