Art Direction : Lecturer

Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading creative institution in Stellenbosch is seeking a Junior / Mid-Level Lecturer in Art Direction to teach crucial aspects of advertising and campaign development. The ideal candidate will have a relevant degree and significant experience in the advertising industry. Responsibilities include guiding students through complex projects and contributing to curriculum innovation. Applications are invited via email, and preference will be given to candidates from designated groups as per the Employment Equity Act.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years teaching experience in a creative tertiary environment.
• Significant experience in the advertising industry as an Art Director or similar role.
• Expert-level command of design software and relevant industry tools.

Responsibilities

• Teaching Art Direction and campaign development at NQF levels 5 and 6.
• Guiding students on professional advertising projects.
• Actively contributing to curriculum innovation.

Skills

Teaching Experience

Industry Expertise

Software Proficiency

Leadership

Assessment Strategies

Networking

Education

Relevant Bachelor's or Honours degree

Tools

Adobe CC

Figma

Job description

Junior / Mid-Level Lecturer: Art Direction

(Advertising for Visual Communication)

Location: Stellenbosch, South Africa

About Us

The Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography opened its doors in January 2003 in a quaint historic building on Dorp Street, however due to rapidly expanding application numbers soon had to relocate to Techno Park, the innovation hub of Stellenbosch. This has been our home ever since. In just a short period of time, the Academy became one of the leading, tertiary creative institutions in South Africa winning numerous awards both nationally and internationally.

Our Academic team are highly educated and experienced within their fields, offering the best instruction and inspiration this country has to offer.

Our graduate attributes are vital for graduates to acquire the most sought after jobs in the industry. We strive to develop individuals who will graduate as:

• Critical Thinkers
• Creative Innovators
• Reliable Researchers
• Astute Strategists
• Problem Solvers
• Compelling Communicators
• Responsible Citizens
• Effective Negotiators

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Lecturer to specialise in Art Direction with a specific focus on the world of advertising. You will be responsible for teaching conceptualisation, campaign development, and visual strategy, leveraging your agency and teaching experience.

Qualifications and experience

• Education: A minimum of a relevant Bachelor's or Honours degree.
• Teaching Experience: A minimum of 3 years teaching experience in a creative tertiary environment.
• Deep Industry Expertise: Significant, proven experience in the advertising industry (e.g., as an Art Director, or equivalent creative role).
• Leadership & Mentorship: The ability to lead design critiques, set high standards, and mentor students toward industry-ready conceptual thinking.
• Assessment & Moderation Expertise: Experience in developing comprehensive assessment strategies (e.g., rubrics, grading criteria) and participating in the internal moderation of student work.
• Software and Technology Proficiency: Expert-level command of the relevant design software (these include but are not limited to Adobe CC, Figma, online prototype tools etc), plus proficiency in relevant emerging industry tools.
• Industry Network & Outreach: A proven, active network within the advertising and creative industries that can be leveraged for guest speakers and client projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Teaching Art Direction, ideation, and campaign development across various media (digital, print, experiential) at NQF levels 5 and 6.
• Guiding students through complex, professional-level advertising projects and industry collaboration briefs.
• Actively contributing to curriculum innovation, especially connecting current advertising trends to the classroom.
• Experience in writing level appropriate briefs, assessments, lesson plans and making use of learning management systems within an existing curriculum framework.
• Knowledge and experience of NQF levels (5,6,7 and 8.
• Managing and maintaining accurate student records of progress, attendance, and assessment results, and contributing to departmental reports on course performance.
• Working collaboratively with and assisting the Head of Department.
• Attending and contributing to faculty meetings, curriculum review sessions, industry events, portfolio reviews and student recruitment events (e.g., Campus Days).

Commencement date

5 January 2026

How to Apply

Please submit your CV, a detailed cover letter highlighting your advertising experience and teaching track record, and a link to your professional portfolio to [e-mail]

This is an Employment Equity position. Preference will be given to suitable qualified candidates from designated groups as defined by the Employment Equity Act, but all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.