Associate Account Director - Freelance

Who We Are

VML is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce, creating connected brands to drive growth. VML is celebrated for its innovative and award-winning human-first work for clients including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendy's. In 2026, VML was named Campaign’s Global Network of the Year and ranked #2 Creative Network of the Year at Cannes Lions.

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.

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Associate Account Director – (Freelance)

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

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 candidate s 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 work streams 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.

• 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.

• 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…