Careers
Departments
- Information Technology
- Media
- Professional Services & Development
- Research & Planning
- Strategic Services
What if... you could work in a dynamic interactive advertising environment for one of the Best Companies to Work for in America? At VML, you can.
Current Openings
Location: Seattle
Department: Research and Planning
Responsibilities will include:
·Educating internal and external clients in all matters related to user-centered design
·Leading project teams in user-centered design activities by applying subject-matter expertise in the areas of user-based research and information architecture
·Collaborating as a member of the design and development teams
·Conducting stakeholder interviews to determine business / site objectives
·Conducting user interviews to assess needs and analyze task flows
·Performing heuristic evaluations, competitive site reviews, site-content audits, and existing-research reviews
·Creating information design and navigation systems for internet, intranet and extranet sites, as well as online applications
·Creating and refining user-experience documents, including task and gap analyses, content and feature/functionality matrices, usage scenarios, site maps, wireframes, flow diagrams and user-requirements documents
· Preparing and presenting design recommendations based on user research, UCD and IA principles
What we’re looking for:
· Strong knowledge of user-centered design and HCI principles and user-analysis techniques
· A minimum of seven years of experience researching and developing strategic user-experience design for high-traffic dynamic websites
· Proficiency with one or more diagramming tool (e.g., Visio)
· Strong communication and organization skills
· The ability to work as a team member in a fast-paced, flexible environment, and to productively guide and cultivate the work of colleagues and support personnel (information architects, taxonomists, et al.
·Willingness to travel
Strongly desired:
·Familiarity with foremost online programming languages – HTML, XML, AJAX, etc. – as they apply to experience-design objectives and alternatives
·Fluency and experience with mobile-device experience design
Location: Kansas City
Department: Account Management
The Account Supervisor will be working with two of the top clients in the VML portfolio. Both AOR relationships encompass strategic marketing, brand development, online media, search, site development, social media and traditional media. The ideal candidate will be an immediate contributor and help drive innovative marketing strategies across multiple channels with nationally recognized brands!
We’re looking for entrepreneurial, fearless candidates with at least five-plus years of experience managing digital and traditional marketing projects. Comfort with strategy, technology and implementation are required. Experience in brand development, and product launch is preferred. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of both offline and online media, as well as creative process and superior client communication skills.
What we’re looking for:
-Five-plus years of agency and traditional/digital experience
-Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in a related field
-Ability to work effectively with a variety of internal disciplines and business groups, including Project Management, Creative, Technology and Product Development teams in a fast-paced, flexible environment
-Excellent communication skills required—internal and client-facing
-Ability to supervise and lead in a team environment
-Background in marketing and/or marketing communications
-Understanding of online media
-Interest in new technology and alternative media is necessary
-Understanding of analytics, testing and optimization
-Energetic!
-Travel may be required
Location: Seattle
Department: Delivery Services
VML’s Seattle office creates digital media solutions, in partnership with the Wunderman Network, for big-brand commercial and consumer software products. We are a team of smart, creative, technology-savvy individuals looking to implement high-quality, innovative web solutions and have fun doing it.
If you thrive in a little bit of chaos and a lot of creativity, and know how harness it and keep it focused and organized to deliver powerfully smart solutions, you might consider joining our team, and we’d like to have you.
What we’re looking for:
- No less than five years managing multiple projects in a web or digital media environment
- Bachelor’s Degree in business, technology or related field
- Strong writing, presentation and interpersonal communication skills – be prepared to give examples and writing samples
- Understands how to influence key decisions, resolve conflicts, inspire, motivate and leverage your leaders when appropriate; impeccable leadership sensibility
- Working comprehension of capabilities and limitations of common web technologies including Flash, DHTML, Silverlight, Java and JavaScript (experience with Silverlight a plus)
- Generally follow Web 2.0 trends and usages, be informed about what’s out there
- Power user of MS Project, experience with MS Project Server a plus, extremely proficient in MS Excel and much comfort using other MS Office applications absolutely required. Other web technical smarts wouldn’t hurt either
Location: New York City
Department: Creative
What if…you could develop and produce effective marketing materials -- online, digital and print- all while working closely with a team of art directors and interactive producers for one of the "Best Companies to Work for in America"? At VML, you can. We’re looking for a Senior Copywriter to join our New York-based team.
