Associate Director, Performance Content

Kansas City, MO (Hybrid)

$75K/yr – $180K/yrSenior Level7+ years expFull time

Posted 12 days ago

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Job Summary

Lead and scale AI-driven content strategy for client ecosystems, directing advisory, GEO/LLM workflows, tool integration, and editorial execution.

  • Define and implement AI strategy with client partnerships and high-touch relationship management
  • Oversee editorial content on client-owned sites and quality assurance
  • Grow practice through coaching, resourcing, and new business storytelling

Job Description

Responsibilities

  • AI Strategy & Implementation
  • Consultative AI Leadership:  Partner closely with client teams to define, implement, and scale the utilization of AI across their content ecosystem.
  • Next-Gen Search Optimization:  Apply emerging Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) practices and Large Language Model (LLM) retrievability workflows to ensure website copy is discoverable in conversational AI search engines.
  • AI Tool Integration:  Build and deploy custom AI agents to optimize team workflows; leverage VML’s proprietary  WPP Open  platform alongside tools like ChatGPT and Claude to drive content innovation.
  • Client Partnership & Account Ownership
  • Relationship Management:  Serve as the day-to-day strategic lead for complex, high-touch client relationships, using active listening and diplomacy to build trust and align expectations.
  • Client Advocacy & Consultation:  Translate complex search, AI, and content performance metrics into clear, persuasive narratives and presentations for senior stakeholders.
  • Account Operations:  Own the content workstream for the account, guiding optimization plans and performance reporting while consulting with Directors and above on broader strategic goals.
  • Editorial & Content Excellence (Client-Owned Websites)
  • Web Content Strategy:  Oversee the end-to-end execution of long-form website copy, articles, and blogs, ensuring all output meets rigorous brand voice and style standards.

Requirements

  • 7+ years eperience in content strategy, SEO, or digital writing with a proven track record of managing direct reports and leading complex client accounts in an agency setting.
  • Generative AI: Strong familiarity with ChatGPT, Claude, and/or enterprise AI platforms. Understanding of prompt engineering and building workflow agents is highly preferred.
  • SEO & Web Strategy: Deep understanding of SEO principles, accessibility best practices, and emerging search trends (GEO).
  • Content Craft: Master-level writing and editing skills (AP Style, Grammarly, and content management systems).
  • Agency Tools: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Keynote, Trello, SharePoint, and OneNote.
  • Core Competencies (Soft Skills): Diplomacy & Relationship Building, Leadership & People Development, Strategic & Critical Thinking, Agility.

Benefits

  • We offer a competitive benefits package, click WPP Benefits for more details.
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VML

3.5 Glassdoor

VML is a global powerhouse born from the unification of Wunderman Thompson and VMLY&R — two of the world's most powerful and accomplished creative agencies with complementary capabilities and geographic strengths. We have an industry-unique opportunity to provide our client partners with a fully integrated offering across brand experience, customer experience and commerce practices — powered by deep data and technology experience. For more information, visit www.vml.com.

Founded in 2024
New York, New York, US
33K employees (8,368 in marketing)
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