--- title: 'Media Director at VML' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/media-director-vml-kansas-city-missouri-cp80k2d9ppxb' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-09-11' --- # Media Director at VML - **Company:** VML - **Location:** Kansas City Missouri, United States - **Compensation:** $75k–$180k - **Posted:** 2026-09-03 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-11 - **Apply:** https://www.vml.com/careers/job/8782765002?gh_jid=8782765002 ## 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. ## What We Are Looking For VML is seeking a Media Director to support a key travel/tourism client. We are looking for a leader who can embody and support our vision and strategic direction, effectively develop and present materials for new business pitches, and be an integral part of our team. This role requires someone who can manage client media-related issues, foster strong client relationships, and lead media planning efforts that drive innovative and effective ideas. We are looking for a professional who can continually reinforce consumer behaviors in integrated idea development, empower innovative ideas with new media technologies, and supervise the implementation of integrated offerings and tools. ## What You'll Do Leadership & Management - Manage the flow of client media-related issues, creating solutions and resolving problems. - Develop and maintain excellent relationships with clients. - Establish timetables for the development of plans. - Support the growth and development of junior team members Media Planning: - Develop media plans that support the client's marketing objectives. - Continually reinforce consumer behaviors in the integrated idea development process. - Empower innovative ideas by bringing appropriate new media technologies and capabilities to the ideation conversation. - Identify opportunities for content partnerships and multi-platform media partnerships. - Create media plan recommendations and alternatives. - Select media channels and determine scheduling. - Analyze competitive activity in the marketplace. - Present media plans to clients. - Work with the analytics team to develop a measurement framework for campaigns. - Work with the analytics team to measure media performance, make recommendations for optimization. - Develop recap reporting to understand and document final campaign performance against goals and critical learnings. - Ensure media plans are executed as planned and approved, on schedule and within budget. - Regularly meet with media and industry reps to develop and maintain expertise on available technologies and capabilities. ## Who You Are - An individual with outstanding verbal and written communication skills. - Adept at using media research and planning tools to determine audience size and determine audience attributes. - Someone with demonstrated success in client relationships, team management, and media planning. - Possesses the fortitude to stay calm under pressure. ## What You'll Need - 8+ years of experience with media planning and performance media. Agency experience required. - Team management experience - Client facing experience - A professional with demonstrated ability to manage and lead across cross functional internal teams and lead with external clients, partners and vendors - Someone with strong experience and integration with research/planning and analytics/measurement/optimization. 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, click [WPP Benefits](https://mybenefits.wpp.com/public/welcome)for more details. _ $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. 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. ## Other roles at VML - [Senior Experience Strategist - Freelance](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-experience-strategist-freelance-vml-kalamazoo-michigan-r2z631jnpqda) — Kalamazoo Michigan, United States - [Executive Director, Marketing Intelligence Platforms & Innovation](https://feeny.ai/job/executive-director-marketing-intelligence-platforms-innovation-vml-detroit-kg8pmjg40s91) — Detroit Michigan, United States / New York New York, United States - [Executive Director, Data Engineering](https://feeny.ai/job/executive-director-data-engineering-vml-detroit-michigan-327914jy8chg) — Detroit Michigan, United States - [Program Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/program-manager-vml-detroit-michigan-j2hvtq7p342r) — Detroit Michigan, United States - [Creative Director, Art and Design](https://feeny.ai/job/creative-director-art-and-design-vml-newport-beach-california-jb494a23r8ty) — Newport Beach California, United States - [Creative Director, Art and Design](https://feeny.ai/job/creative-director-art-and-design-vml-new-york-new-york-b96sv0fpz9we) — New York New York, United States - [Market Client Lead](https://feeny.ai/job/market-client-lead-vml-johannesburg-cr91r775xqbn) — Johannesburg, South Africa - [Director of Social Strategy](https://feeny.ai/job/director-of-social-strategy-vml-toronto-c4tb9dcrqjrx) — Toronto, Canada - [Creative Director-Copywriting](https://feeny.ai/job/creative-director-copywriting-vml-new-york-new-york-ktg67npdp3p2) — New York New York, United States - [Director Strategy](https://feeny.ai/job/director-strategy-vml-chicago-illinois-41z1683aw0ee) — Chicago Illinois, United States