VML HEALTH is hiring: Creative Director, Copy (Health) in New York

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.

About VML Health

VML HEALTH is a global healthcare agency that partners with healthcare clients across a broad definition of health, from high science to wellness and everything in between. It operates fluidly within the VML agency, as a core group of health specialists (a ‘vertical’) that has the benefit of autonomy in management, but with support of non‑health expertise.

At the heart of health is the story of life – all the highs and lows, ambitions, and possibilities. But facing a health challenge can suddenly pull people away from these stories, knocking them off course.

Our purpose is to bridge this gap, bringing people closer to life and all its meaning. We gain a deeper understanding of Healthcare Professionals’ and patients’ needs, behaviors and lived experiences through what we call ‘radical empathy’.

VML Health creates connected brands that get to the heart, bringing people closer to the lives they want to live. Get to the heart. Connect for life.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking a highly strategic and creatively driven Creative Director, Copy, to be a go‑to leader for our healthcare brand(s). You are a visionary with a passion for developing innovative and impactful messaging that solves client business challenges. You possess a strong understanding of marketing principles, persuasive writing techniques, and the ability to inspire and direct a team of talented copywriters. You are a confident communicator, a skilled collaborator, and a champion for creative excellence.

What You’ll Do

• Be the go‑to creative leader for assigned brand(s): provide thoughtful leadership, strategic clarity, inspiration, and direction to teams and help develop strong ideas that solve clients’ business challenges.
• Provide actionable, clear, and strategic feedback for teams and work closely with Strategy, Account, and the client to ensure ideas align with the creative brief.
• Conceive and persuasively present award‑worthy concepts and recommendations to internal teams and clients.
• Lead production efforts and demonstrate ability to work within budget or articulate justification for budget increases with the Account Team.
• Foster strong relationships with clients and spot opportunities to enhance or build on a project (upsell).
• Present confidently to client and clearly communicate how creative work/design meets the strategic and business objective.
• Manage multiple projects, sometimes for various brands with different scopes and ensure all project, team, and self deadlines are met.

Who You Are

• A highly creative individual with the ability to generate innovative, award‑worthy creative and strategic ideas that solve clients’ business challenges.
• A confident and persuasive presenter who can respond well to challenging client situations.
• Comfortable acting as a liaison between an agency vendor and client.
• Comfortable with pushing back on brief or strategic direction as necessary and collaborating with senior level co‑workers and clients.

What You’ll Need

• A portfolio that demonstrates creative and conceptual thinking, preferably in the healthcare/pharma industry.
• 8‑10+ years of equivalent experience with 5+ years of supervisory experience.

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 – our full‑time hires receive a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, a generous 401(k) match (100% dollar‑for‑dollar up to 5% of salary contribution), and paid time off.
• Growth‑minded opportunities – we nurture a culture of real‑time feedback, growth‑oriented mindset, and many training opportunities through VML and WPP, so you can continue to grow personally and professionally.

Compensation and Benefits

The base salary range for this position at the time of this posting is $100,000—$230,000 USD. Individual compensation varies based on job‑related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications.

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.