---
title: 'Associate Account Director - Freelance at VML'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/associate-account-director-freelance-vml-chicago-illinois-d79m46nt4gy6'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-11'
---

# Associate Account Director - Freelance at VML

- **Company:** VML
- **Location:** Chicago Illinois, United States / Dallas Texas, United States / Kansas City Missouri, United States
- **Compensation:** $65–$71/hr
- **Posted:** 2026-08-21
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-11
- **Apply:** https://www.vml.com/careers/job/8738270002?gh_jid=8738270002

## 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](http://www.vml.com/)and follow along on  [LinkedIn](https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__urldefense.com_v3_-5F-5Fhttps-3A_www.linkedin.com_company_vml_-5F-5F-3B-21-21JboVxjCXSME-21OhlpCfbkl1UcWPwns1-2DGtvHOzFh0QwHV49fsPgGw-2DVCCU1bCg8aQFI9vN-2Dy-2DVwaQcITH2j2XKzGKBIFRLYf2AUWVYY1dFGK6-24&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=zouFnm4jZMgDFaYF1uVcRY3rbgHWPca_luUrBUkT6Yc&m=QzcCgXCAOjzj5hiU48_CKOdHRSJ4_YpuqfviT9yjlzH5VrkzySTZ-WaQXlYAnj4W&s=jJ7q5V70u9oUx7ONPm5jC3IK8y6vxDilX6BGTlqlWlA&e=) #WeAreVML.

VML

Associate Account Director – (Freelance)

Location(s): Dallas, Kansas City, Chicago (Hybrid)

Who we are looking for:

VML is seeking a Freelance Associate Account Director, who will be responsible for overseeing CX/CRM campaigns and client engagement and team leadership, across all related processes, disciplines and launches for a North American Food client. Omnichannel campaign and marketing expertise (focus on digital and social, some broadcast) is a MUST. Data and Technical experience is preferred but not required. The right candidates will act as a primary point of contact with client leadership, internal stakeholders and serve as the “connective tissue” between internal production resources and external connections.  This role will serve as part Client Partner, part Project Manager for this client’s key stakeholders and with VML’s internal creative, Strategic, technology and Project Management teams.

The ideal candidate will have experience leading in and thriving in a highly collaborative, large advertising work environment. You will have worked on complex delivery projects/campaigns, new product launches and be inclusive of all campaign elements and phases from inception to completion while remaining cool under pressure. You are familiar with the complexities around completing marketing content and all elements of a launch or update to a well-known brand. You consider yourself a strong and willing teammate — someone who can manage scopes of work, complex roll outs and omnichannel workstreams across different interagency teams and agency partners with ease. You have your finger on the pulse on the latest trends, with a focus on the moving the needle for the brand. You are a consensus builder and a hands on do-er, able to convey strategic insights and offer consultation to internal and external stakeholders.

What you will do:

- Manage and maintain a solid omnichannel base for the growth of this brand and VML holistically, from the point of view of best-in-class omnichannel campaign processes, and the adoption of new delivery methodologies and technologies. You will work with internal Process and Project Management teams to drive innovative initiatives, analyze, plan and implement the solutions that are part of our roadmap and drive cross-brand related projects acting as a point of contact for clients regarding day-to-day operations and deliverables.
- Consult and support and serve as a key pillar to our internal product, project and account teams as you identify opportunities for streamlining, automating or implementing efficient processes within VML and for our clients.
- Own and grow the relationship with the counterparts with the clients, across varied internal disciplines, business and technology leaders and you will have an active role within VML, with visibility and involvement in the development of new proposals, products and services.

Who you are:

- A Builder, possessing an entrepreneurial attitude coupled with strong business acumen. You possess the gravitas and appetite to bring people together, while marshaling people and building consensus to drive ideas and launch solutions.
- Open and collaborative: Our team is close-knit and supportive and we’re working with a lot of unknowns. You must be a champion of team environments that are comfortable and encouraging.
- Optimistic and resilient: Dig in and figure out how to work around problems. Exemplify a “Yes and why not?” posture. Takes care of self and team. Balance needed to maintain stamina and positivity.
- Ego-less: We all wear the hats that need wearing, it’s a mentality that makes the team successful.

What You’ll Need:

- Ideally 4-7+ years of client leadership, campaign management, project and product launch management experience in advertising or marketing communications; a minimum of 3+ years of hands-on experience managing technical, digital projects and other 360 campaigns (social, digital, CX, CRM, etc.)
- Experience of working in (preferably large) agencies on large national and/or global accounts
- Self-driven with proven experience working with multi-disciplinary teams (CX, UX, Tech, Creative, PM/AM) across North American offices
- Good understanding of emerging web standards, user-centered design, optimization and search practices
- High EQ and the ability to read what a team needs to help motivate them
- Proficiency in MS Office products

VML is a WPP agency. For more information, please visit our website and follow VML on our social channels: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. The compensation 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](https://mybenefits.wpp.com/public/welcome) for more details.