What we’re looking for:
- At least five years of relevant experience; technology/software client experience helpful
- Demonstrated proficiency with strategic thinking, creative concepting and writing
- A solid command of English language (grammar, spelling, vocabulary)
- The ability to work in a timely manner to meet deadlines
- Good presentation skills (a must!)
- Bachelor’s degree in journalism or related field preferred
Location: Seattle
Department: Creative
What we’re looking for:
- Two-plus years of relevant experience
- Strong design and typography skills, with an understanding of digital media
- Macromedia Flash skills are a must
- Video, 3D skills are a plus
- Good client presentation skills
- Strong team player
- Ability to envision creative ways to leverage online ideas and technologies
- Proficiency in branding, online marketing, and media concepts
- Able to integrate the big idea through all mediums
- Great design skills are a must; knowledge of traditional mediums including print and broadcast are a plus
The successful candidate will be organized, dependable, knowledgeable, detail-oriented, able to work both autonomously and as part of a team, and possess the ability to multitask and handle multiple projects simultaneously without freaking out.
Location: Kansas City
Department: Research and Planning
Responsibilities include:
- Uxp engagement strategy across the account, to define and implement overall approach, and course adjust
- Build and maintain excellent relationships across client and internal VML teams, cross-department and executive levels. The Director must be adept at working with senior management and for fostering positive working relationships throughout all levels of the company
- He/She will manage team members’ capabilities and career development. They will coach the team to work effectively toward a common goal and empower strategic contribution to reflect growing business needs.
- Managing many simultaneous projects and initiatives
Location: Kansas City
Department: Research and Planning
Responsibilities include:
- Conducting and/or managing all stages of UX work for projects of various kinds and complexities, from inception (RFP response, scoping, etc.) through design strategy, to design and to execution.
- Managing numerous simultaneous projects and initiatives to completion, within time and budget considerations.
- Demonstrating effective judgment in strategic prioritizations and their associated tradeoffs; knowing when depth practices should be advocated, and when more cursory consulting should suffice; being a source of creative problem solving across client challenges
- Serving as an effective point of reference for consistent, practical application of key UXP methodologies
- Providing timely, astute peer review to fellow UX practitioners
- Educating internal partners and external clients about the business value and benefits of user experience methodologies
- Client presentation and travel (when needed) will be required to establish strong working relationships and foster growth opportunities for VML
- Advising others on the most appropriate uses of these methodologies, relative to particular project and client contexts.
Location: Seattle
Department: Research and Planning
Strategists are seasoned business consultants with in-depth knowledge of digital and its role in relationship marketing. They are effective advisors to clients on a range of marketing problems; they are media-agnostic campaign planners; and they are shrewd with regard to customer insights and emerging trends. A strong understanding of business and industry context and an ability to synthesize information from a variety of sources make them a valued asset to the agency and client.
What we’re looking for:
- Minimum of 10 years senior-level strategic experience, including developed capabilities in strategy, campaign planning, and or consulting roles. Experience must be vendor side (agency, consulting firm, or equivalent)
- Vendor-side track record planning campaigns, working with blue-chip brands and collaborating with geographically distributed teams
- Experience with digital marketing and emerging channels
- Experience in B2B/Technology marketing
- Outstanding interpersonal skills along with exceptional writing and presentation abilities
- Experience as a thought leader on relevant topics in digital and relationship marketing (this may include conference presentations, publishing/blogging, workshop leadership, etc.)
