Job Details

KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll  - Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.

The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. To avoid upload issues, we recommend merging some or all documents into fewer files before submitting.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!
To ensure your application is complete, you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements, as well as the following standard documentation:                                                                      
•    A detailed Curriculum Vitae.
•    Copies of your qualifications, or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications, please include SAQA accreditation).
•    A copy of your identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals).
•    Confirmation of employment in the form of a letter, appointment contract, service certificate, or recent payslip from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only).
 

Duties and responsibilities:
•    Contribute to the Design and Production of Library Marketing Materials
•    Design and create promotional materials for library events and services like posters, brochures, banners, and newsletters that communicate key messages to students, faculty, and external audiences
•    Develop digital content for online platforms.
•    Incorporate feedback to improve designs.
•    Uphold professionalism and ethical standards in design work.
•    Enhance the library's visual identity, improving communication with users by promoting library resources.
•    Ensure consistency in design elements across all platforms (print, web, social media). This includes uniform colour schemes, typography, logos, and styles that align with the university branding.
•    Ensure the library’s communications remain professional and recognisable, regardless of the medium.
•    Contribute to the library's mission through effective visual communication.
•    Design inclusive materials for diverse audiences
•    Manage information and integrate technology.
•    Collaborate with the library team to support academic programmes through visually engaging educational materials, e.g. guides
•    Assist in managing and scheduling posts, monitor engagement, and analyse metrics.
•    Ensure that photographs taken at all events are uploaded on a shared folder for easy access.
•    Ensure Website and Social Media Design Support.
•    Contribute to creating visually appealing materials that effectively convey messages to library users,
•    Enhance the overall communication strategy.
•    Create graphics for the library’s social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) to promote events, services, and resources.
•    Assist with layout and design for online publications and digital newsletters.
•    Design and update web graphics, banners, and multimedia content for the library website.
•    Contribute to increasing awareness and engagement among library users.
•    Support digital initiatives e.g. multimedia content, digital marketing campaigns, website graphic design,
•    Assist in maintaining and strengthening the UFS library brand identity across all communication channels
•    Enhance the library and identity through consistent design in collaboration with the UFS Marketing branding
•    Ensure that all designs align with the library’s branding and institutional visual identity guidelines.
•    Reinforce the library's identity and maintain a cohesive look, strengthening brand recognition.
•    Maintain a consistent aesthetic and brand tone across all communication materials.
•    Develop new templates and visual styles for recurring library publications, ensuring a coherent and professional image.
•    Develop designs for the African Languages Press
•    Ensure that all printed materials are visually appealing and error-free and that they professionally represent the library.
•    Oversee the quality control of all print materials to maintain professional standards.
•    Design user-friendly interfaces for library-related digital tools, including the library's website, online catalogue, and mobile apps.
•    Enhance user experience by developing user-friendly digital interfaces for library websites and online catalogues.
•    Work with the web development team to enhance the usability and accessibility of digital resources.
•    Conduct research and gather user feedback to refine designs that improve the overall user experience.
•    Develop wireframes, prototypes, and design concepts to streamline the navigation and interaction with library digital platforms.
•    Collaborate and work as a library and university community team player to create materials aligned with the library’s goals, offer design advice, and stay updated on trends to introduce innovative solutions.

Inherent Job Requirements:

•    Bachelor’s degree or an Advanced Diploma/B.Tech degree/Postgraduate Certificate on NQF Level 7 or a 3-year National Diploma on NQF Level 6 in the field of graphic design or related field. 
•    A minimum of one (1) year of relevant working experience in graphic design. 

Recommendations:

​​​​​​​•    Experience within the higher education environment.
•    Knowledge of university systems, policies, procedures.
•    Knowledge of Library and Information Science as a profession.
•    Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.).
•    Strong understanding of typography, layout, and visual hierarchy.
•    Training content development.
•    Presentation and training skills.
•    Benchmarking knowledge and skills.
•    Conducting users’ needs surveys.
•    Knowledge of library management systems.
•    Knowledge of online databases.
•    Computer literacy.
•    Excellent Interpersonal relations.
•    Client service orientation.
•    Ability to work within tight deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
•    Excellent communication skills as well as the ability to liaise on different levels internally and externally.
•    Innovative/Creative problem-solving skills.
•    Ability to work in a diversity environment and adapt easily to change.
•    Teamwork - Ability to work with others.
•    Leadership and decision-making skills.
•    Willingness to work outside normal office hours (Commitment).
•    Organisational and planning skills.
•    Values and principles driven (Integrity, Respect, Punctuality, Commitment, Tolerance, Accountability).

Key Competencies Required:

•    Results Orientated:
-    The ability to stick with tasks, not give up, and overcome obstacles in completing one’s task.
-    The ability to deal calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
•    Strategic Thinking:
-    The ability to focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised manner.
-    The ability to plan work and to follow plans.

•    Business Acumen:
-    The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
-    Proficient in using MS Office.
-    Technical knowledge & skills, design software proficiency, branding & Visual Identity, basic understanding of HTML/CSS for web assets, animation and motion design, photography and videography skills.
-    Creative skills, e.g. conceptual thinking, attention to detail storytelling and communication.
-    Project management, e.g. time management, stakeholder engagement & problem solving.

•    Leading:
-    The ability to lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others. 
-    The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.

•    Building Coalitions:
-    The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
-    The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.
 

Assumption of duties:
As soon as possible.

Closing date:
30 April 2026

Salary:
The annual remuneration package, including benefits is R 403,692.54– R 506 869.63 per annum, depending on the budget available for the position, relevant work experience and qualifications.

Fringe benefits: 
(Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.

Enquiries:
For enquiries, please feel free to contact 051 401 9813 or email PhokaR@ufs.ac.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 2979 / 2558 / 2876   for assistance.

General:
The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Plan is available at: 
ufs-employment-equity-plan_2025.pdf

The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.