Design Director - Mat Cover - Corporate Communications Agency

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director - Mat Cover

Company: Black Sun Ltd

Location: South Africa

Job Type: Full-Time, Temporary

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Consulting

Date Posted: 2026-09-10

Experience Level: Mid-Senior (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (Remote OK within South Africa)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead creative projects from conception to execution, transforming complex information into clear, compelling visual communications.

• Provide creative direction and guidance to other designers, ensuring high standards of craft and conceptual integrity across all deliverables.

• Collaborate closely with Creative Directors, account teams, and specialists to develop innovative design solutions that meet client objectives and strategic goals.

• Operate at a hands-on level, contributing directly to design work while also overseeing project quality and continuity.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a maternity cover, implying a need for rapid integration into existing teams and client relationships. The emphasis on "hands-on creative role" combined with "creative direction" suggests a hybrid individual contributor and leadership position, balancing personal design output with team guidance and project oversight.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Deeply understand client briefs, audience needs, and communication challenges to identify key messages and strategic design opportunities.

• Translate strategy and narrative into strong organizing ideas that can be applied across various channels, including reports, digital communications, and campaigns.

• Develop sophisticated visual systems and design standards that are distinctive, coherent, and practical for diverse project requirements.

• Create impactful editorial design, information design, and data visualizations that simplify complex corporate, financial, strategic, and sustainability content.

• Drive the creation of high-quality design from initial concepts through to final execution, ensuring visual hierarchy, structure, and storytelling are effective.

• Oversee the development of distinctive visual directions and design systems, ensuring consistency and adherence to brand guidelines where applicable.

• Manage personal workload and take ownership of significant projects, ensuring timely and high-quality delivery within project scope.

• Present and articulate creative thinking and design rationale clearly and confidently to internal teams and external clients.

• Provide constructive feedback and direction to junior and mid-weight designers, fostering their growth and elevating the overall quality of design output.

• Proactively identify opportunities to enhance creative work and improve operational efficiency through innovative design approaches and exploration of new tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a dual focus on individual design contribution ("hands-on creative role," "designing and developing work yourself") and leadership ("creative direction on projects," "guiding other designers"). The core of the role involves translating complex corporate information into accessible and engaging visual narratives, a key skill in corporate communications and stakeholder advisory.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong foundation in Graphic Design, Communication Design, or a related creative field is expected, demonstrated through a robust portfolio.

Experience:

• 5-10 years of professional experience in graphic design, with a significant portion focused on corporate communications, branding, or editorial design.

• Proven experience operating at a Senior Designer level, with demonstrated readiness or existing experience in a Design Director or Associate Design Director capacity.

• Experience in a maternity cover role or similar project-based assignments that require quick adaptation and continuity. Required Skills:

• Exceptional graphic design and typographic craft, with a keen eye for detail and aesthetic quality.

• Strong conceptual and visual thinking abilities, with a track record of developing compelling creative ideas.

• Proven ability to work with and simplify complex content, including financial, strategic, and sustainability information.

• Advanced skills in editorial design, establishing strong visual hierarchy, and creating effective visual storytelling.

• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop, at an advanced level.

• Demonstrated experience in both print and digital design execution.

• Ability to develop and implement coherent creative systems and design standards.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, capable of articulating complex ideas to diverse audiences.

• Confidence in providing clear, constructive direction and feedback to other designers.

• Proven ability to manage personal workload effectively and take ownership of projects from start to finish.

• Curiosity and a proactive approach to exploring and integrating new creative tools, technologies, and methodologies (e.g., AI, motion graphics).

• A collaborative and team-oriented attitude, with a willingness to contribute positively to the studio environment. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with information design and data visualization techniques.

• Familiarity with motion graphics or animation software.

• Understanding of AI tools and their application in creative workflows.

• Experience in stakeholder advisory, ESG, or sustainability communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements clearly distinguish between a senior designer and a director role by emphasizing creative ownership, team guidance, and the ability to manage complex content. The "5-10 years" experience level aligns with this, suggesting a need for seasoned professionals ready for greater responsibility.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a range of projects demonstrating strong graphic design and typographic craft, with a focus on clarity and visual appeal.

• Include examples of complex information design or data visualization, illustrating the ability to simplify intricate content.

• Present case studies that highlight the development of organizing ideas and visual systems from concept to execution.

