Duties/Pligte

Primary function of the position:

• The DAR Graphic Designer is responsible for creating compelling, DAR brand-aligned visual content that enhances alumni engagement and promotes the University’s alumni and donor relations initiatives.
• The designer will work collaboratively with the Alumni and Donor Engagement team and other stakeholders to produce print and digital assets for all DAR events, mailers, campaigns, publications, social media, and donor stewardship.
• Moreover, the ADE Graphic Designer will ensure brand consistency across all alumni artwork development and adaptations, event collaterals and branded merchandise, as well as the creation of alumni publications.
• Layout and design of donor engagement publications, event invitations and all associated collateral material.
• Working with other design and creative freelance colleagues to ensure delivery for all graphic design and visual communication required by DAR within strict deadlines.

Functional role:

• Responsible for all DAR graphic design and visual communication elements.
• Creating designs and sample layouts based on knowledge of layout principles and aesthetic design concepts.
• Determining size and arrangement of illustrative material and copy, selecting style and size of type.
• Creating and improving event visuals and branded elements thereof.
• Developing graphics and layouts for publication products, including illustrations, logos, and web-enabled content.
• Assisting the Donor and Alumni Engagement team with brand development.
• Ensuring quality control of all print / merchandise production for the Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) team.
• Providing input into the creative process.
• Developing initial concepts, ideas and designs.
• Communicating concepts and design expectations to team members, identified third parties and appropriate stakeholders in a timely and clear fashion.
• Supporting the Alumni and Donor Engagement (ADE) Director and the Senior Director: DAR with new concept development and design initiatives.
• Successfully defining and quantifying tasks, and delivering on time, to deadline, and to quality requirements.
• Setting and continually coordinating design expectations with team members, departments and other stakeholders.
• Proactively managing changes in project scope, identifying potential design challenges, and devising contingency plans using risk management standards.
• Building, developing, and growing any business relationships vital to the success of the design work.
• Collaborating with the Production Coordinator to develop a mechanism to initiate proposed improvements in terms of design process, deliverables, timelines, etc.

Focus areas and skills required for this role include:

• Designing print and digital materials, including invitations, event programmes, brochures, posters, newsletters, social media graphics, and bespoke merchandise and apparel.
• Ensuring that all materials adhere to DAR and the University’s brand guidelines and visual identity.
• Collaborating with the participation communications and events teams to conceptualise and design materials that encourage alumni participation for major campaigns, eg. SU Homecoming and SU Giving Day.
• Supporting storytelling efforts through design that visually communicates alumni and donor impact.
• Creating content tailored for web, email, and social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, MatiesConnect, etc.), as well as DevMan and Quicket with associated graphics specifications.
• Collaborating with content creators to design engaging alumni spotlights, event promos, and infographics.
• Layout and preparing materials for publication, including alumni magazines and donor impact reports, as required.
• Liaising with the Production Coordinator as well as printers and production vendors to ensure high-quality and timely delivery.
• Designing event branding elements (e.g., signage, name tags, banners, etc.) for various reunions, SU Homecoming, and donor-related functions.
• Contributing to stewardship efforts with the design of thank you cards, certificates, and custom donor communications as required.

Job Requirements/Pos Vereistes

• Bachelor’s degree (or NQF 7 equivalent qualification) in art, design, visual communication or a related field of study.
• Proficiency in both Afrikaans and English, with preference given to multilingual candidates who are also proficient in isiXhosa, reflecting the University’s commitment to the use of Afrikaans, English, and isiXhosa – the – the three official languages of the Western Cape – among our students, staff, and stakeholders.
• Three to four years relevant experience as a graphic designer in a fast-paced business environment.
• Advanced experience with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat) and Canva.
• Working knowledge of HTML, MS Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
• Familiarity with web design basics (HTML/CSS) will be advantageous.
• The ability to use appropriate terminologies and language to convey concept or design.
• Strong understanding of layout, typography, colour theory, and design principles.
• The ability to use experience, resources and collaboration with other designers and departments to solve problems.
• A demonstrated track record of gaining trust and respect by consistently showing sound creative, strategic and analytical thinking skills, while maintaining composure and professional etiquette in stressful and fast-paced situations.
• Exceptional attention to detail, alongside the ability to multitask, take initiative and demonstrate follow-through skills.
• Excellent typographical and layout skills in respect of magazines, brochures, posters, catalogues and digital.
• Strong project management skills: the ability to organise projects, stick to deadlines, and be a dependable and creative team member.
• The ability to deliver quality outputs and deliverables in multiple languages.
• A current portfolio of outstanding creative work covering print and brand development must be provided to support your application. The portfolio should indicate adherence to brand consistency and a range of communication types, including magazines, brochures, email mastheads and signatures, banners, posters and merchandise, or usable brand collateral.

Recommendation/Aanbeveling

• Experience in managing multiple design projects simultaneously and meeting tight deadlines without compromising quality.
• Experience in higher education, non-profit, or donor/stakeholder communication environments.
• Familiarity with accessibility and inclusivity standards in design (e.g. WCAG).
• Strong conceptual ability and confidence to pitch ideas to internal stakeholders and clients.
• Knowledge of pre-press and print production processes.
• Experience using digital asset management systems and working within structured brand identity guidelines.
• Interest or experience in video editing and motion graphics (e.g. Adobe Premiere Pro or After Effects) will be advantageous.
• The ability to mentor or provide guidance to junior designers or interns.
• A flexible, solutions-oriented mindset with a willingness to learn and evolve with digital trends and institutional needs.

Closing Date :  27-Jun-2025