Senior Art Director

Title: Senior Art Director Location: Kansas City, Missouri, United States

Who We Are Looking For 

At VML, we are looking for a visionary and strategic Senior Art Director to join our team and lead the visual direction of compelling, 360-degree integrated campaigns for a highly visible account. In this role, you will be a defining visual force behind the brands we represent, partnering closely with cross-functional teams to own and execute big ideas from concept to completion across print, digital, out-of-home, live activations, and beyond. This role aligns with our Human First approach, focusing on creating authentic, sustainable value for people and ensuring our work resonates on a deeply human level.

What You'll Do

• Lead and own the visual direction and execution of innovative, 360-degree campaigns, driving engagement across a diverse mix of channels including print, digital, OOH, experiential, and social media.
• Act as a strategic partner to clients, copywriters, and internal teams, ensuring all visual output aligns with the overarching brand strategy and the unique nuances of each medium.
• Confidently present and defend creative work to senior stakeholders and clients, articulating the strategic thinking behind your visual choices and channel-specific best practices.
• Mentor and guide junior designers and art directors, providing constructive feedback and fostering a collaborative, growth-oriented team environment.
• Oversee the quality of visual deliverables, ensuring exceptional design, typography, photography, and consistent brand alignment tailored for all touchpoints in an integrated campaign.

Who You Are

• You approach problem-solving with relentless curiosity and strategic insight, simplifying complex challenges into clear, engaging, and highly effective visual solutions that capture attention across any medium.
• You build trust through empathy, collaborating seamlessly with cross-functional teams and mentoring others to create work that connects with audiences on a human level.
• You are comfortable with ambiguity and aren't afraid to challenge the status quo, pitch bold ideas, and champion inclusive visual storytelling at the highest levels.

What You'll Need

• Hands-on experience creating and executing fully integrated 360-degree campaigns across print, digital, OOH, and experiential activations.
• A robust portfolio demonstrating conceptual thinking, exceptional design skills, and successful execution of broad, multi-channel campaigns.
• Experience executing social media campaigns across major platforms (such as Meta, TikTok, and X) as part of a broader integrated strategy.
• Extensive experience presenting to and building relationships with senior clients and internal stakeholders.
• Comfort with industry-standard design tools and platforms, with the agility to pivot quickly between different brand aesthetics and complex project types.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a passion for mentoring and elevating the visual craft of those around you.