- Ability to drive business development efforts with existing and new clients
- Experience as an integrator with cross-functional teams (technology, marketing and creative/design) together in support of programs and campaigns
- A Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s or Doctoral-level candidates are preferred
- Ability to manage multiple, complex projects and relationships
- Self starter with a high-degree of self-confidence and charisma
Location: Seattle
Department: User Experience
VML is seeking a Senior User Experience Architect to join our Seattle office. The role will include working with a major software company based in Seattle. We are seeking self-starters who can help drive projects, strategize with clients, manage expectations and work closely with a full team of highly creative writers and designers, as well as our account and project management teams. A passion for marketing, communications and gaming is a plus.
Responsibilities will include:
- Educating internal and external clients in all matters related to user-centered design
- Conducting stakeholder interviews to determine business/site objectives
- Conducting user interviews to assess needs and analyze task flows
- Performing heuristic site evaluations
- Performing competitive site audits
- Creating information design and navigation flows for internet, intranet and extranet sites, as well as online applications
- Creating and revising information architecture documents including content matrices, user personas and scenarios, site maps, wireframes, flow diagrams and user requirements documents
- Preparing and presenting design recommendations based on user research and Information Architecture principles
What we’re looking for:
- Strong knowledge of user-centered design and HCI principles and user analysis techniques
- Three-plus years of experience strategizing and architecting user experience design for high-traffic dynamic websites
- Experience with one or more diagramming tools (e.g., Visio)
- Strong communication and organization skills
- The ability to work as a team member in a fast-paced, flexible environment.
- Willingness to travel
Location: Seattle
Department: Creative
VML Seattle is looking for an Experienced Senior Copywriter to join their team.
What we’re looking for:
- At least three years of relevant writing experience; digital agency experience a plus
- Strategic thinking, creative concepting and slinging sizzling copy need to be part of your MO
- Must have a solid command of the English language (grammar, spelling, vocabulary)
- Tight timelines and deadlines don’t rattle you
- You love to present and sell creative work
- You have a college degree in journalism or a related field (preferred)
But that’s not all it takes to join our creative collective. You’ve also got to be organized, dependable, knowledgeable, detail-oriented and able to work both on your own and as part of a team. And did we mention you’ve got to be a good at multitasking and handling multiple projects simultaneously?
Location: New York City
Department: Media
What if…you could work with a team of media professionals who don't just dream about media integration, they actually do it? What if…you could work with a client who is on the forefront of digital innovation? If you can manage competing tasks, multiple clients and working on a deadline, and want to work at one of the “Best Companies to Work for in America”, you can. VML is looking for a Digital Media Supervisor/Senior Digital Strategist to join our New York City-based team in a unique partnership with a major fast food hamburger restaurant known for its cutting-edge, forward-thinking advertising.
Primary job responsibilities would include:
-Being the lead digital media strategist and day-to-day client interface
-Leading and overseeing the digital marketing team handling annual and individual project planning for all client marketing efforts
-Fostering strong relationships with internal and external agency teams
-Providing senior-level brand marketing insights and training to media team including:
-Execution of third-party research for inclusion into campaign development
-Media plan development and media buying, as needed
-Development and maintenance of publisher relationships, including senior-level contacts
-Negotiation of contracts with media publishers as needed
-Execution of campaign optimization strategies and techniques
-Use of email, rich media, PPC search, mobile and emerging media
What we’re looking for:
-A candidate who is passionate about the ever-changing media landscape and the opportunity to help shape it
-An individual who is highly knowledgeable on all digital media outlets including display, search, and email as well as emerging media and new technology platforms
-An extremely collaborative and highly creative, out-of-the-box thinker
-A skilled negotiator and strong presenter
-A candidate who is knowledgeable about traditional media channels and in crafting integrated media programs is a plus
-Experienced in online media planning; five-plus years of online media experience required
Location: New York City
Department: Media
The Online Media Manager is responsible for assisting the supervisor with all media planning efforts. Tasks will include but are not limited to: compiling research, distributing RFPs negotiating buys, creating plan spreadsheets/proformas and flowcharts, and media authorizations. Other responsibilities include:
- Meeting with media reps on assigned clients
- Monitoring campaigns in the market for accurate delivery and optimizing according to performance goals
- Running performance reports and assisting in the development of performance summaries and post-buy analysis
- Working with the assistant media manager on the team to reconcile billing
- Routing industry articles and news throughout the department for continuous updates in the ever changing medium
What we’re looking for:
- Two-plus years of online media buying/planning is required
- Agency experience preferred
- Must have a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree
- Must have knowledge of all planning tools
- Knowledge of trafficking and ad serving process
- Solid Microsoft Excel and media math skills-- precise and accurate
- Ability to maintain good vendor relationships
- Must be a very strong presenter and team player
- Must be able to work well under pressure and be very detailed
Location: Kansas City
Department: Creative
Develop concepts and designs; create new and innovative solutions while incorporating the newest technologies.