• Demonstrate experience across both print and digital media, with clear examples of how design was adapted for different channels.

• Feature projects where you took a leadership role, providing creative direction or guiding other designers, and explain your contribution.

• Include examples of work where you've translated strategy or complex narratives into visual communication. Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design process, from initial brief interpretation and concept development to final delivery and refinement.

• Articulate how you approach simplifying complex information and ensuring clear visual storytelling.

• Explain your methods for developing and maintaining design systems and ensuring consistency across projects.

• Be ready to discuss how you give and receive constructive feedback on design work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the nature of corporate communications and stakeholder advisory, a portfolio showcasing the ability to handle complex data and strategic information elegantly is paramount. The emphasis on "making complexity clear" means portfolio pieces should demonstrate this skill explicitly, not just aesthetic appeal.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the role's seniority (Design Director level), the location (South Africa), and the industry (Corporate Communications Agency), a competitive salary range is estimated between ZAR 650,000 - ZAR 900,000 per annum. This estimate considers the need for experienced creative leadership and the specialized nature of corporate communications design.

Benefits:

• Full-time employment benefits package, typically including medical aid, retirement fund contributions, and paid time off.

• Opportunity to work with leading global organizations and contribute to high-impact communications.

• Exposure to diverse projects in areas like ESG, sustainability, and investor relations.

• Professional development opportunities, including potential for learning new creative tools and methodologies.

• Collaborative and inclusive work environment that values creativity and innovation.

• Potential for flexible working arrangements (hybrid model).

Working Hours: A standard full-time work week, typically around 40 hours, with potential for flexibility depending on project demands and the hybrid work arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: As this is a maternity cover, the benefits package might differ slightly from a permanent role. The salary estimate is based on general market rates for Design Directors in South Africa for agencies of this type, considering the specified experience level and the specialized nature of the work.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Stakeholder Advisory and Engagement, Corporate Communications, ESG, Sustainability, Digital Engagement. Black Sun operates at the intersection of strategic consulting and creative communication, advising major global organizations on how they connect with stakeholders.

Company Size: Black Sun Global is part of the Positive Change Group. While specific numbers for Black Sun Ltd aren't provided, the group structure suggests a medium to large organization with specialized agencies. This implies a dynamic environment with access to a wide range of expertise and resources.

Founded: Black Sun Global has been operating for over 20 years, indicating a stable, experienced, and well-established agency with a strong market presence and client base.

Team Structure:

• The Design Director will be part of the creative studio, working closely with Creative Directors, Senior Designers, Midweight Designers, and Junior Designers.

• This role involves significant cross-functional collaboration with Account Directors, Account Managers, Strategy Specialists, Investor Relations, Sustainability Specialists, Digital Experts, and Production Teams.

• The reporting structure likely involves reporting to a Creative Director and working collaboratively with project leads and account managers. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Creativity: Emphasis on finding insights and turning complex information into clear communications.

• Strategic Storytelling: Focusing on narrative and organizing ideas to convey messages effectively.

• Collaborative Development: Encouraging participation, sharing of thinking, and learning from diverse perspectives.

• Iterative Design Process: Moving from initial concepts through to refined execution with a focus on craft and impact.

• Client-Centric Approach: Working closely with clients to understand their needs and deliver impactful solutions.

Company Website: www.blacksun-global.com, www.positivechangegroup.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is built around "The Changemaker Way," emphasizing learning, collaboration, respect, courage, and excellence. The "Find what matters" ethos suggests a deep-dive approach to understanding client challenges before creative execution.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Mid-to-Senior level, specifically a Design Director role, albeit on a temporary maternity cover basis. It offers a significant step up for an experienced Senior Designer or a continuation for someone already at this level. The responsibilities include both hands-on design and creative leadership.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director will report to a Creative Director and collaborate closely with various internal teams (account management, strategy, production) and external clients. This cross-functional interaction is key to understanding project nuances and delivering effective creative solutions.

Operations Impact: The Design Director's work directly influences how leading businesses communicate complex information to their stakeholders (investors, employees, customers, public). Effective design can enhance reputation, build trust, clarify strategy, and drive engagement, thereby contributing significantly to the client's overall business objectives and brand perception.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in areas like information design, data visualization, ESG communications, or digital design systems.

