Associate Creative Director, Art Social

VML; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

VML in New York seeks an Associate Creative Director (Art) to steer the visual direction of social content across platforms, leading a team of designers and art directors, and collaborating with copy and strategy to keep work on brand, on trend, and on time.

The role requires a strong portfolio, expert knowledge of social platforms, and experience with influencer campaigns, paid vs organic strategies, and fast-paced deadlines. We offer a hybrid work model and a competitive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of agency experience with a focus on social media campaigns.
• Strong portfolio showcasing concepts and visual executions for social media.
• Deep knowledge of social platforms, audiences, and best practices.
• Experience with influencer campaigns, UGC, or creator-led content.
• Understanding of paid vs. organic social strategies.
• Highly collaborative, able to give and receive feedback, and meet tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead the visual direction and execution of social-first campaigns across platforms.
• Oversee a team of creatives on organic social evergreen and campaigns.
• Develop creative concepts and visual strategies for multi-platform campaigns.
• Create bold ideas that drive conversation and cultural relevance.
• Stay informed on trends and best practices in social media and digital marketing.
• Present work to clients, articulating the rationale behind the creative.
• Collaborate with copywriters, strategists, producers, and social managers.

Skills

Social media strategy

Creative leadership

Collaboration

Communication

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Figma

After Effects

Job description

Who We Are

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.

Who We Are Looking For

VML is seeking an Associate Creative Director (Art) for our New York office. As the ACD focusing on social media, you will help steer the creative vision for our social content. Equal parts concept-driven and craft-obsessed, this person brings fresh thinking, a strong design sensibility and a deep understanding of the ever-evolving social landscape. Bonus points if you are versed in shooting, editing and creating content yourself. You’ll lead and mentor a team of designers and art directors, collaborate with copy and strategy and partner closely with clients to deliver work that’s on brand, on trend and on time.

What You’ll Do

• Big idea thinking | Lead the visual direction and execution of social-first campaigns across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, X, Facebook, LinkedIn, and emerging channels.
• Manage | Oversee team of creatives on organic social evergreen and campaign-driven social.
• Concept | Develop creative concepts and visual strategies for social media campaigns across various platforms (e.g., Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok).
• Create | Concept bold, engaging ideas that drive conversation and cultural relevance for clients.
• Craft | Stay informed about industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in social media and digital marketing.
• Client facing | Regularly connect with clients to create a partnership that builds trust in our thought leadership and ideas. Present work to articulating the “why” behind the creative.
• Collaborate | Collaborate with creative leads, copywriters, strategists, producers, and social managers to bring ideas to life.
• Cultivate | Stay ahead of platform shifts, language trends, and creative best practices in the social landscape.

What You’ll Need

• Minimum 7 years’ experience in an agency setting with a focus on social media campaigns.
• Strong portfolio showcasing creative concepts and visual executions for social media platforms.
• Deep knowledge of social platforms and what types of visuals perform well on each. Excellent understanding of social media platforms, their respective audiences and best practices.
• Experience working in or with influencer campaigns, UGC, or creator-led content.
• Understanding of paid vs. organic social strategies.
• Highly collaborative, ego-free, and comfortable giving and receiving feedback.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines, manage multiple projects simultaneously and to work collaboratively as part of a larger team in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Passionate about culture, design, branding, and how they intersect in the social space.
• Expert in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign); Figma, AfterEffects, or similar motion tools a big plus.
• CPG experience a plus.

We offer a competitive benefits package,

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.

$75,000—$180,000 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.