Lecturer (V000101) at North West University

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Teaching:

• Present undergraduate and postgraduate modules in Digital Communication and related fields.
• Contribute to the implementation, development and continuous renewal of the BA Honours in Digital Communication as well as BA Communication qualifications.
• Develop and implement innovative learning materials and digitally enhanced teaching and learning practices.
• Integrate contemporary digital communication technologies, multimedia production, digital content creation and appropriate artificial intelligence applications into teaching and learning.
• Apply innovative, practical and student-centred approaches to teaching, learning and assessment.
• Mentor and support students, including project-based and Honours-level students.
• Contribute to the development of students' digital communication competencies and their readiness for professional practice.
• Contribute to the development of teaching and learning resources for face-to-face, blended and online learning environments.
• Participate in scholarly and professional activities that enhance teaching and learning within Digital Communication.

Curriculum development:

• Contribute to the development, implementation and continuous renewal of curricula in Digital Communication and related fields.
• Contribute to the development and ongoing refinement of the newly approved BA Honours in Digital Communication as well as the present BA Communication qualifications.
• Ensure that curriculum content reflects contemporary developments in Digital Communication, multimedia technologies, digital content creation, artificial intelligence and emerging communication technologies.
• Contribute to the development of innovative, digitally enhanced and practice-oriented learning activities and resources.
• Participate in curriculum review and programme renewal processes within the School, ensuring alignment with developments in the academic discipline and professional practice.
• Contribute to the strategic growth and development of Digital Communication as a specialist area within the School of Communication.

Scholarly work:

• Implement Conduct scholarly research in Digital Communication and related areas aligned with the research priorities and focus areas of the School of Communication.
• Develop and maintain an active research profile appropriate to the level of appointment.
• Contribute to collaborative research projects within the School, Faculty, University and, where appropriate, with external academic and industry partners.
• Publish research findings in recognised scholarly journals, books, chapters and other appropriate scholarly outputs.
• Contribute to the development of Digital Communication as an emerging area of scholarly specialisation within the School.
• Participate in research activities addressing contemporary developments in Digital Communication, including digital media, multimedia communication, digital content creation, artificial intelligence and emerging communication technologies.
• Contribute to postgraduate research supervision and mentoring, particularly at Honours level and, where appropriate to the incumbent's qualifications and research profile, at Master's level.
• Participate in scholarly conferences, seminars, colloquia and other academic activities that contribute to knowledge development and professional engagement in the field.

Administration and other tasks:

• Undertake academic and administrative responsibilities associated with teaching, learning, assessment and curriculum delivery.
• Contribute to academic quality assurance processes within the School, Faculty and University.
• Participate in School, Faculty and University committees and working groups as required.
• Contribute to the coordination and administration of the BA Communication and BA Honours in Digital Communication and related academic activities.
• Assist with the development, review and maintenance of study guides, learning materials, assessment activities and other academic resources.
• Manage and maintain student marks, assessment records and related academic administration in accordance with university policies and procedures.
• Contribute to the strategic development and growth of Digital Communication as a specialist area within the School of Communication.
• Participate in School activities, academic events and initiatives that support the academic and professional development of staff and students.
• Contribute to community engagement and industry-related activities relevant to Digital Communication and the School's strategic priorities.
• Provide appropriate academic mentoring and support to junior or less experienced academic staff in areas related to Digital Communication.
• Undertake other reasonable academic and administrative responsibilities associated with the position and the effective functioning of the School.

Minimum requirements

• A Master’s degree in Digital Communication, Digital Media, Multimedia Design, Digital Content Creation, Interactive Media, User Experience Design (UX/UI), Human-Computer Interaction, Artificial Intelligence for Communication, or another closely related Digital Communication or Communication discipline. The qualification should demonstrate appropriate alignment with the field of Digital Communication. (NQF Level 9).
• A minimum of two (2) years' experience in teaching and learning in higher education at undergraduate and/or postgraduate level.
• A minimum of two (2) years' experience in Digital Communication or a closely related academic field, including teaching curriculum development and/or scholarly activity.
• Experience in research and scholarly activity relevant to Digital Communication or relevant fields.

ADDED ADVANTAGE:

• A completed doctoral degree or evidence of significant progress towards a doctoral qualification (NQF Level 10).
• Practical/professional experience in Digital Communication or related fields, including industry/professional practice, consultancy, freelance work, entrepreneurial practice or significant collaborative projects.
• Experience in digital content creation/multimedia/digital media production at professional academic or project-based level.
• Experience in postgraduate teaching, mentoring or supervision at Honours and/or Master’s level.
• Experience in industry engagement/professional collaboration in Digital Communication, creative industries, technology or related sectors.

KEY FUNCTIONAL/TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

Digital Communication knowledge and expertise

• Advanced knowledge and understanding of Digital Communication and contemporary developments in the discipline.
• Ability to apply Digital Communication theory and practice within higher education.
• Sound understanding of the broader Communication discipline and its relationship to Digital Communication.

Digital and technological competence

• Excellent digital literacy and technological competence.
• Demonstrated competence in digital content creation and multimedia communication.
• Knowledge and practical ability in relevant digital design, multimedia and content-production technologies.
• Knowledge and skills in the application of artificial intelligence platforms and tools relevant to the communication industry.
• Understanding of digital analytics, metrics and the evaluation of digital communication activities

Teaching. and curriculum competence

• Ability to design and deliver innovative, student-centred and digitally enhanced learning experiences.
• Ability to integrate theory, practical application and emerging technologies into teaching and learning.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to curriculum development and programme renewal.
• Ability to develop appropriate digital learning resources, learning materials and assessment activities.
• Ability to mentor and support students in the development of Digital Communication competencies.

Research and scholarly competence

• Demonstrated research potential appropriate to the level of appointment.
• Ability to conduct scholarly research in Digital Communication or related fields.
• Ability to contribute to collaborative research projects and scholarly outputs.
• Ability to communicate research findings through appropriate scholarly publications and academic forums.

Professional and project competence

• Ability to apply project-based approaches to Digital Communication teaching and learning.
• Ability to manage digital communication projects and activities effectively.
• Ability to engage with professional practice and emerging developments in Digital Communication.
• Ability to establish and maintain appropriate relationships with industry and professional organisations.

Desirable / Advantageous competencies

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite or equivalent professional digital design and multimedia software.
• Experience in video editing, motion graphics, UX/UI, interactive media or visual communication.
• Experience in digital branding, digital campaign development or digital communication strategy.
• Experience in developing professional digital communication portfolios.
• Experience in establishing industry partnerships or collaborative projects.
• Experience with interdisciplinary projects involving communication, design and technology.

 BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

 The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Professional integrity and ethical conduct.
• Innovation, creativity and adaptability in a rapidly changing digital environment.
• Initiative, accountability and the ability to work independently.
• Collegiality and the ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Emotional intelligence and excellent interpersonal relationships.
• A strong student-centred approach and commitment to student success.
• Professional resilience and the ability to adapt to changing institutional and technological environments.
• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• A commitment to continuous professional development and lifelong learning.