What we’re looking for:
- Five-plus years design experience, three of those with traditional and online design;
- Strong conceptual and design skills with comprehensive knowledge of digital media;
- Working knowledge of web design, online-media, User-experience analysis, video, audio, animation and illustration are pluses;
- Polished client presentation skills, demonstrating a clear vision of how the work addresses problems and requirements set forth in a creative brief;
- Strong organizational and management skills;
- Ability to envision creative ways to leverage online ideas and technologies;
- High level of proficiency in branding, online marketing, and media concepts;
- Able to integrate the big idea through multiple mediums;
- Proficient in Web applications such as Flash, Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Illustrator;
- BFA/BA preferred.
Location: New York City
Department: Creative
What we’re looking for:
- Five-plus years of design experience in an agency setting, traditional and online
- Strong conceptual and design skills with comprehensive knowledge of digital media
- Working knowledge of web design, online-media, user-experience analysis, video, audio, animation and illustration are pluses
- Flash skills are a must, video and 3D skills are a plus
- ActionScript skills are a plus
- Polished client presentation skills, demonstrating a clear vision of how the work addresses problems and requirements set forth in a creative brief
- Strong organizational and management skills
- Ability to envision creative ways to leverage online ideas and technologies
- High level of proficiency in branding, online marketing and media concepts
- Able to integrate the big idea through multiple mediums
- BFA/BA preferred
Location: Kansas City
Department: UXp
The Senior Analyst will build and implement the research strategy for web applications and websites for Fortune 500 companies across the country. This individual will report to the Managing Director, Research & Planning and work collaboratively with Research, Experience Architecture and Creative Design teams to create and evaluate website and application solutions that meet end user/customer needs in addition to client business needs.
What we’re looking for:
- Four-six years of experience in HCI, UCD, Psychology, Usability or related field
- Bachelor’s degree or certification in related field preferred
- Experience conducting user research and testing, summarizing results and making recommendations
- Experience performing heuristic evaluations, user needs analysis, persona development, prototype testing, remote testing and validation testing
- Candidate will conduct and oversee qualitative and quantitative data analyses through ethnography, contextual inquiry, depth interviews, focus groups and surveys
- Candidate will also plan and scope research strategy for projects based on UCD approach
- Must have excellent research and communication skills
- Some travel is required
Location: Kansas City
Department: UXp
Responsibilities will include:
- Educating internal and external clients in all matters related to user-centered design
- Conducting stakeholder interviews to determine business / site objectives
- Conducting user interviews to assess needs and analyze task flows
- Performing heuristic site evaluations
- Performing competitive site audits
- Creating information design and navigation flows for internet, intranet and extranet sites, as well as online applications
- Creating and revising information architecture documents including content matrices, user personas and scenarios, site maps, wire frames, flow diagrams, and user requirements documents
- Preparing and presenting design recommendations based on user research and Information Architecture principles
What we’re looking for:
- Strong knowledge of user-centered design and HCI principles and user analysis techniques
- A minimum of three years experience strategizing and architecting user experience design for high-traffic dynamic websites
- Experience with one or more diagramming tools (e.g., Visio)
- Strong communication and organization skills
- Ability to work as a team member in a fast-paced, flexible environment
- Willingness to travel
Location: Kansas City
Department: Creative
What if…you could direct multiple design efforts and teams: designing, concepting and producing new media ads, wireless communications, website content and other digital and interactive media incorporating the newest technologies all while working closely with creatives and other internal teams (user experience, professional services and account management) for one of the “Best Companies to Work for in America ”? At VML, you can. We’re looking for a Senior Art Director to join our Kansas City-based team.
