Photographer
Position summary
Introduction
Job description
To provide specialist photographic services and expertise in support of the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) strategic communication, marketing, brand positioning and institutional reputation objectives. The incumbent will conceptualise, plan, produce, edit and manage high-quality photographic content for digital and print platforms, capturing the University’s people, activities, achievements, research and institutional life in ways that advance its strategic priorities and visual identity. The role also provides specialist technical guidance on photographic equipment, techniques and emerging technologies, while ensuring the effective management, cataloguing, archiving, retrieval and accessibility of the University’s photographic assets.
Minimum requirements
- A relevant three-year tertiary qualification in Photography, Visual Communication, Journalism, Media Studies, Communication, Fine Arts or a related field.
- At least three (3) years’ relevant experience in professional photography within a communications, media or editorial environment, preferably in higher education.
- Demonstrable experience in producing photographic content for digital platforms, social media, websites, marketing campaigns and print publications.
- Experience in photographic editing, digital post-production, metadata management, digital asset management and photographic archiving.
- Experience in planning and executing photographic assignments, managing competing priorities and delivering high-quality outputs within prescribed deadlines.
- Experience in coordinating photographic projects and providing technical guidance or mentorship to junior photographers, interns or freelance photographers would be an advantage.
- Advanced knowledge of professional photographic equipment, including cameras, lenses, lighting systems and related accessories, and the ability to select and use equipment appropriate to specific assignments.
- Advanced technical knowledge of photographic composition, exposure, lighting, colour, perspective, framing and visual storytelling.
- Proficiency in professional photographic editing and post-production software.
- Knowledge of digital asset management systems, metadata standards, file management, image cataloguing, archiving and retrieval practices.
- Knowledge of photographic specifications, formats and optimisation requirements for print publications, websites, social media, marketing materials and other digital platforms.
- Knowledge of contemporary photographic techniques, technologies and trends in visual communication and digital content production.
- Ability to conceptualise, plan and execute photographic assignments from the initial brief through to final delivery, ensuring alignment with communication objectives, brand guidelines and quality standards.
- Ability to interpret strategic communication and marketing briefs and translate them into compelling, accurate and high-quality visual content for diverse audiences.
- Ability to manage photographic assets responsibly, ensuring appropriate organisation, accessibility, preservation and compliance with applicable copyright, consent and image-use requirements.
- Strong organisational, planning, interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple assignments, work independently and collaboratively, provide technical guidance and meet deadlines.
- Strong attention to detail, visual judgement and the ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment, including at events and activities outside normal working hours when required.
Enquiries and details regarding this post, as well as requests for a job profile, may be directed to Ms Nqobile Molefe, 031 2603861 or e-mail: Molefen@ukzn.ac.za
The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday, 30 October 2026.
To apply, please visit the UKZN website and register on the UKZN Careers Portal to submit your application. Alternatively, you may click on the link provided below to access the portal directly: https://ukzn.ci.hr/applicant/index.php OR copy this link to Microsoft Edge.
Kindly note that the University of KwaZulu-Natal (“the University”) is required to process any Personal Information (as defined by the Protection of Personal Act, 2013 “POPIA”) submitted by candidates when applying for positions at the University. The provision of the Personal Information is a requirement in terms of the University’s recruitment and selection process. The retention of any personal information is as a consequence of the University being bound by legislative requirements and / or good governance practices as well as record keeping for statistical purposes. The University will endeavour to ensure that the appropriate security measures are in place and implemented for both electronic and paper-based formats that are used for processing of the personal information recorded through this recruitment and selection process.
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is committed to meeting the objectives of Employment Equity to improve representivity within the Institution. Preference will be given to applicants from designated groups in accordance with our Employment Equity Plan.
- Please do not send us copies of your degree and other certificates. We will request certified copies if you are short listed for interview.
- Please read the advertisement carefully. We do not consider applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements.
- The University is committed to Employment Equity.
- The University reserves the right not to fill a vacancy.
- Should you not hear from us within six weeks of the closing date, please assume you are unsuccessful
- Please familiarise yourself with the University’s Section 18 Notice regarding the processing of your Personal Information.