Associate Creative Director, Art

New York City, NY (Hybrid)

$75K/yr – $180K/yrMid Level6+ years expFull time

Posted 5 months ago

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Job Summary

Own the integrated creative engine for CPG brands, turning complex briefs into breakthrough concepts and multi-channel campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences.

  • Own big ideas from concept to client presentation, shaping strategy and impact for measurable results.
  • Lead social-first content and cross-channel campaigns with strong platform-aware execution and cultural relevance.

Job Description

Responsibilities

  • Lead the conceptualization and development of truly integrated, groundbreaking, and strategic "big ideas" that solve complex client challenges and achieve measurable results within the CPG landscape. Own concepts from genesis to final presentation.
  • Oversee and direct the development of compelling, multi-channel creative campaigns across digital, social, video, print, OOH, and experiential, ensuring all elements align with the overarching creative vision and strategy.
  • Drive the creation of highly engaging, thumb-stopping, and culturally relevant social-first content and campaigns. Demonstrate a deep, nuanced understanding of platform best practices, emerging trends, and diverse consumer insights to connect with audiences authentically.
  • Provide visionary art direction and design leadership, ensuring all visual work embodies a clean, modern aesthetic and impeccable craft. Elevate visual storytelling, oversee photography, videography, and illustration, and ensure brand consistency across all touchpoints. Maintain mastery of design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, etc.) and stay at the forefront of visual trends and innovation.
  • Consistently challenge creative norms, foster 'out-of-the-box' thinking within the team, and push creative boundaries to develop innovative, distinctive, and effective solutions that differentiate our brands.
  • Confidently and articulately present and sell creative ideas to senior clients and internal stakeholders, effectively articulating creative rationale, anticipating feedback, and refining work strategically.
  • Actively mentor and inspire junior creatives, fostering a collaborative, positive, and high-performing team environment. Provide constructive feedback and contribute to their professional growth.
  • Uphold the highest standards of craft and execution, consistently striving for and achieving award-winning potential in every project.

Requirements

  • Minimum of 6-8+ years of progressive professional experience each (ACD, Art) within a leading advertising agency or in-house creative department, with a significant focus on CPG.
  • A standout portfolio showcasing exceptional conceptual thinking, strategic CPG campaign leadership, and a history of generating impactful, award-worthy work is essential.
  • Conceptual Mastery: A portfolio rich with complex, integrated campaign concepts and the proven ability to lead their development from initial brief through to client presentation and execution.
  • Design Leadership (ACD, Art): An outstanding portfolio demonstrating visionary art direction, impeccable clean design principles, sophisticated typography, layout, photography/video direction, and mastery of design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, etc.).
  • Social & Digital Acumen: Proven expertise in leading the development and execution of highly effective, innovative social media strategies and content across diverse, evolving platforms (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, etc.).
  • Cultural Relevance: A deep understanding of current cultural trends, consumer insights, and an innate ability to translate them into relevant, inclusive, and modern creative work that resonates widely.
  • Leadership & Collaboration: Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with a track record of successfully leading teams, fostering collaboration, and managing client relationships effectively.
  • Work Ethic & Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, and consistently meet challenging deadlines without compromising quality.
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Advertising, Marketing, Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Journalism, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).

Preferred

  • Direct experience leading work for Skin and Beauty brands within your CPG portfolio.
  • A portfolio featuring numerous industry awards (e.g., Clios, One Show, D&AD, Cannes Lions, Effies).
  • Experience with emerging technologies, interactive experiences, or innovative media.

Benefits

  • 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.
VML HEALTH logo

VML HEALTH

VML is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce, to create connected brands that drive growth. VML is celebrated for its innovative and award-winning work with blue chip client partners including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Intel, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendy's. The agency is recognized by the Forrester WaveTM Reports, which name WPP a “Leader” in Commerce Services, Global Digital Experience Services, Global Marketing Services and, most recently, Marketing Measurement & Optimization. In addition, VML’s specialist health network, VML Health, is one of the world’s largest and most awarded health agencies. VML’s global network is powered by 28,000 talented people across 60-plus markets, with principal offices in Kansas City, New York, Detroit, London, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, and Sydney. VML is a WPP agency (NYSE: WPP). For more information, please visit www.vml.com, and follow along on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X. #WeAreVML

652 employees (226 in marketing)

Traffic Signals

Monthly Visitors
279.9K
Traffic Source Mix
Search
42.8%
Direct
42.1%
Referral
8.4%
Social
5.5%
Paid
0.9%

Headcount Trend

Current headcount: ~652

Marketing Team

Marketing Team Size
121 (19% of company)
Median Career Experience
8.5 years
Median Tenure
3 years
Marketing Roles Posted (Last 30 Days)
2

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