Program Director Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

VML, part of WPP, 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 human first, award‑winning work for blue chip client partners including AstraZeneca, Colgate‑Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca‑Cola Company, and Wendy's. The agency is recognized by the Forrester Wave™ Reports, as a Leader among Marketing Creative and Content Service Providers, Commerce Services, Global Digital Experience Services, Global Marketing Services and, most recently, Marketing Measurement & Optimisation. In addition, VML's specialist health network, VML Health, is one of the world's largest and most awarded health agencies. VML's global network is powered by 26,000 talented people across 55+ markets, with principal offices in Kansas City, New York, Detroit, London, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, and Sydney.

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world's leading brands. We unite cutting‑edge media intelligence and data solutions, world‑class creativity, next‑generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com.

Who we are looking for: VML is seeking a Freelance Program Director, who will be responsible for overseeing the overall delivery stack, all related processes, software and hardware for a dedicated client in the Automotive space, and act as a primary point of contact with client leadership, all stakeholders and serve as the "connective tissue" between internal resources and external connections. This role will serve as part Project Leader, Management Consultant and Delivery Manager both for our client stakeholders and internal production teams.

The ideal candidate will have experience leading in and thriving in an agile and collaborative work environment. You will have worked on complex production delivery projects/campaigns, inclusive of all project elements and phases from inception to completion while remaining cool under pressure. You are familiar with the complexities and regulations within marketing content and its production. You consider yourself a team captain – someone who can manage scopes of work, complex technical roll outs and workstreams across different interagency teams and agency partners with ease. You have your finger on the pulse on the latest technology trends. You are a leader, able to convey strategic insights and offer consultation to internal and external stakeholders.

• You will work with internal Process and Project Management teams to drive innovative initiatives, analyze, plan and implement the technological solutions that are part of our roadmap and drive cross‑brand projects acting as the primary point of contact for clients.


• Consult and support and serve as a key pillar to our internal production and account teams as you identify opportunities for streamlining, automating or implementing efficient processes within VML and for our clients.


• Own and grow the relationship with the counterparts at our clients, such as internal creative and social media groups, Business Technology Leaders and License Owners and you will have an active role within VML, with visibility and involvement in the development of new proposals, products and services.

• A Builder, possessing an entrepreneurial attitude coupled with strong business acumen. You possess the gravitas and appetite to bring people together, while marshaling people and building consensus to drive ideas and launch solutions.


• Open and collaborative: Our team is close‑knit and supportive and we’re working with a lot of unknowns. You must be a champion of team environments that are comfortable and encouraging.


• Optimistic and resilient: Dig in and figure out how to work around problems. Exemplify a "Yes and why not?" posture. Takes care of self and team. Balance needed to maintain stamina and positivity.


• Ego‑less: We all wear the hats that need wearing, it’s a mentality that makes the team successful.

• Ideally 5+ years of project and delivery management experience in advertising or marketing communications; a minimum of 3+ years of hands‑on experience managing technical, digital projects and other 360 campaigns (digital, CLM, CRM, etc.)


• PMP certification is nice to have and successful implementation of Agile a plus


• Experience of working in (preferably large) agencies on large global accounts


• Self‑driven with proven experience working with multi‑disciplined teams (CX, UX, Tech, Creative, PM/AM) across remote offices


• Good understanding of emerging web standards, user‑centered design, optimisation and search practices


• Experience with SalesForce Marketing Cloud a plus


• High EQ and the ability to read what a team needs to help motivate them


• Proficiency in MS Office products


• Availability to travel within the US and to other VML offices

The compensation 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.

$85-110 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 (NYSE: WPP). For more information, please visit www.vml.com, and follow along on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.