Senior Copywriter at VML in Chicago, IL

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.

For more information, please visit www.vml.com and follow along on  LinkedIn #WeAreVML.

Who we are looking for:

VML is seeking a witty, culturally fluent Senior Copywriter to lead campaigns that connect brands to culture—and people to brands. You’ll turn insights into big ideas and bring them to life through sharp storytelling and platform-native writing.

You’re a conceptual thinker and sharp writer who can flex across tone, format and medium, whether it’s for an Instagram caption, influencer script or campaign writeup. You have a deep understanding of what makes people stop scrolling and start engaging. Everything you write gets people talking. You shape brand personas, builds worlds through resonant content and make brands feel relevant in-feed. Bonus points if you are versed in shooting, editing and creating content yourself. This role is ideal for a senior copywriter who can flex between big ideas and snackable content, understands tone like a second language and thrives in the fast pace of social.

What you’ll do:

• Concept ideas grounded in human insight, cultural relevance and platform behavior
• Craft compelling copy across all formats: captions, on-screen-text, content series, campaigns, creator briefs and more
• Adapt to a range of brand voices and tones while maintaining clarity, personality and consistency
• Partner with an Art Director to bring concepts to life across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube Shorts, Pinterest and more
• Collaborate with creative leads, strategists, producers and social managers to translate insights into compelling creative, as well as creators to make work that moves fast and hits the moment
• Participate in brainstorms, writers’ rooms and quick-turn ideation
• Present work internally and externally with clarity, confidence and a strong creative POV
• Stay plugged into trends, formats, memes, platform language and culture

What you’ll need:

• Strong conceptual instincts with a portfolio that shows social work, campaign thinking and tonal range
• Experience creating conceptual campaigns and social-first activations for brands
• Deep understanding of social platforms and how to write for each including TikTok, Instagram, YouTube Shorts, Pinterest, etc.
• Experience shaping brand voice and tone across formats and content types
• Ability to turn insights into stories, scripts and formats that resonate
• Familiarity with influencer/content creator workstreams and how to brief or collaborate with them
• Proven ability to work solo and collaboratively across disciplines
• Fluent in cultural trends, internet aesthetics and emerging formats
• Strong communication skills and collaborative energy
• Exceptionally organized, detail-oriented and able to juggle multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Passionate about making great creative work and consistently pushing it further
• Obsessed with culture, internet trends and the ever-evolving social media landscape
• Bonus: comfortable with lo-fi content creation, editing apps, or have a social presence and regularly post original content

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.

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 Benefitsfor more details. _

$60,000—$140,000 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.

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