Associate Director- AI Strategist, Marketing

VML; Detroit (MI); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Equal opportunity employer

Job summary

VML, part of the WPP network, is seeking an AI Strategist to connect Marketing, Shopper, Media, Web, Production, and Creative teams with AI-driven tools and processes. You will identify how AI removes friction, translate real-world needs into briefs for AI Architects and Product Managers, and prototype solutions using no-code approaches.

You will help build a roadmap balancing quick client wins with longer-term capabilities, keep teams aligned, and measure impact across campaigns and

Qualifications

• 6–8 years in marketing, advertising, or agency environments with exposure to product, UX, process, or innovation work.
• Genuine curiosity about AI, shown through personal experimentation and practical examples.

Responsibilities

• Embed with marketing teams to map how work gets done today and identify where AI can help.
• Prototype ideas using no-code/AI tools to test concepts.
• Shape one-off requests into durable tools with scalable potential.
• Manage the roadmap, gather feedback, and prioritize improvements.
• Keep stakeholders informed and align builds with business goals.
• Log use cases to measure impact and advocate for business-driven AI.

Skills

Marketing strategy

AI

Product thinking

UX

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

Collaboration

Ambiguity tolerance

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Job description

Who We AreVML 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.About UsThe WPP | Ford Team is an integrated operating network made up of a dynamic multi-agency ecosystem that serves Ford Motor Company and its many diverse units around the world. This operating team provides a breadth of marketing experience for Ford across Communications, Marketing, Brand and Customer Experience, A.I., Creative, Production, Media, Strategy, Analytics, Commerce & Technology and more.Operated under a central leadership team, it draws best-in-class talent from leading WPP agencies including VML (Brand & Customer Experience), WPP Media (Media), GTB (Precision Retail Marketing), WPP Production (Brand Design & Production), Zubi & UWG (Multicultural), and Burson (Corporate Communications/Public Relations), among other key WPP specialists. WPP | Ford team members work in a highly integrated environment, with direct exposure across virtually every discipline of modern marketing.This role is embedded within VML as part of the WPP network.About Ford and the OpportunityFord is in a period of rapid transformation, modernization, and evolution. This exciting challenge is about more than just marketing vehicles. It's about lifestyle, experiences, technology and helping to build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. After 123 years, this iconic brand continues to evolve, focusing on services, experiences and software, in addition to vehicles.The RoleThe AI Strategist connects the people who do the work (Shopper, Media, Web, Production, and Creative teams) with the people who build the tools. You'll spend time with marketers to understand how their work actually gets done, find where AI can make it better, and turn those opportunities into tools that last, not one-off fixes. You don't need to be an engineer. You need to be curious, resourceful, good with people, and ready to think like a builder.What You'll DoEmbed with marketing teams to map how work gets done today, then spot where AI can remove friction or unlock something newTurn messy, real-world needs into clear problem statements and briefs for our AI Architect and Product ManagerPrototype early ideas yourself using no-code and AI tools, so teams can react to something real instead of a slideThink beyond the immediate ask. Shape one-off requests into durable tools that can scale across teams and grow over time.Own the evolution of what you launch by gathering feedback, prioritizing improvements, and planning the next versionHelp build a roadmap that balances quick client wins with longer-term capabilitiesKeep builds connected so teams don't solve the same problem twiceShepherd ideas from first conversation to launch, and keep stakeholders informed along the wayLog every use case so its impact can be measuredAdvocate for the business so AI gets built with the teams who use itWhat We're Looking For6–8 years in marketing, advertising, or agency environments (strategy, account, production, media, CX, or similar), with exposure to product, UX, process, or innovation workGenuine curiosity about AI, shown through personal experimentation. Tell us what you've built, tested, or broken.A self-starter who sees an opportunity and runs with it without waiting for permissionA systems thinker who enjoys untangling workflows and figuring out how the pieces fit togetherA builder's mindset. You're ready to step into product thinking: treating solutions as living products with users, versions, and a roadmap rather than as finished deliverables.Highly collaborative and comfortable translating between creative, business, and technical peopleStrong stakeholder skills, with the ability to earn trust from both marketing teams and technical ownersComfortable with ambiguity and shifting prioritiesNice to HaveHands-on product, UX, or service design experience (discovery, user research, journey mapping, prototyping)Comfort with data, and familiarity with how marketing technology fits togetherAutomotive or retail marketing exposureWhat You Don't NeedProfessional AI experience or a technical background. We'll teach you the technical side.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.When you click \"Submit Application\", this will send any information you add below to VML. Before you do this, we think it's a good idea to read through our Recruitment Privacy Policy. California residents should read our California Recruitment Privacy Notice. This explains what we do with your personal data when you apply for a role with us, and, how you can update the information you have provided us with or how to remove it.