VML is hiring : Associate Director, Content Strategy in Chicago

Overview

Who We Are : At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever-evolving world. Our heritage is built upon a century of combined expertise, where creativity meets technology, and diverse perspectives ignite inspiration. With the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, we have forged a new path as a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse. Our global family now encompasses over 30,000 employees across 150+ offices in 64 markets, each contributing to a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences. Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology. We deliver end-to-end solutions that result in revolutionary work. As an Associate Director, Content Strategy at VML, you will lead the development of clear, actionable content strategies for a leading CPG client in the food and beverage space. You\'ll balance hands-on execution with strategic guidance, ensuring content connects with audiences, ladders to business objectives, and empowers creative teams to deliver their best work. This role requires a proactive, collaborative strategist who thrives in fast-moving environments and knows how to translate insights into simple, effective briefs and recommendations.

Responsibilities

Content Strategy

Create clear, concise creative briefs that outline objectives, key problems to solve, and deliverables, ensuring teams are set up for success.

Translate organic search insights and audience research into strategic recommendations that guide content development.

Conduct content audits and competitive reviews, identifying gaps, redundancies, and opportunities to optimize across web, email, and other digital touchpoints.

Participate in quarterly trend planning, synthesizing SEO and analytics inputs into actionable content needs (e.g., editorial, recipes, imagery).

Ensure brand consistency and content best practices across the client\'s owned digital channels, including websites, email programs, and culinary / lifestyle content.

Client Partnership & Team Collaboration

Serve as a strategic partner to clients and agency teams, confidently presenting insights, briefs, and recommendations.

Actively contribute in meetings, offering a clear point of view and guiding conversations toward content solutions.

Partner closely with the Organic Search lead to merge search-driven insights with strategic storytelling.

Provide feedback and guidance to creative and development teams, ensuring content execution aligns with strategy.

Department Responsibilities

Manage junior content strategists, providing feedback and coaching to elevate team output.

Proactively manage your workload, consistently meeting deadlines without repeated reminders.

Step in as a driver of strategic initiatives, not just a participant, helping to pave the road for long-term growth.

What You'll Need

Experience : 6-8 years in digital content strategy, brand strategy, CX, communications, or related fields, with proven experience in omnichannel content planning.

Strategic Skills : Ability to translate insights (SEO, analytics, competitive audits, brand strategy) into actionable recommendations and briefs.

Executional Strength : Hands-on ability to create briefs, conduct audits, and synthesize insights into clear next steps. A "do-er" mindset.

Collaboration : Track record of being an active, vocal participant in meetings and workshops, building strong relationships with clients and creative teams.

Communication : Strong writing and presentation skills, especially in developing clear, concise PowerPoint briefs.

Innovation & Curiosity : Interest in emerging trends, AI, and content optimization techniques to keep work fresh and relevant.

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 for more details.

_$ 90,000-$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.

VML is a WPP Agency. For more information, please visit our website, and follow VML on our social channels via Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

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