Director Strategy

VML South Africa; Kansas City (MO); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

VML is seeking a Content Strategy Director to lead strategic content efforts for a global B2B client. The role is focused on innovation and developing data-driven content strategies that connect with audiences. This position requires 8+ years of experience and a strong portfolio in digital content strategy, emphasizing leadership and strategic thinking. The compensation ranges from $75,000 to $180,000 annually, aligning with responsibilities and expertise required.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in digital content strategy.
• Strong portfolio of frameworks and strategic recommendations.
• Proven success in leading teams and creating a collaborative culture.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute content strategy frameworks.
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative content audits.
• Lead client-related scope and staffing conversations.

Skills

Strategic Thinking

Content Strategy

Team Leadership

Client Engagement

Communication Skills

Curiosity & Innovation

Tools

Drupal

SEO

Data Analytics

Job description

At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever-evolving world. Our heritage is built upon a century of combined expertise, where creativity meets technology, and diverse perspectives ignite inspiration. With the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, we have forged a new path as a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse.

Our global family now encompasses over 30,000 employees across 150+ offices in 64 markets, each contributing to a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences. Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology. We deliver end-to-end solutions that result in revolutionary work.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

VML is seeking a Content Strategy Director to lead our strategic content efforts for a global B2B, digitally ambitious, and operationally complex client. This role will be pivotal in shaping how our client communicates its value across digital channels, with a focus on innovation to develop data-driven, omni-channel content strategies that connect with target audiences in meaningful, measurable ways. You must be a forward-thinking, strategic leader who is well-versed in digital content strategy and planning, automation, and personalization.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Note: This is not a generalist role. You must bring deep expertise in digital content strategy, including frameworks, audits, structured planning, and execution, to hit the ground running.

• Develop and execute content strategy frameworks that align audience needs with business goals across complex digital ecosystems.
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative content audits to identify performance gaps, inform strategy, and enable continuous optimization.
• Own development of other core content strategy deliverables, such as content plans/calendars, content matrices, messaging hierarchies, structured content models, and journey-based planning.
• Define global content requirements for localization, transcreation, and omnichannel consistency.
• Stay ahead of industry trends (e.g., structured content, personalization, automation, and AI) to drive innovation and business value.
• Lead the content strategy relationship for a large, global B2B client, owning strategic direction, deliverables, and executive communications.
• Facilitate workshops that align internal teams and clients on content priorities, KPIs, and strategic roadmaps.
• Guide annual planning efforts and proactively identify growth opportunities through sharp, actionable POVs.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior client stakeholders, consistently driving clarity, confidence, and results.
• Manage and mentor a small team of junior strategists, providing day-to-day guidance, constructive feedback, and career development support.
• Lead client-related scope and staffing conversations to ensure the right resourcing mix across ongoing and net-new work.
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative team culture grounded in accountability, curiosity, and shared success.

Business Development & Thought Leadership

• Lead strategic content contributions for pitches, RFPs, and new business opportunities, anchored in insights and smart storytelling.
• Collaborate with discipline leads to shape future-forward narratives that showcase VML’s content innovation and CX expertise.
• Develop case studies, POVs, and strategic write-ups to amplify VML’s voice in the industry.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

Qualifications & Skills

• Experience: 8+ years of experience in digital content strategy with a strong portfolio of frameworks, audits, structured content planning, and strategic recommendations for large-scale websites or digital ecosystems.
• Content Expertise: Deep, working knowledge of core content strategy deliverables, not just conceptually, but with the ability to lead and execute them directly. This includes content audits, taxonomies, messaging frameworks, content models, and content-to-journey mapping.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to connect business objectives, audience needs, and digital behavior into actionable content strategies that drive measurable outcomes.
• Leadership: Proven success leading teams, mentoring talent, and creating a positive, collaborative team culture.
• Client Engagement: Experience leading senior-level client conversations and workshops with clarity, confidence, and strategic rigor.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional writing, storytelling, and presentation skills, with the ability to distill complexity into clear, compelling narratives.
• Curiosity & Innovation: Actively curious about emerging tools, structured content systems, AI, and personalization, and how they can be applied practically in a B2B environment.
• Bonus Skills: Familiarity with Drupal (CMS), SEO, data analytics, UX, or content design is a plus, but not a substitute for deep content strategy expertise.

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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$75,000 — $180,000 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.

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