Are you an enthusiastic communication designer that is passionate about facilitating the learning of others and empowering future creatives?

The School of Visual Communication at Open Window is seeking to appoint a lecturer in Communication Design (subject) in a permanent post.

About The Open Window

The Open Window (OW) is an accredited private higher education institution recognised for setting innovative standards in the field of visual arts and digital sciences. Founded in 1994, OW has a focus on providing a unique tertiary platform where practice-led tuition links traditional fine art practice with the applied arts. Emphasis is placed on continual innovation within curricula so as to maintain relevance in the rapidly evolving creative arts industries. Many Open Window lecturers, in addition to their academic roles, are actively engaged in creative practice – and we encourage our lecturers to maintain their links to industry. Our investment in highly qualified and industry-relevant staff is deemed critical in directing our students in work-integrated learning projects of value.

Open Window is known for:

• Various Higher Certificates
• Bachelor of Arts in Visual Communication Design
• Bachelor of Film Arts
• Bachelor of Arts in Creative Technologies
• Bachelor of Arts Honours in Visual Communication
• Postgraduate Diploma in Creative Practice

About Communication Design at The Open Window (Department of Visual Communication)

Communication design plays a vital role in influencing the visual landscape that surrounds us and includes a wide variety of information design applications such as branding, packaging, editorial design and advertising among other fields. The course centres on creating communicative and innovative designs that inspire ideas, transforming and shaping the world we live in. At Open Window, the Communication Design course prioritises practical experimentation driven by strong conceptual rigour and well-defined communication strategies. It places emphasis on a high level of refinement in design projects across a wide range of media applications.

Role Description:

We are interested in appointing a candidate that seeks meaningful connection through the facilitation of learning and student mentorship. The successful candidate will join a committed and enthusiastic group of academics and professionals in Open Window’s School of Visual Communication– a department that places focus on how ideas communicate meaningfully.

On a broad level, the candidate will be responsible for teaching the subject Communication Design (major and certificate programme) and its various components to undergraduate students. This role entails the following:

General Lecturer responsibilities:

• Facilitation of learning: Teach at an undergraduate level in the subject of Communication Design in both physical and digitally mediated environments
• Curriculum development: Maintain existing and develop new course content
• Course content and documentation: Create and provide course-related notes, briefs and other documents
• Student support: Mentor students and provide ongoing support through contact sessions and digital channels while fostering a dynamic learning environment and nurturing students’ growth.
• Assessment: Conduct formative and summative assessments and record and finalise student achievements within the subject
• Event participation and initiation: Attend and participate in Open Window-related events and initiatives such as open days and graduation ceremonies
• Ideation and discussion: Participation in strategic initiatives related to teaching, creative production, research and social engagement within the Open Window environment
• Subject administration: Setup, send, record, file and backup subject-related documentation and processes
• Collaboration: Collaborate with other lecturers and subjects to facilitate growth and development
• Subject specialist: The applicant should demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the industry and insight into global contexts. They should also demonstrate curiosity and interest in the field’s development in terms of its positioning in the industry and in an educational context.
• Maintain and further develop knowledge of digital and traditional workflow and processes: The applicant should be proficient in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign and must remain informed regarding software updates. Insight and ongoing development of software skills are also essential.
• Industry relationships: Maintain industry relationships to establish industry-related opportunities and collaborations.

Role-related software knowledge requirements:

The role requires competency in the following software:

• Adobe Suite (Minimum: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• Google Suite (Google Slide, Sheets, Docs, Forms etc.)
• Mac OS competency
• Miro

GENERAL BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES

• Good interpersonal skills, verbal and written communication skills
• Self-motivation and regulation
• Strong visual intelligence and aesthetic sensibility and conceptual thinking abilities
• Enthusiasm towards the subject(s) and field(s)
• Display a good grasp of the industry (locally and internationally) as well as the discourse related to the field of Communication Design
• Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills
• Capable of working in a team (very important!)
• Emotional maturity and soft skills for interpersonal development of both colleagues and students
• Problem-solving and problem-framing skills/ideation and conceptual abilities
• Be able to cope under pressure and meet deadlines
• Be dynamic, adaptable, and a creative thinker with administrative skills
• Lifelong learner attributes and willingness to adopt and implement new skills and knowledge.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• A minimum NQF Level 8 qualification (Honours degree or equivalent) in the Communication Design/Graphic Design/Information Design field. Preference for candidates with a Master’s degree.
• Must provide a comprehensive industry-based Communication Design portfolio and demonstrate evidence of design-based skills and thinking.

Added advantages for this position:

• Skills and experience in motion design, user interface design, illustration and photography would be beneficial.
• Skills related to packaging design and dieline creation
• Industry experience in the relevant field and/or experience in the facilitation of learning at a tertiary level/curriculum development
• Teaching qualification / Masters qualification

Remuneration:

R320 000 – R400 000 per annum

(negotiable within the indicated annual remuneration range, as commensurate with the incumbent’s overall experience and qualification level)

No additional benefits are on offer, other than a Retirement Annuity of which Open Window contributes towards.

Application Process:

To apply please send your CV, portfolio and a motivational cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position to:

Academic Administrative Manager: Amy Maphagela – [email protected]

Closing Date for applications is 29 November 2024.

Please note:

• The Open Window reserves the right to retract the position advertised without notice.
• In support of the company’s Employment Equity plan, applicants from designated groups are encouraged to apply.
• No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.
• Should you not receive a response within two months after the closing date please consider your application unsuccessful.
• As your application is likely to contain personal information, the documents will be handled according to OW POPIA policies, and the information will be shared with HR, interview panels, and the Academic Executive.