Lecturer P000750 at North West University

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The School of Communication Studies at the NWU (Potchefstroom Campus) has one vacancy for a junior lecturer (honours degree) / lecturer (master’s degree) in the vibrant and dynamic field of communication, subject field journalism and media studies.

JOB DESCRIPTION

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Teaching:

• Teach introductory and advanced level courses to a diverse student body, including skills as well as specialty courses in journalism, commercial (i.e. mass media) and corporate (i.e.internal) journalism.
• Primary teaching responsibilities will include courses/topics in introductory reporting and news writing; advanced news writing magazine and feature writing; multimedia storytelling; news design, radio and social media.
• Should be able to teach news writing in English and Afrikaans.
• Teach general communication courses.
• At least three to five year’s experience in the news industry will serve as a strong recommendation as the school follows an authentic learning model where students practice digital journalism in real life as part of the curriculum.
• Experience in creating different types of digital media for news will serve as a strong recommendation.
• Experience in using online learning management systems for presentation of lesson content and assessment.
• Bring enthusiasm and strong pedagogy to teaching; engage in a practical, hands-on program of teaching; and provide strong mentoring to students.
• Provide curricular leadership in the journalism programme.
• Teaching introductory and advanced level courses.
• Engage in scholarly and creative activities.
• Provide service to the institution.
• Provide service to the community and advise to students

Curriculum development :

• Contribute to curricular revision to reflect the latest trends in the field, and to build and expand the journalism subject group across all campuses.

Scholarly work:

• Participation in research projects with colleagues 

 Administration and other tasks:

• Responsible for all administrative tasks with regards to the above, with an emphasis on journalism and media studies.
• Study guide development and update.
• Student marks and assessment.
• Share responsibility for committee and department assignments as required.
• Participate in services related to the life of the school and community.

Minimum requirements:

• An honours degree in communication with specialisation in journalism and media studies.
• A master’s degree in communication with specialisation in journalism and media studies.
• A minimum of 3 years’ work experience with master’s degree in communication with specialisation in journalism and media studies.
• A minimum of 3 years’ work experience in practical experience as a journalist.

ADDED ADVANTAGE:

• SACOMM membership.
•  A minimum of 5 years’ work experience with master’s degree in communication with specialisation in journalism and media studies.
• A minimum of 5 years’ work experience in practical experience as a journalist.

FUNCTIONAL / TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES (KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS)

• Within higher education to be able to apply all journalistic programmes offered at NWU.
• Within industry-related environments including areas such as journalism, writing, editing, design, social media, data visualisation and analysis, multimedia storytelling and magazine journalism. Experience in broadcast journalism and editorial management a plus.
• Sound understanding of the broad communication discipline.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

• Team player within groups.
• Sound relations with colleagues .
• Able to work independently.
• Strong work ethic.