Associate Director, Communications

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. 

VML is looking for an Associate Director, Communications to join its Global and North America team. The role is based in Detroit, and responsible for leading external media relations, identifying opportunities for thought leadership with a focus on the global WPP|Ford portfolio, and internal communications for the wider VML’s Detroit office. This role will also lend support to the wider Marcomms team across the global network.  

The ideal candidate will be an experienced communications professional with the ability to craft compelling narratives for use in employee and client communications, as well as external trade publications. This role will support the wider VML Detroit office with a focus on WPP|Ford as well as VML agencies operating out of Detroit, including GTB, Hudson Rouge and Zubi. The role will work in close coordination with the agency’s reputational strategy, growth objectives and departmental needs.  

We are seeking an individual with strong thought leadership acumen, top notch editing and writing skills, and knowledge of the broader advertising industry and the emerging trends affecting it.  

This role reports to the Managing Director, Global Communications and will work closely with the key stakeholders across the Marcomms team (Chief Communications Officer & CMO), as well as the Ford team including Robert Guay (WPP | Ford lead).  

Responsibilities: 

• Pitch and secure press for WPP | Ford initiatives – product launches, creative campaigns, new talent/hires, thought leadership aligned to Ford’s business.  

• Pitch and secure WPP | Ford and VML agency spokespeople within key speaking engagements and events.  

• Maintain trusted, productive relationships with reporters as well as key publications for sponsorship and speaking opportunities.  

• Develop thought leadership content from agency leaders for various placements including but not limited to published op eds, expert commentary, conference speaking engagements, agency hosted events, and more.  

• Lead development of internal communications (emails, newsletters, etc.) promoting client work and activations to global WPP|Ford, NA WPP|Ford and Detroit Campuses.  

• Provide support drafting key client communications. 

• Plan and executive bespoke agency events alongside WPP | Ford & VML leadership in Detroit to engage Ford clients in trending and relevant topics for the automotive / advertising industry.  

• Identify, assess and execute high-value sponsorship opportunities, including charitable event opportunities.  

• Deliver timely reporting for quarterly marketing and communications reports to capture key results for external press and thought leadership.  

• Collaborate with WPP / VML Ford leaders on internal communications to ensure connectivity and provide editorial review 

• Lead communications related opportunities to further promote VML’s work in supporting the Detroit Experience Studio.  

• Collaborate with VML Marcomms team to support social media and website presence for GTB, Hudson Rouge and Zubi – ensuring relevance and engagement.  

• Partner with VML Detroit leadership on press opportunities for non-Ford related business news and creative work announcements (e.g.Carthartt) 

• Communicate regularly and collaborate with wider Marcomms team to amplify news and content across VML’s owned channels (social, global newsletters, intranet, events,