Ap Operations Associate Jobs in Independence, MO

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.
About the Role
The Associate Director, Performance Content is a key member of our Performance Content Leadership Team, responsible for driving the strategic vision, execution, and day-to-day management of high-performance content for client-owned websites.
This role exists to lead our client's digital evolution at the intersection of search, content strategy, and artificial intelligence. As an Associate Director, you will champion AI transformation on a major, high-profile account, ensuring our client's web properties are optimized for the next generation of search.
This is a highly collaborative, people-first role. You will act as the trusted strategic anchor for high-touch, sophisticated client relationships, relying on exceptional diplomacy and consulting skills to navigate complex dynamics and align business objectives. Internally, you will foster a culture of growth by mentoring direct reports, steering resource management, and contributing to new business and scoping initiatives to help lead our practice to its annual goals.
What you'll do
AI Strategy & Implementation

• Consultative AI Leadership: Partner closely with client teams to define, implement, and scale the utilization of AI across their content ecosystem.

• Next-Gen Search Optimization: Apply emerging Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) practices and Large Language Model (LLM) retrievability workflows to ensure website copy is discoverable in conversational AI search engines.

• AI Tool Integration: Build and deploy custom AI agents to optimize team workflows; leverage VML's proprietary WPP Open platform alongside tools like ChatGPT and Claude to drive content innovation.

Client Partnership & Account Ownership

• Relationship Management: Serve as the day-to-day strategic lead for complex, high-touch client relationships, using active listening and diplomacy to build trust and align expectations.

• Client Advocacy & Consultation: Translate complex search, AI, and content performance metrics into clear, persuasive narratives and presentations for senior stakeholders.

• Account Operations: Own the content workstream for the account, guiding optimization plans and performance reporting while consulting with Directors and above on broader strategic goals.

Editorial & Content Excellence (Client-Owned Websites)

• Web Content Strategy: Oversee the end-to-end execution of long-form website copy, articles, and blogs, ensuring all output meets rigorous brand voice and style standards.

• Editorial Quality Assurance: Review and edit junior team members' work to maintain an exceptionally high caliber of writing, grammar, and style.

• Content Auditing & Gaps: Identify strategic content opportunities and recommend new topics to fill performance gaps on client-owned websites.

Leadership, Coaching & Practice Operations

• Direct Report Development: Manage a team of direct reports, providing strengths-based professional coaching, actionable feedback, and clear career pathing.

• Resource & Scoping Management: Assist practice leadership with resource planning, scope of work (SOW) development, and project estimating.

• Practice Growth: Support new business pitches and develop strategic case studies that highlight the team's successes and validate ongoing client relationships.

• Team Training: Onboard staff on internal processes, agency tools, and rapidly changing industry standards.

Who you are

• 7+ years eperience in content strategy, SEO, or digital writing with a proven track record of managing direct reports and leading complex client accounts in an agency setting.

Technical Skills

• Generative AI: Strong familiarity with ChatGPT, Claude, and/or enterprise AI platforms. Understanding of prompt engineering and building workflow agents is highly preferred.

• SEO & Web Strategy: Deep understanding of SEO principles, accessibility best practices, and emerging search trends (GEO).

• Content Craft: Master-level writing and editing skills (AP Style, Grammarly, and content management systems).

• Agency Tools: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Keynote, Trello, SharePoint, and OneNote.

Core Competencies (Soft Skills)

• Diplomacy & Relationship Building: Exceptional emotional intelligence with a natural ability to navigate high-touch, complex client environments.

• Leadership & People Development: A passion for mentoring talent, managing competing demands, and motivating a team.

• Strategic & Critical Thinking: Ability to look beyond execution to see the broader business impact of content and technology.

• Agility: A lifelong learner who embraces change and remains highly receptive to feedback during collaborative writing and strategy processes.

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.
$75,000-$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.
When you click "Submit Application", this will send any information you add below to VML. Before you do this, we think it's a good idea to read through our Recruitment Privacy Policy. California residents should read our California Recruitment Privacy Notice. This explains what we do with your personal data when you apply for a role with us, and, how you can update the information you have provided us with or how to remove it.