VIAD is Hiring

Project Facilitator needed

Application deadline

31 October 2025

Vacancy: Project Facilitator

The Visual Identities in Art and Design (VIAD) Research Centre, based in the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture, at the University of Johannesburg, invites applications for the position of Projects Facilitator.

VIAD is an internationally recognised research centre dedicated to advancing scholarship and practice on visual representations of identity, focusing on contemporary African and African diasporic art.

This is a full-time technical–administrative role requiring a highly organised, proactive, and resourceful individual capable of managing complex projects across multiple platforms. The successful candidate will provide end-to-end facilitation of VIAD’s research-driven, practice-led projects, including exhibitions, symposia, panel discussions, artist’s residencies, public programmes, and digital initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

1. Project & Event Facilitation

  • Develop, implement, and monitor project schedules and deliverables.
  • Act as primary liaison between VIAD, project participants, suppliers, contractors, institutional partners, and the general public.
  • Handle all project logistics, including venue procurement, contract negotiations, security, and compliance with institutional protocols.
  • Oversee full project lifecycle: planning, sourcing quotes, deliveries and collections, technical setup, on-site and live coordination, troubleshooting, and deinstallation.
  • Provide technical support for hybrid and online events (Zoom, Teams, streaming).
  • Facilitate artwork production, installation, maintenance, and condition reporting for exhibitions.
  • Coordinate exhibition walkabouts, seminars, and student engagements.
  • Document, catalogue, maintain, and update project archives and records.
  • Conduct post-project evaluations and compile reports.

2. Digital Platforms & Publicity

  • Oversee scheduling, uploads, and technical maintenance of VIAD’s social media platforms.
  • Compile text, video, and image content for social media posts.
  • Compile and coordinate Mailchimp distributions
  • Ensure updates and maintenance of VIAD’s website.

3. General Administration

  • Compile agendas, record minutes, and track action items.
  • Support preparation and submission of project proposals and funding applications.
  • Liaise with Research Associates, Postdoctoral Fellows, Artists-in-Residence, and Visiting Professors.
  • Coordinate catalogue production processes and communications with designers, printers, and suppliers.
  • Manage supplier sourcing, procurement, and financial documentation.
  • Draft and distribute technical briefs for contractors and service providers.
  • Maintain and update databases and contact lists.

Requirements

Postgraduate degree (MA, MFA, MTech, MVA) in Visual Arts or an arts-based discipline.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Familiarity with Mailchimp, CMS-based websites, and social media management tools.

Key Competencies

  • Strong administrative and coordination skills.
  • Good writing and copy-editing skills.
  • Advanced project planning, scheduling, and time management skills.
  • Strong interpersonal communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and professional presentation.
  • Ability to work both independently and within collaborative teams.
  • Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and operational changes.
  • Capacity to deliver under tight deadlines and high-pressure conditions.
  • Proactive, resourceful, lateral thinker.

Recommendations

Demonstrated interest in contemporary African and African diasporic visual art.

Working knowledge of at least one South African language other than English or Afrikaans.

Working knowledge of Adobe InDesign, Premiere Pro, Acrobat, and Photoshop.

Remuneration

Negotiable, aligned with UJ salary scales and commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Application Process

Please submit the following documents:

Comprehensive CV

Letter of motivation

Contact details of three referees (with phone numbers and email addresses)

Send applications to:

https://forms.gle/RHGTH7rsWQb7a3pf7

For inquiries, email:

Prof. Leora Farber – leoraf@uj.ac.za

and

Sonja Moss – sonjam@uj.ac.za

Application deadline: 31 October 2025

Start date: 12 January 2026

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within three weeks of the closing date.