THE OPEN WINDOW, STELLENBOSCH
Vacancy: Lecturer: Academic Literacy / Theory Evaluation
(Intended starting date, January 2025)
Are you passionate about guiding students in a creative industry to improve their academic literacy, writing and research? Our Fundamentals theory team shares a passion for visual culture and moving image theory, so if you are keen on assessing related theory assignments, and mentoring students to improve their academic skills, this opportunity is for you! The Fundamentals Department at Open Window is seeking to appoint a lecturer in Academic Literacy / Theory Evaluation.
About The Open Window
The Open Window (OW) is an accredited private higher education institution recognised for setting innovative standards in the field of visual arts and digital sciences. Founded in 1994, OW has a focus on providing a unique tertiary platform where practice-led tuition links traditional fine art practice with the applied arts. Emphasis is placed on continual innovation within curricula so as to maintain relevance in the rapidly evolving creative arts industries.
About the Department of Fundamentals
The Department of Fundamentals contains foundational subjects that are relevant to all four schools at Open Window (Animation Arts, Creative Technologies, Film Arts and Visual Communication). The Fundamental subjects include theory subjects, such as Academic Practice, Media Perspectives, Research Foundation, Visual Culture and Moving Image Theory and a fundamental practical subject, Drawing and Narrative. The successful candidate will join enthusiastic academics and professionals in The Open Window’s Fundamentals Department.
Role Description: We are interested in appointing a candidate that seeks meaningful connection through the facilitation of learning and student mentorship. Since the Fundamentals Theory subjects are compulsory to all students at The Open Window, the classes for these subjects are large capacity classes wherein content is delivered in a virtually-mediated mode coupled with focus sessions outside of class time, which allows for feedback in smaller groups. The role of the Lecturer: Academic Literacy will, at the outset, be focussed on hosting workshops (both virtually-mediated, and at times, campus mediated) to assist the students with their academic skills, as well as contributing to the assessment processes within the theory subjects, and the Fundamentals team as a whole.
General Lecturer responsibilities:
- Facilitation of learning: Teach and mentor students and provide ongoing support through contact sessions and digital channels, fostering a dynamic learning environment and nurturing students’ growth.
- Curriculum development: Where relevant, maintain and develop existing course content.
- Course content and documentation: Create and provide course related notes, briefs and other documents.
- Student support: Mentor students and provide ongoing support through contact sessions and digital channels, fostering a dynamic learning environment and nurturing students’ growth.
- Assessment: Conduct formative and summative assessments and record and finalise student achievements within the relevant subjects.
- Event participation: Attend and participate in Open Window related events and initiatives such as open days and graduation ceremonies, as well as supplementary opportunities where relevant.
- Ideation and discussion: Participation in strategic initiatives related to academic skills, research and engagement within the Open Window environment.
- Subject administration: Setup, send, record, file and backup subject-related documentation and processes.
- Collaboration: Collaborate with other lecturers and subjects in order to facilitate growth and development.
- Subject specialist: In-depth knowledge of current trends in industry, a progressive attitude in the discourses related to creative fields, research and writing skills, and creative higher education in general.
Role related software knowledge requirements: The role requires competency in the following software:
- Office Suite (Excel, Word) or Google Suite (Google Sheets, Google Docs).
- Mac OS competency.
GENERAL BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES
- Good interpersonal skills, verbal and written communication skills.
- Self-motivation and regulation.
- Strong visual intelligence and aesthetic sensibility.
- Enthusiasm towards the subject(s) and field(s).
- Display a good grasp of the industry (locally and internationally) as well as the discourse related to the field.
- Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills.
- Capable of working in a team (very important).
- Problem solving and problem framing skills / ideation and conceptual abilities.
- Be able to cope under pressure, and meet deadlines.
- Be dynamic, adaptable, and a creative thinker with administrative skills.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- A minimum NQF Level 8 qualification (honours degree or equivalent) in Visual Studies or similar.
- An up-to-date CV showing relevant experience in teaching and evaluating theory subjects at tertiary level.
Added advantages for this position:
- Practical experience in any related field to Open Window’s offering (film arts, animation & game arts, communication design, creative technologies, or similar) – with a portfolio available.
- A comprehensive drawing portfolio.
- A Teaching qualification / Masters qualification.
Remuneration:
R320 000 – R400 000 per annum (negotiable within the indicated annual remuneration range, as commensurate with the incumbent’s overall experience and qualification level).
No additional benefits are on offer, other than a Retirement Annuity of which Open Window contributes towards.
Application Process:
To apply please send a motivational cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position, your CV, and a portfolio (where relevant) to:
Head of Department: Lala Crafford –
Closing Date for applications is 12 November 2024.
Please note:
- The Open Window reserves the right to retract the position advertised without notice.
- In support of the company’s Employment Equity plan, applicants from designated groups are encouraged to apply.
- No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.
- Should you not receive a response within two months after the closing date please consider your application unsuccessful.
- As your application is likely to contain personal information, the documents will be handled according to OW POPIA policies, and the information will be shared with HR, interview panel members, and the Academic Executive.
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