What we’re looking for:
- Five-plus years of design experience in an agency setting, traditional and online
-Strong conceptual and design skills with comprehensive knowledge of digital media
-Working knowledge of web design, online-media, user-experience analysis, video, audio, animation and illustration are pluses
- Flash skills are a must, video and 3D skills are a plus
- Polished client presentation skills, demonstrating a clear vision of how the work addresses problems and requirements set forth in a creative brief
- Strong organizational and management skills
-Ability to envision creative ways to leverage online ideas and technologies
-High level of proficiency in branding, online marketing and media concepts
-Able to integrate the big idea through multiple mediums
-BFA/BA preferred
Location: Kansas City
Department: Account Management
What we're looking for:
- Three to five years of experience managing digital marketing projects
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a related field
- Agency experience is required
- Comfort with technology is required; passion for/interest in technology is a plus
- Superior communication skills required, internal and client-facing
- Candidate must have the ability to present in all settings
- Ability to work effectively with a variety of internal disciplines and business groups, including Account Management, Creative and Professional Services and Development teams in a fast-paced, flexible environment
- Smart, independent thinker who can take initiative and get things done
- Experience implementing integrated campaigns a plus
- Ability to lead and manage multiple projects
- Must be team oriented and self-motivated
Must be prepared for a fast-paced environment and comfortable making your own decisions. Must be organized and able to work on several different accounts over the course of a day or week.
If you are a self-starter with strong written and verbal communications skills, solid interpersonal skills, a "can-do" attitude and enjoy working in a fun, fast-paced environment, we want to hear from you. Paid internships are offered year-round in most areas at VML, including but not limited to: account management, creative, media, research and user experience planning. You'll have the opportunity to work on specific client-related projects as well as agency-wide efforts.
Knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Quark Xpress is preferred. To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to:
Farrah McGuire, VML Talent Manager
VML
250 Richards Road
Kansas City, MO 64116
You can also submit your resume via fax at +1-816-283-0954 or via email to fmcguire@vml.com. For more information, call +1-816-283-0700.
Resumes and cover letters must be received by the applicable deadline for each session as shown below; finalists will be interviewed as resumes are received.
Fall semester (September - December): August 1
Summer (May - August): February 28
Spring semester (January - April): December 1
About VML:
VML delivers creative solutions at the intersection of marketing and technology. Founded in 1992, VML conceives and executes best-in-class interactive experiences for industry-leading brands. It is ranked by Advertising Age as one of the Top 20 Interactive Marketing Agencies in the U.S.
A full-service digital agency, VML provides the full breadth and depth of creative ideation, strategic marketing and digital solutions. VML's active client roster includes adidas, AMC Theatres, American Cancer Society, Bayer, Burger King, Cadbury Schweppes, Colgate-Palmolive, Ernst & Young, Ford, Hill's Pet Nutrition, Intuit, Microsoft, SAP, Sprint Nextel, Vanguard, Xerox and YRC Worldwide.
VML is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, with principal offices in New York, Seattle and White Salmon, Wash. The 700-person VML Digital Network includes Studiocom, with offices in Atlanta and Bogotá, Colombia; and GT (Good Technology), in London and Barcelona. VML has been a member of the WPP group of global communication agencies since 2001.
