Creative Director, Art

VML; Buffalo, City of Niagara Falls (NY, NY); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

Hybrid work model

Job summary

VML is seeking a hands-on Creative Director, Art to join a tight-knit team. You will lead on TV, film, and branding campaigns, crafting exceptional work while collaborating with strategy, accounts, and production to align with client goals.

We value a busy, high-output environment that respects work-life balance. The role emphasizes mentorship and leadership across broadcast and film as the department grows, with a hybrid in-office model.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in art direction and creative leadership in an agency setting.
• A portfolio with significant TV, film, branding and integrated campaigns.
• Exceptional conceptual thinking paired with hands-on execution.
• Proven ability to present and sell creative work to clients, especially in high-stakes scenarios.
• Deep understanding of broadcast and video production processes.
• A genuine passion for mentoring and elevating the talent around you.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute high-level concepting and art direction, focusing on TV, film, and brand campaigns.
• Actively make and produce work—rolling up your sleeves with the team to bring ideas to life.
• Own every TV brief from first idea to final frame.

Skills

Art direction

Creative leadership

Portfolio development

Client presentations

Broadcast production understanding

Mentorship

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

At VML, we create connected brands that drive value for our clients and impact the world. We are looking for a hands‑on Creative Director, Art to join a small, tight‑knit, and growing team. This is a role for a true maker — someone who wants to roll up their sleeves and craft exceptional work, not just direct it from afar. With a heavy emphasis on TV, film, branding, and concepting, you will be front and center on major campaign briefs and new business opportunities. If you're deeply passionate about television and film production and thrive in a high‑output environment that still respects your time and work‑life balance, this is your chance to help shape the future of our creative output.

What You'll Do

• Lead and execute high-level concepting and art direction, with a primary focus on TV, film, and brand campaigns
• Actively make and produce work — rolling up your sleeves alongside a team of doers to bring ideas to life
• Own every TV brief that comes through — from first idea to final frame
• Partner with strategy, account, and production teams to align creative with client objectives
• Drive new business pitches with bold, fresh visual thinking
• Help build and elevate the team's capabilities in broadcast and film as the department grows
• Sustain a high-output culture that still prioritizes balance and wellbeing

Who You Are

• A deeply empathetic collaborator who builds trust and fosters environments where great ideas can come from anywhere (Heart)
• A relentlessly curious problem-solver who distills complex brand challenges into clear, compelling visual stories (Brains)
• A bold, adaptable creator who challenges the status quo, champions brave ideas, and owns the work from first sketch to final cut (Courage)

What You'll Need

• Extensive experience in art direction and creative leadership in an agency setting
• A portfolio with significant TV, film, branding, and integrated campaign work
• Exceptional conceptual thinking paired with strong hands‑on execution
• Proven ability to present and sell creative work to clients, especially in high‑stakes new business scenarios
• Deep understanding of the broadcast and video production process
• A genuine passion for the craft and a desire to mentor and elevate the talent around you

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.

$100,000—$230,000 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.