Creative Director, Art VML Chicago, IL, US +2 more Workplace On-site 10 hours ago

Content Creators; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive benefits

Job summary

VML is seeking a hands-on Creative Director, Art to join a small, growing team. You will lead concepting and art direction for TV, film, and brand campaigns, rolling up your sleeves to produce work alongside a collaborative team.

Deep experience in art direction, agency leadership, and a strong portfolio are required. You will partner with strategy, account, and production to drive bold ideas and mentor talent in a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in art direction and creative leadership in an agency setting.
• Significant TV, film, branding and integrated campaign work demonstrated in a strong portfolio.
• Ability to present and sell work to clients in high-stakes environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute high-level concepting and art direction for TV, film, and brand campaigns.
• Roll up sleeves to produce work alongside a team of doers and bring ideas to life.
• Own every TV brief from first idea to final frame and ensure client alignment.
• Partner with strategy, account, and production to meet client objectives.
• Drive new business pitches with bold visual storytelling.
• Mentor and elevate talent within the team as the department grows.
• Maintain a high-output culture with balanced work-life considerations.

Skills

Art direction

Creative leadership

Agency experience

Client presentation

Job description

Who We Are

VML is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce, creating connected brands to drive growth. VML is celebrated for its innovative and award-winning human-first work for clients including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendy's. In 2026, VML was named Campaign’s Global Network of the Year and ranked #2 Creative Network of the Year at Cannes Lions. 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

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 for more details.

$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.