Job Opportunity: Audio Visual and Graphic Designer at VUT

The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) is seeking a talented and creative Audio Visual and Graphic Designer to join its Centre of Academic Development (CAD). This role is pivotal in supporting VUT’s strategic goal of enhancing the quality of teaching and learning by developing technology-enhanced graphics for CAD and VUT staff.

Audio Visual and Graphic Designer Position Overview

Division: E-Learning
Department: Centre of Academic Development
Post: Audio Visual and Graphic Designer
Post Number: 3209
Peromnes Grade: 08

Application Criteria

A Bachelor’s Degree in Audio Visual, Graphic Design, or a related field.
A strong, well-rounded portfolio showcasing individual design aesthetics.
Proficiency in design software, including Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, and (preferably) After Effects.
Minimum of 3 years of experience in Audio Visual and Graphic Design.

Skills and Competencies

Understanding of learning theories and instructional design models.
Proficient in facilitation and report writing.
Knowledge of instructional design and development standards and processes.
Familiarity with instructional technology media and materials development and implementation.
Ability to adapt to diverse learning needs and environments.
Strong computer literacy.
Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
Self-driven with the ability to set deadlines and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Capability to work independently and as part of a team.
Maintain confidentiality of materials and student information.
Establish and maintain positive and respectful working relationships with both students and staff.

Key Performance Areas

Brand Adherence: Ensure all designs align with the institution’s brand identity and guidelines, maintaining a consistent visual representation across all platforms and mediums.
Design Creation: Develop technology-enhanced artefacts suitable for both print and digital media, including brochures, posters, digital advertisements, and e-learning modules.
Studio Management: Operate and manage the One Button Studio, facilitating the creation of high-quality audio-visual content for VUT staff, including video lectures, tutorials, and promotional materials.
Instructional Design Support: Collaborate with instructional designers to create technologically enhanced graphics and multimedia elements for online modules and educational content, ensuring alignment with pedagogical objectives.
Stakeholder Communication: Maintain clear and effective communication with internal and external stakeholders, including faculty members, administrative staff, and external vendors, to provide updates on project progress, gather requirements, and address any issues that may arise.
Visual Communication: Apply principles of visual communication, including theories on color, typography, layout, and composition, to enhance the clarity and effectiveness of educational materials.
Project Management: Manage project budgets, timelines, and production schedules in compliance with VUT policies, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
Mockup Preparation: Prepare design mockups and prototypes for review and feedback from VUT staff, incorporating suggestions and revisions to finalize concepts.
Quality Assurance: Conduct quality assurance checks to ensure all design artefacts meet the expectations, standards, and requirements of VUT staff, including clarity, accuracy, and visual appeal.
Content Innovation: Develop innovative content solutions that enhance the learning experience, utilizing new technologies and multimedia elements to create engaging and interactive educational materials.
Technical Support: Provide technical support and training to VUT staff on the use of audio-visual equipment and design software, including troubleshooting and assisting with setup and operation as needed.
Resource Management: Oversee the inventory and maintenance of all audio-visual and graphic design equipment, ensuring all resources are in good working condition and available for use by VUT staff.
Data Analytics and Reporting: Utilize data analytics to evaluate the effectiveness of visual and audio-visual materials in enhancing learning outcomes, preparing reports to guide future design strategies and improvements.
Content Accessibility: Ensure all visual and audio-visual content is accessible to a diverse range of learners, including those with disabilities, by adhering to accessibility standards and guidelines.
Collaborative Development: Work closely with academic departments, IT support, and other stakeholders to ensure the seamless integration of visual and audio-visual content into VUT’s online learning management systems.
Continuous Learning: Stay up-to-date with the latest trends, tools, and technologies in graphic design and audio-visual production, attending workshops, webinars, and other professional development opportunities.
Feedback Implementation: Actively seek and incorporate feedback from students and staff on the effectiveness and usability of visual materials, making continuous improvements based on user experience.
Marketing and Outreach Support: Assist the marketing and communications team by creating visually appealing content for promotional materials, social media, and the VUT website.
Crisis Management: Develop contingency plans and backup solutions to ensure continuity of design and production work in case of technical failures or other disruptions.
Strategic Planning: Contribute to the strategic planning of the Centre for Academic Development by identifying opportunities for the innovative use of graphics and audio-visual materials to enhance teaching and learning.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following documents by the closing date, 17 September 2024:

A fully completed application form available here.
A detailed curriculum vitae explicitly stating experience or knowledge in the mentioned fields.
Certified copies of all academic records and certificates/degrees.
Certified copy of ID.
Current contact information of referees.

Please email your application to recruitment7@vut.ac.za and ensure to quote the post reference number and description in the subject line. Note that:

Manual applications will not be accepted.
Incomplete applications or those lacking the required documents will be disregarded.
Only applications submitted using the prescribed application form will be considered.
Communication will be conducted with shortlisted candidates only.
If you do not receive feedback within three months, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Additional Information

For further enquiries, please contact:

HR Business Partner: Mr. Judas Mabilu, Tel: 016 950 9136, Email: judasm@vut.ac.za
HR Administrator: Mr. N. Mofokeng, Tel: 016 950 6714, Email: ntswakim@vut.ac.zaImportant Notes:
- By submitting your application, you authorize VUT to verify your qualifications without further consent.
- Applicants with foreign qualifications must provide a SAQA certificate of evaluation.
- VUT is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to employment equity. Candidates from designated groups are encouraged to apply.
- VUT reserves the right not to make an appointment.

This job opportunity is an excellent fit for individuals with a strong background in audio-visual and graphic design, a passion for education, and a commitment to enhancing learning through technology. Join VUT and be part of a dynamic team dedicated to improving the quality of teaching and learning.

Subscribe to Updates