Associate Creative Director, Copy (Social)

VML; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Culture of people

Inclusive community

Health & 401k benefits

Growth opportunities

Job summary

VML is seeking an Associate Creative Director (Copy) to lead social-first campaigns and shape brand voice across platforms. You will guide a team, craft compelling copy, and stay fluent in internet culture and trends, driving engagement and thought leadership.

The role blends big ideas with snackable content in a fast-paced agency environment. Hybrid office model in the LA area; strong creative and collaboration skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years' experience in an agency setting with a focus on social media campaigns.
• Portfolio shows strong conceptual thinking, a sharp voice and versatility across social platforms.
• Deep understanding of how brands show up natively on social media—and how to shape that presence.
• Strong editorial instincts, attention to detail and a deep appreciation for the craft of writing.
• Experience working with creator/influencer content and UGC strategy.
• Comfort writing for both organic content and paid social media ads.
• 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.
• Automotive experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the copy direction for organic and paid social campaigns across platforms.
• Oversee a team of creatives on organic social evergreen and campaign-driven social.
• Concept and pitch original, social-first campaign ideas—from reactive moments to campaign platforms and everything in between.
• Translate brand tone and voice across platforms while staying fluent in internet culture and trends.
• Craft compelling copy across formats: headlines, scripts, captions, CTA copy, taglines, social bios, and more.
• Regularly connect with clients to create a partnership that builds trust in our thought leadership and ideas.
• Collaborate with creative leads, copywriters, strategists, producers, and social managers to bring ideas to life.
• Stay ahead of platform shifts, language trends, and creative best practices in the social landscape.

Skills

Social strategy

Voice and tone

Copywriting

Editorial instincts

Trends culture

Client management

Presentation skills

Collaboration

Automotive experience

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 a witty, culturally fluent and conceptually strong Associate Creative Director (Copy) to lead social-first campaigns that connect brands to culture—and people to brands. You’ll bring a sharp creative voice, an eye for strategy and a deep understanding of what makes people stop scrolling and start engaging. Bonus points if you are versed in shooting, editing and creating content yourself. This role is ideal for a copy lead who can flex between big ideas and snackable content, understands tone like a second language and thrives in the fast pace of social.

What you’ll do

• Big idea thinking | Lead the copy direction for organic and paid social campaigns across platforms (Instagram, TikTok, X, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube Shorts, etc.)
• Manage | Oversee team of creatives on organic social evergreen and campaign- driven social.
• Concept | Concept and pitch original, social-first campaign ideas—from reactive moments to campaign platforms and everything in between.
• Create | Translate brand tone and voice across platforms while staying fluent in internet culture, memes, and trends.
• Craft|Craft compelling copy across formats: headlines, scripts, captions, CTA copy, taglines, social bios, and more.
• 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.
• A portfolio that shows strong conceptual thinking, a sharp voice and versatility across social platforms.
• Deep understanding of how brands show up natively on social media—and how to shape that presence.
• Strong editorial instincts, attention to detail and a deep appreciation for the craft of writing.
• Experience working with creator/influencer content and UGC strategy.
• Comfort writing for both organic content and paid social media ads.
• 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.
• Obsessed with culture, internet trends and the ever‑evolving social media landscape.
• Automotive experience a plus.

What We Offer

• Passionate, driven people | We champion a culture of people that do extraordinary work.
• Consciously cultivated culture | We aim to embody the behaviors to build an inclusive community that is in it together, bringing both positivity and active listening into the workplace as we simultaneously strive to empower creative bravery.
• Competitive benefits | What we offer full time hires ranges from the full spectrum of group health coverage options (medical, dental, vision) to a generous 401k match (100% dollar‑for‑dollar match, up to 5% of salary contribution), and a variety of paid time off offerings that reflect our investment in all aspects of your overall life balance and wellness.
• Growth‑minded opportunities | We aim to nurture a culture of real‑time feedback, growth‑oriented mindset, and plenty of training opportunities through VML and WPP, so you can continue to grow personally and professionally.

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. We offer a competitive benefits package, click WPP Benefits for more details.

$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.