Project Specialist

The role | Te mahi

The University of Otago is undertaking a massive transformation of its digital learning environment, and we need a driven Project Specialist to lead one of our most critical workstreams: the transition from Moodle to our new primary LMS, Aoroa (Brightspace).

Reporting to the LMS Project Manager, you will be the driving force behind this transition. You will act as the vital bridge between technical project teams, vendors, and our academic partners - specifically within the Division of Health Sciences and the Faculty of Medicine.

• Drive the Transition: Oversee the shift from Moodle to Aoroa, reporting on progress across process work, system configuration, and product proof-of-concepts.
• Unblock & Connect: Act as the primary facilitator across university partners, proactively removing roadblocks and connecting technical and academic teams.
• Define Requirements & Test: Work alongside Business Analysts to lock in detailed requirements and coordinate testing to ensure all solutions hit the mark.
• Represent the Project: Serve as the face of the LMS project at faculty transition planning meetings, championing the change and ensuring alignment.
• Deliver on Milestones: Support project leadership to hit critical targets while collaborating with change and communications teams to keep the university community engaged.

Your skills and experience | Kā pūkeka me kā wheako

• Migration & Systems Expertise: Proven experience leading complex software transitions, specifically migrating content and users from Moodle to a new primary LMS (ideally Brightspace/Aoroa).
• Academic Stakeholder Management: Exceptional interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to build trust and navigate the unique requirements of academic departments, particularly within specialized areas like Health Sciences or Medical faculties.
• Agile Project Delivery: Strong background in iterative project management. You know how to run proof-of-concepts, manage tight timelines, mitigate transition risks, and hit critical milestones to keep broader programme deliverables on schedule.
• Requirements & Testing: Experience partnering closely with Business Analysts to validate detailed technical requirements and coordinate robust user acceptance testing (UAT) for system configurations and migrated content.
• Higher Education Acumen: A deep understanding of university environments, including curriculum management workflows, paper approval processes, and the varying needs of both professional and academic staff.
• Proactive Problem Solving: A track record of identifying roadblocks early and acting as a facilitator to connect technical, vendor, and faculty teams to keep the transition moving forward.

Further details | Pūroko

This is a full-time (37.5 hours per week) fixed term position for 12 months based in Ōtepoti, Dunedin.

The appointment range for this role is $96,587 to $105,532 per annum. Top of the range is $114,474.

The University of Otago is a workplace that values and utilises diverse and inclusive thinking, people and behaviours. This means that the contributions of staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills and perspectives are valued and respected.

For further information, please contact Alice La Rooy via the email address below.

Application | Tono

To submit your application (including CV and cover letter) please click the apply button below. Applications quoting reference number 2600571 will close on Sunday, 19 April 2026.

Position details: Job Description

Further Information: Department Website

Location: About Dunedin