Creative Director, Copy

VML South Africa; Chicago, Kansas City, New York (IL, MO, NY); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

VML is seeking a hands-on, visionary Creative Director, Copy to join a tight-knit team in Chicago. You'll lead TV scriptwriting, brand storytelling, and campaign work, crafting emotionally driven scripts across tones from sharp comedy to poignant drama.

As primary copy and concept lead on television briefs, you’ll collaborate with cross-functional teams to pitch winning ideas and elevate the team’s creative output, while maintaining a supportive culture that values work‑life balance.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in copywriting and creative leadership focused on TV/film.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating script-writing and brand-building at campaign level.
• Proven experience pitching and winning new business.
• Thrives as a hands-on, fast-paced, collaborative contributor.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute high-volume, premium creative work with emphasis on TV and brand storytelling.
• Serve as primary copy and concept lead on television briefs, delivering campaign-level work.
• Write emotionally driven scripts across tones from comedy to drama.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and Art Director to win new business.
• Elevate team output and set standards for expansion.

Skills

Copywriting

Creative leadership

TV & film writing

Pitching & winning business

Collaboration

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, SãoPaulo, 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, visionary Creative Director, Copy to join a tight‑knit team dedicated to elevating our creative output. This role is designed for a true maker and master of the written word — someone who is genuinely passionate about television, film, and the craft of writing for the screen. While our team excels at activations and quick‑turn ideas, we are specifically seeking a leader who brings deep brand‑level thinking and exceptional script‑writing talent. You will be the go‑to creative force for every TV brief, crafting emotionally driven, moving, and well‑crafted scripts that span a wide emotional range — from sharp comedy to deeply poignant storytelling. As we look to grow the team, you will help set the standard for true campaign work, all within a supportive, collaborative culture that values work‑life balance.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and execute high‑volume, premium creative work with a heavy emphasis on TV, scripts, and brand storytelling
• Serve as the primary copy and conceptual lead on all television briefs, delivering true campaign‑level work
• Write exceptionally crafted, emotionally driven scripts that showcase a wide range of tones — from sharp comedy to deeply moving drama
• Partner closely with cross‑functional teams and your Art Director counterpart to drive new business opportunities and pitch winning ideas
• Bring big brand‑level thinking to a team already strong in activations and executional work
• Elevate the overall creative output of the team, laying the groundwork for future expansion

Who You Are

• A strategic, clear, and curious thinker who brings brand‑level depth to every brief — simplifying complex challenges into powerful, human stories (Brains)
• An empathetic collaborator who builds trust with teams and clients, ensuring the work resonates on a genuinely human level (Heart)
• A bold, adaptable creator who champions brave ideas, writes with emotional range, and is never content with just one note (Courage)
• A passionate specialist in TV and film who is super excited about the craft of writing for the screen — comedy, drama, and everything in between

What You’ll Need

• Extensive experience in copywriting and creative leadership with a specialized focus on TV, film, and video production
• A strong portfolio demonstrating exceptional script‑writing, emotional range beyond comedy, and true campaign‑level brand building
• Proven experience pitching and winning new business
• Ability to thrive as a hands‑on doer in a fast‑paced, highly collaborative environment
• Strong communication and presentation skills to champion creative ideas with clients and internal teams

We offer a competitive benefits package,_$100,000—$230,000 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.

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.