VML is hiring: Creative Director in Portland

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.

We're looking for a Creative Director with words in their DNA—someone who's not just led teams, but who has the kind of work in their book that makes other creatives jealous they didn't think of it first. This isn't a role for idea dabblers. We want a proven maker who has cracked big brand briefs, sold in bold platforms, and delivered work that's lived in culture—not just in decks. If your portfolio makes recruiters stop scrolling and juries scribble on their ballots, you're the type we're after.

You Must:

• Lead and inspire a team with envy‑worthy creative ideas that move business.
• Bring big‑brand thinking to everything from quick‑turn activations to long‑term platforms.
• Mentor rising creatives, while keeping your own hands in the work.
• Collaborate with 360 team to ensure ideas thrive in every channel.

What We’re Looking For:

• A copywriter's background, with a career built on concepting, storytelling, and shaping unforgettable campaigns.
• Award‑winning work.
• Experience leading creative across major brands with national or global reach.
• Hunger to keep making work that breaks through and gets talked about.
• QSR or food service experience is a plus but not required—if you've driven cultural conversation in other categories, we're listening.

Why This Role:

You’ll get to work on big brands that need ideas that spark headlines, conversations, and envy across the industry.

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.

VML is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, military/veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, or other protected group status. We believe in creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion and strives to recruit a diverse slate of candidates to help us achieve that goal.

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.

$100,000-$230,000 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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