VML

Senior Art Director

VML$60K — $140K *
Media
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in art direction or a related field
  • Proven ability to create compelling visual narratives across diverse media
  • Strong portfolio reflecting conceptual thinking and successful campaign execution
  • Expertise in design principles, typography, and photography
  • Experience presenting and building relationships with senior clients and stakeholders

Responsibilities

  • Lead and execute innovative visual campaigns across multiple platforms
  • Collaborate with clients and internal teams to align visual work with brand strategy
  • Present and defend creative work to stakeholders, explaining strategic choices
  • Mentor and provide feedback to junior designers and teams
  • Ensure high-quality visual deliverables with consistent brand alignment

Benefits

  • Competitive benefits package including health and wellness support
  • Hybrid work environment fostering creativity and collaboration
  • Flexible work options available upon request
  • Opportunities for professional growth and development
  • Access to industry-standard design tools and platforms
Full Job Description
Who We Are Looking For

At VML, we are looking for a visionary and strategic Senior Art Director to join our team and lead the visual direction of compelling, 360-degree integrated campaigns for a highly visible account. In this role, you will be a defining visual force behind the brands we represent, partnering closely with cross-functional teams to own and execute big ideas from concept to completion across print, digital, out-of-home, live activations, and beyond. This role aligns with our Human First approach, focusing on creating authentic, sustainable value for people and ensuring our work resonates on a deeply human level.

What You'll Do
  • Lead and own the visual direction and execution of innovative, 360-degree campaigns, driving engagement across a diverse mix of channels including print, digital, OOH, experiential, and social media.
  • Act as a strategic partner to clients, copywriters, and internal teams, ensuring all visual output aligns with the overarching brand strategy and the unique nuances of each medium.
  • Confidently present and defend creative work to senior stakeholders and clients, articulating the strategic thinking behind your visual choices and channel-specific best practices.
  • Mentor and guide junior designers and art directors, providing constructive feedback and fostering a collaborative, growth-oriented team environment.
  • Oversee the quality of visual deliverables, ensuring exceptional design, typography, photography, and consistent brand alignment tailored for all touchpoints in an integrated campaign.

Who You Are
  • You approach problem-solving with relentless curiosity and strategic insight, simplifying complex challenges into clear, engaging, and highly effective visual solutions that capture attention across any medium.
  • You build trust through empathy, collaborating seamlessly with cross-functional teams and mentoring others to create work that connects with audiences on a human level.
  • You are comfortable with ambiguity and aren't afraid to challenge the status quo, pitch bold ideas, and champion inclusive visual storytelling at the highest levels.

What You'll Need
  • Hands-on experience creating and executing fully integrated 360-degree campaigns across print, digital, OOH, and experiential activations.
  • A robust portfolio demonstrating conceptual thinking, exceptional design skills, and successful execution of broad, multi-channel campaigns.
  • Experience executing social media campaigns across major platforms (such as Meta, TikTok, and X) as part of a broader integrated strategy.
  • Extensive experience presenting to and building relationships with senior clients and internal stakeholders.
  • Comfort with industry-standard design tools and platforms, with the agility to pivot quickly between different brand aesthetics and complex project types.
  • Exceptional attention to detail and a passion for mentoring and elevating the visual craft of those 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, click WPP Benefits for more details.

$60,000-$140,000 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.

About VML

VML is a global marketing and advertising agency. The company was founded in 1992 and is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. VML provides a wide range of services including brand strategy, creative design, social media, and e-commerce. The company has worked with several high-profile clients including Ford, PepsiCo, and Wendy's. VML has won numerous awards for its innovative marketing campaigns and has been recognized as one of the top advertising agencies in the world.
Learn more about VML
Size
3,000 employees
Industry

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