Associate Creative Director, Art

Who We Are: 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. About the job Were looking for a conceptual ACD with the range to dream big and obsess over the tiny things that make ideas shine. Youll partner with and mentor a team of creatives who live and breathe culture. This role also calls for someone whos curious, capable, and knowledgeable of AI. Ideally, someone who knows how to test it, push it, and integrate it into the work in a way that feels intentional. We are a unique team in one of the most beautiful cities in the US. VML Seattle is a small, tight-knit crew that does things their way, with the advantages and backing of a global creative network. Here we believe life inspires our work, so we should live a little. It helps that we have beautiful mountains just an hour away, incredible greenery on every street, and some of the best underground art and culture youll ever discover. What Were Looking For Art Direction That Pops: Youve led the charge on social campaigns, content drops, and activations, whether in-house or agency-side. You have foundational art direction experience that translates across mediums to fit any social platform. Creative versatility and conceptual thinking are key. Storytelling That Hits: You know how to find the human truth in every story and turn complex, opaque ideas into narratives people actually want to share. AI Fluency: Youre plugged into the evolving AI landscape, hands-on with the latest platforms, and can make AI feel less sci-fi and more "oh wow, thats cool." Social-First Mindset: You live online. You know the platforms, the trends, the creators, and what makes a post scroll-stopping. Best practices arent just theory; theyre second nature. And you know when to break them for an ideas benefit. Production Savvy: From scrappy shoots to big-budget productions, you adapt, problem-solve, and lead post-pro like a pro to deliver high-quality work on time. Strategic Brain: You interrogate briefs, uncover insights, and collaborate across creative and strategy to deliver work thats not just great but also unexpected. Strong Presentation Skills: You can sell an idea, rally a team, and make clients feel like theyre in the best hands. Team Builder: Youre collaborative to the core, love mentoring, and help shape a culture that makes people excited to come to work. Proactive Pulse: Youre always scanning the clients business, cultural shifts, and social chatter for creative opportunities that feel fresh and relevant. Proven Experience: Significant time spent in an agency or comparable in-house creative environment. You understand the pace, the pressure, and how to thrive in it. What we offer: Passionate, driven people | We champion a culture of people that do extraordinary work. Consciously cultivated culture | We aim to embody the behaviors to build an inclusive community that is in it together, bringing both positivity and active listening into the workplace as we simultaneously strive to empower creative bravery. Competitive benefits | What we offer full time hires ranges from the full spectrum of group health coverage options (medical, dental, vision) to a generous 401k match (100% dollar-for-dollar match, up to 5% of salary contribution), and a variety of paid time off offerings that reflect our investment in all aspects of your overall life balance and wellness. Growth-minded opportunities | We aim to nurture a culture of real-time feedback, growth-oriented mindset, and plenty of training opportunities through VML and WPP, so you can continue to grow personally and professionally. 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 $75,000-$180,000 USD We believe the best work happens when were together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. Thats why weve 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.