• Leadership Development: Gaining experience in leading creative projects, mentoring junior designers, and presenting to senior clients, which are crucial for permanent Design Director or Creative Director roles.

• Broader Industry Exposure: Working across a variety of high-profile clients and industries provides a rich learning ground and expands professional networks.

• Potential for Permanent Role: While a maternity cover, strong performance could lead to consideration for future permanent positions within Black Sun or the Positive Change Group.

📝 Enhancement Note: The temporary nature of the role is a key factor. Growth will primarily come from honing existing skills and gaining experience in leadership and client-facing responsibilities, rather than a defined long-term career path within this specific contract.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is advertised as "Remote OK" within South Africa, suggesting a hybrid work model. This implies a blend of remote work and potentially some in-office collaboration or client meetings, depending on project needs and team preferences.

Office Location(s): While the primary location is listed as "South Africa," Black Sun Global has offices in London and Johannesburg. The "Remote OK" status likely means candidates based in or near Johannesburg would have the most seamless integration for any in-office requirements, but remote work from other South African locations is possible.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: When in the office, the environment is designed for collaboration, encouraging interaction between designers, strategists, account managers, and other specialists.

• Tool Access: Expect access to industry-standard design software and potentially internal collaboration platforms to facilitate remote and in-office teamwork.

• Dynamic Atmosphere: Working within a leading agency means an environment that is likely fast-paced, creative, and focused on delivering high-quality work for a diverse client base.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 per week) are expected, with the possibility of occasional overtime depending on project deadlines. The hybrid model offers some flexibility in managing personal and professional time.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Remote OK" status is a significant point for candidates in South Africa, offering flexibility. However, the potential need for in-person meetings or team sessions should be considered, especially for a role requiring close creative direction and collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Phone Chat with Talent Acquisition Manager: An initial screening to assess general fit, interest, and basic qualifications.

2. 1st Interview (via Teams) with Hiring Manager: A more in-depth discussion about your experience, design philosophy, and suitability for the role.

3. 2nd Interview with Creative Director and Team Member: This stage will likely involve a presentation of a task or a review of your portfolio, focusing on creative thinking, craft, and problem-solving abilities.

4. Presentation of a Task: Expect a design challenge that assesses your ability to handle complex content and apply creative direction.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 strong projects that best showcase your capabilities in editorial design, information design, data visualization, and complex content simplification.

• Highlight Leadership: If possible, include a project where you demonstrated creative direction or mentored other designers, explaining your role and impact.

• Explain Your Process: Be ready to articulate your thought process for each project, from understanding the brief to developing concepts and executing the final design.

• Showcase Craftsmanship: Ensure your portfolio pieces are impeccably designed, showcasing strong typography, visual hierarchy, and attention to detail.

• Tailor to Black Sun's Work: Review Black Sun's existing work and client examples to understand their style and focus, and highlight projects that align with their expertise.

Challenge Preparation:

• Deconstruct the Brief: When presented with a task, thoroughly analyze the brief, identify the core problem, audience, and objectives.

• Demonstrate Strategic Thinking: Show how you translate strategic insights into creative solutions, not just aesthetic outcomes.

• Focus on Clarity: For any complex information provided, prioritize making it clear and accessible through your design.

• Prepare for Presentation: Rehearse presenting your work and rationale concisely and confidently, anticipating questions about your choices and process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to assess both creative capability and collaborative fit. The "presentation of a task" in the second interview is a critical component, so candidates should prepare a design challenge that demonstrates their core competencies relevant to Black Sun's work.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Advanced proficiency is mandatory for InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.

• Design Systems: Experience in developing and working with established design systems for consistency.

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Teams for remote communication and collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for a Design Director, an understanding of how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., click-through rates, time on page) for digital communications would be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but awareness of how design integrates into broader marketing or communication automation platforms could be a plus. Emerging Technologies:

• AI Tools: Curiosity and willingness to explore AI tools for creative assistance, ideation, or workflow enhancement.

• Motion Graphics: Experience or interest in tools like After Effects for creating dynamic visual content.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite. The emphasis on "new creative tools, technology and ways of working" suggests an openness to exploring AI and motion graphics, which are increasingly relevant in corporate communications.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Learn and Grow: A commitment to continuous learning and skill development, particularly in new creative tools and methodologies.

