VML

Creative Director, Copy

VML · Chicago, IL
Chicago, IL $100K–$230K Posted 2026-08-31
Salary
$100K–$230K
Type
Full-time
Experience
10+ yr

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, 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.

_
$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.

When you click "Submit Application", this will send any information you add below to VML. Before you do this, we think it's a good idea to read through our  Recruitment Privacy Policy . California residents should read our  California Recruitment Privacy Notice . This explains what we do with your personal data when you apply for a role with us, and, how you can update the information you have provided us with or how to remove it.

$80K — 10th pctl $230K — 90th pctl
This role’s midpoint $165K vs. market median $150K for Design roles
+10%
above median
Based on 2,000+ Design roles with disclosed salary ranges tracked on NewJob.
VML

VML

Marketing · Public · New York, USA

Stage & Valuation
Public · $4.1B
Key Investors
WPP
Open roles on NewJob
Most hiring in
Operations (82) · Design (80) · Marketing (61)
VML is a global creative agency formed from the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson in 2024. It operates as a subsidiary of WPP plc, offering integrated marketing, technology, and commerce solutions.
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