Job Description

Creative Lead (JHB/CPT) Media/Marketing/Sales
Johannesburg - Gauteng - South AfricaENVIRONMENT:BE responsible for brand integration in student-centric initiatives while managing a team of Creatives as you take on the role of a Creative Lead at a leading Private Academic Institution based in Joburg. You will develop compelling brand narratives as you plan and execute impactful multi-channel marketing campaigns that elevate the institutions brand awareness and engagement, including digital, social media, print, video, and experiential initiatives. Applicants will need a Masters/Bachelors Degree in Graphic Design/Marketing/Fine Arts, or a related field with 8+ years of work experience in a Senior Creative role, ideally in Higher education or a student-focused industry. You must have expert proficiency with Figma & Adobe Creative Suite. A portfolio demonstrating expertise in brand storytelling, digital design, and multimedia content will be expected.DUTIES:Responsible for Brand Identity

• Define brand.
• Develop compelling brand narratives.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive brand guidelines covering all aspects of visual and verbal identity, ensuring consistent implementation across all platforms and materials.
• Reflect the institution's core values of innovation, inclusivity, and excellence in Higher Education.
• Brand narratives that resonate with diverse audiences, including students, parents, educators, and industry stakeholders
• Remain a leader in its industry.

ManagementBudgets - Planning (business and operational plans, objectives and schedules) -

• Plan and execute impactful multi-channel marketing campaigns that elevate the institutions brand awareness and engagement, including digital, social media, print, video, and experiential initiatives.
• Resourcing - Ensure resources are allocated efficiently to maximize impact.
• Objective setting - Set key performance indicators (KPIs) for creative outputs, using data to assess campaign effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement.

Execution Monitoring - Control, Corrective action

• Act as the creative quality gatekeeper, providing constructive feedback to ensure all creative output meets standards of excellence and aligns with the brand guidelines.
• Review and approve all creative deliverables, from digital assets like social media posts and email templates to large-scale productions like video campaigns and outdoor advertising.
• Continuously refine creative outputs based on feedback and performance metrics, ensuring the brand remains relevant and impactful in a competitive landscape.

Reporting -

• Provide regular updates and presentations to senior leadership, showcasing the impact of creative initiatives and recommending future strategies.

Workflow / Alignment / Silos -

• Work in close partnership with key marketing functions such as Content Strategy, Digital Strategy, and Campaigns to deliver seamless, integrated campaigns.
• Collaborate with academic, admissions, and student experience teams to ensure the brand story is carried through in student-facing materials, from prospectuses to orientation guides.
• Liaise with external creative agencies and production partners to supplement internal resources and achieve optimal results for large-scale projects.
• Act as the creative voice in strategic meetings, advocating for innovative approaches and emphasizing the importance of storytelling in achieving marketing objectives.
• Problem solving and decision quality, including escalations, queries and complaints.
• Resourcing and capacity management (people; infrastructure; systems; technology; equipment; information; facilities).
• Operational efficiency (processes / governance / systems / standards / policies / compliance / methodologies).
• Introduce processes and workflows to streamline creative operations, ensuring timely delivery without compromising quality.
• Governance and Compliance / Risk Management
• Structure and roles.

Leadership

• Direction and contribution to Marketing strategy - Creative strategies that align with broader marketing goals, supporting key initiatives such as student acquisition, retention, alumni engagement, and corporate partnership.
• Talent acquisition, selection, onboarding and succession / bench strength.
• Individual performance - role clarity and objectives; reviews; feedback; corrective actions.
• Skill levels - Training & Development.
• Culture and climate.
• Inspire and mentor the creative team by fostering a culture of innovation, curiosity, and continuous learning, encouraging team members to push boundaries and explore new ideas.
• Change capability - resilience, flexibility, adaptability.
• Team Remuneration.

REQUIREMENTS:Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree in Graphic Design, Marketing, Fine Arts, or related field; Masters degree is a plus.

Experience/Skills

• 8+ Years of experience in a Senior Creative role, ideally in Higher education or a student-focused industry.
• Proven track record of leading and developing Creative teams in fast-paced, innovative environments.
• Exceptional portfolio demonstrating expertise in brand storytelling, digital design, and multimedia content.
• Strong understanding of digital and traditional marketing channels, with the ability to adapt creative strategies for different platforms and audiences.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and leadership skills.
• Expert in Figma and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Experience working with diverse audiences and creating culturally sensitive and inclusive content.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, balancing creativity with project timelines and objectives.

ATTRIBUTES:

• Action orientation.
• Leadership.
• Collaborative relations and teamwork.
• Effective communication.
• Analysing and problem solving.
• Innovation, adaptability and change - passion for creativity and innovation.
• Planning and organising.
• Resilience and coping with pressure and setbacks.
• Commercial and entrepreneurial approach.

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