ENVIRONMENT:

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 institution's brand awareness and engagement, including digital, social media, print, video, and experiential initiatives. Applicants will need a Master's/Bachelor's 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.

Management -

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

• Plan and execute impactful multi-channel marketing campaigns that elevate the institution's 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 (