Creative Director, TV & Scripted Copy

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

Job summary

VML is seeking a hands-on Creative Director, Copy to join our Chicago team. You will lead high-volume, premium TV and film copy, elevating brand storytelling and campaign-level work.

You are a master of the written word, crafting emotionally driven scripts across tones from sharp comedy to poignant drama. You’ll partner with Art Directors and cross-functional teams to win new business and raise the team’s creative bar.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in copywriting and creative leadership with a specialized focus on TV, film, and video production
• A strong portfolio demonstrating exceptional scriptwriting, 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

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

Copywriting

Creative leadership

Scriptwriting

Pitching

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, 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 scriptwriting 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 scriptwriting, 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

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.

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$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.

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