_ $65—$71 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](https://www.vml.com/recruitment-privacy-policy). California residents should read our [California Recruitment Privacy Notice](https://www.vml.com/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.

## About VML

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: VML is a global creative company that helps brands drive growth by seamlessly connecting Brand Experience, Customer Experience, and Commerce through a human-first, tech-enabled approach.
- **Entity Type**: Public (subsidiary of WPP, LSE: WPP)
- **Headquarters**: New York, United States
- **Founded**: 2024 (formed from the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, with legacy agencies dating back to 1864)
- **Founders**: Not applicable – the company was formed by merging two WPP agencies; Global CEO is Jon Cook

## Core Business
- **Primary industry/industries**: Advertising services, marketing, digital transformation, brand consulting
- **Target customers**: B2B – large enterprise brands across sectors (consumer goods, healthcare, technology, retail, etc.)
- **Mission or purpose statement**: “Create connected brands that become a part of people’s lives and drive growth for client partners” – guided by a “Human First” creative philosophy.

## Products & Services
- **Brand Experience (BX)**: Compelling brand worlds and creative platforms that build emotional connections from the first touchpoint.
- **Customer Experience (CX)**: Intelligent digital platforms, loyalty programs, and data-driven customer journeys that deepen relationships.
- **Commerce**: Seamless, innovative commerce solutions that convert interest into action.
- **Technology Transformation**: Digital infrastructure, platform engineering, and AI-powered marketing via WPP Open.
- **Health**: Specialized healthcare marketing and communications (VML Health).

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed for VML (parent WPP’s market cap is ~£8B as of mid-2025). 
- **Key Metric**: 26,000+ employees across 150+ offices globally (vml.com); some sources report 34,000+ on LinkedIn.
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Parent company WPP; key clients include blue-chip global brands (not publicly listed).
- **Growth Signals**: 
  - Formed in 2024 from two major WPP agencies, consolidating over 300 years of combined expertise.
  - 373 active job postings (LinkedIn, as of mid-2026) with +80.2% quarterly growth in postings.
  - Named No. 3 on an unspecified industry ranking (vml.com/expertise).
  - VML Foundation has contributed over $3.2 million to charitable causes.

## Competitive Advantages
- **Human First approach**: A creative philosophy that prioritizes deep understanding of human needs, making campaigns more resonant and effective.
- **Connected capabilities**: Unlike pure creative or tech firms, VML integrates BX, CX, and Commerce into a single, unified offering.
- **Scale and heritage**: 26,000 people in 50+ markets, with legacy from J. Walter Thompson, Y&R, Wunderman, and VML.
- **WPP Open**: Access to WPP’s AI-powered marketing operating system for intelligent, measurable, and scalable solutions.
- **Inclusion Experience**: A dedicated consultancy helping clients design inclusive experiences for people with disabilities.

## Strategic Focus
- Deepening the integration of creativity and technology to deliver “connected brands.”
- Expanding AI-driven marketing and personalization through WPP Open.
- Growing the Health practice and Commerce capabilities.
- Investing in talent development and culture (e.g., Emerge Internship Program, Catalyst Academy, All Win Program).
- Continuing to build a diverse, inclusive workforce and culture of belonging.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: Emphasizes “Human First” internally – belonging, continuous learning, and authentic personal branding. The Culture & Belonging team actively fosters understanding and empathy.
- **Career Development**: Bespoke platforms for career mapping, feedback coaching, and skills building. Programs like Catalyst Academy (12-month global program) and Emerge US Internship (10-week) provide structured growth.
- **Work Environment**: Hybrid and office-based roles; 150+ offices worldwide offer global mobility. The Detroit Experience Studio and All Win Program show community engagement.
- **Perks & Benefits**: VML Foundation (employee-led giving), wellness resources, and a focus on mental and physical health.
- **Engineering Culture**: For tech roles, exposure to large-scale digital transformation projects, WPP Open AI platform, and modern data/tech stacks.

## Sources
1. [vml.com/careers](https://www.vml.com/careers) – Careers page with culture, programs, and values.
2. [vml.com/about-us](https://www.vml.com/about-us) – About page with company overview, leadership, and history.
3. [vml.com/expertise](https://www.vml.com/expertise) – Description of core services and capabilities.
4. [linkedin.com/company/vml](https://www.linkedin.com/company/vml) – LinkedIn company page with employee count, job postings, and recent departures.

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