Associate Creative Director, Art Social

Wunderman Thompson; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 108,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Four days in-office per week

Job summary

VML in New York is seeking an Associate Creative Director (Art) to lead social-first campaigns from concept through execution. You will mentor designers and art directors, collaborating with copy and strategy to deliver work that’s on brand, on trend, and on time.

You’ll drive social concepts for platforms like Instagram, TikTok, X, Facebook, and LinkedIn, while staying ahead of platform shifts and industry trends. The role is hybrid with four-office days per week.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years in an agency setting focused on social campaigns.
• Strong portfolio of social media concepts and visuals.
• Deep knowledge of social platforms and audiences.
• Experience with influencer campaigns, UGC, or creator content.
• Understanding of paid vs organic social strategies.
• Highly collaborative and receptive to feedback.
• Ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Passionate about culture, design, branding in social.
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite; knowledge of Figma/After Effects is a plus.
• CPG experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead visual direction for social-first campaigns across platforms.
• Oversee team of creatives on organic social content.
• Develop concepts and visual strategies for campaigns.
• Create bold ideas driving conversation and culture.
• Stay informed on industry trends and best practices.
• Regularly present work to clients and articulate the why.
• Collaborate with leads, copywriters, strategists, producers, and social managers.
• Stay ahead of platform shifts and language trends.

Skills

Social media campaigns

Portfolio

Platform knowledge

Influencer/UGC

Paid vs organic

Collaboration

Deadline management

Communication skills

Brand design

Adobe Creative Suite

Figma/AfterEffects

CPG experience

Tools

Photoshop

Illustrator

InDesign

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
• 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.

and to work collaboratively as part of a larger team in a fast-paced environment.

_$75,000—$180,000 USDWe 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.