• Go Together: A collaborative spirit, working effectively with diverse teams and valuing collective success.

• Show Respect: Valuing diverse perspectives, fostering an inclusive environment, and treating colleagues and clients with respect.

• Be Courageous: Encouraging bold ideas, constructive challenges, and taking initiative in creative problem-solving.

• Deliver Excellence: A dedication to high standards of craft, strategic thinking, and client satisfaction.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with strategy, account management, and production teams to ensure design aligns with broader project goals.

• Open Feedback Culture: Willingness to both provide and receive constructive feedback to elevate the quality of work.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively sharing insights, techniques, and learnings with peers to foster a collective growth environment.

• Process Improvement: A mindset focused on refining workflows and exploring more efficient and effective ways of working.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values ("The Changemaker Way") are deeply embedded in its culture, emphasizing personal growth, teamwork, respect, courage, and excellence. This translates into a collaborative and ambitious work environment where individual contributions are valued within a collective framework.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Senior Designer and Director Roles: Effectively balancing hands-on design execution with creative leadership, mentorship, and strategic input.

• Simplifying Complexity: Consistently translating intricate corporate, financial, and sustainability information into clear, engaging visuals.

• Maintaining Continuity: Quickly integrating into established teams and client relationships for a maternity cover role, ensuring seamless project progression.

• Adapting to New Tools: Staying abreast of and effectively integrating emerging creative technologies like AI into design workflows.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Deepening expertise in specialized areas like data visualization, editorial layout, and corporate branding.

• Creative Leadership: Developing skills in mentoring, presenting, and directing creative projects, which is crucial for career advancement.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining experience with high-profile clients and complex communication challenges across various sectors (e.g., ESG, investor relations).

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Collaborating with strategists, writers, and digital specialists to broaden understanding of integrated communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge for candidates will be demonstrating their readiness to step up into a leadership role while remaining hands-on. The growth opportunities are significant for someone looking to solidify their directorial capabilities and expand their portfolio in high-stakes corporate communications.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a complex brief and translating it into a clear visual concept. Can you walk us through an example from your portfolio?" (Focus on strategic thinking, problem-solving, and process clarity.)

• "How do you approach leading and providing feedback to other designers? What's your philosophy on collaborative creative development?" (Assess leadership style, mentorship capability, and team dynamics.)

• "Imagine you're given a dense financial report with a tight deadline. What are your initial steps, and how would you ensure the design is both accurate and engaging?" (Evaluate problem-solving under pressure, content simplification, and prioritization skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Black Sun and the Positive Change Group, and why are you interested in this maternity cover role?" (Demonstrate research and genuine interest.)

• "How do you align with Black Sun's creative belief and values, such as 'Find what matters' and 'Be courageous'?" (Show cultural fit and understanding of their ethos.)

• "How do you measure the success of your design work, particularly in a corporate communications context?" (Focus on impact, client satisfaction, and strategic alignment.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the client's challenge, your strategic approach, your role, the creative solution, and the outcome.

• Emphasize Impact: Highlight how your design decisions contributed to clarity, engagement, or achieved specific client objectives.

• Showcase Versatility: Present a mix of projects demonstrating your skills in different areas (editorial, data viz, branding) and across different media (print, digital).

• Be Ready for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, technical execution, and how you handle feedback or challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a strategic and leadership-oriented approach to design, supported by a strong portfolio that exemplifies clarity, craft, and the ability to manage complex information. Understanding Black Sun's specific niche in corporate communications and stakeholder advisory is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the provided Black Sun Ltd careers link: https://blacksunplc.bamboohr.com/careers/365

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects that showcase your expertise in editorial design, information design, data visualization, and handling complex corporate content. Prioritize examples where you provided creative direction or leadership.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your years of experience, advanced Adobe Creative Suite skills, and any experience in leading design initiatives or mentoring junior designers. Use keywords from the job description such as "Design Director," "Corporate Communications," "Editorial Design," and "Data Visualization."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, creative philosophy, and how you approach simplifying complex information. Prepare specific examples from your portfolio to answer potential interview questions related to strategy, leadership, and client interaction.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Black Sun Global and the Positive Change Group, understanding their mission, values, and recent work. Familiarize yourself with their creative belief: "Find what matters. Have an idea. Make complexity clear. Make every choice for a reason. Make a difference."

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.