Teaching Design Lead

Additional university leave and competitive superannuation

Higher education is changing, and the University of Waikato is investing in shaping what comes next. Our commitment to outstanding learning experiences and student success, underpinned by a high-quality curriculum, means reimagining how teaching and assessment are practiced across the University.

The new Teaching Design and Innovation Studio will lead this change, working alongside academic staff to rethink learning design and grow teaching capability. As one of the founding team members, you'll bring your expertise to that partnership and make this a lived reality for every student.

Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

Reporting to the new Associate Director, Teaching Design and Innovation Studio, you will lead the development of learning design frameworks and standards that guide curriculum and course design across the University, and take on the complex, multi-disciplinary programme redesigns that put those frameworks into practice. You will consult with senior academic leaders and programme teams on their toughest learning design challenges, mentor our Teaching and Learning Designer, deliver professional learning that builds design capability across the institution, and lead the evaluation of learning design innovations to inform continuous improvement.

This is an opportunity to bring your expertise, influence direction, and make the role your own while contributing to the future of the University's academic portfolio and the success of its students.

The salary will begin at $115,904 pro-rata per year and is negotiable based on skills, knowledge and experience brought to the position. This is a full-time role (37.5 hours a week), based at our Hamilton campus, and supporting academic staff across our Tauranga campus and in international settings.

For more information on the role please see the position description. If you have further questions after reading the position, please contact AP Kirsten Petrie, Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Academic Excellence), at kirsten.petrie@waikato.ac.nz.

All applications must be submitted through the online portal, emailed applications will not be accepted.

Ko wai koe? - Who are you?

You are a diplomatic, politically astute learning design leader with a genuine track record leading complex curriculum design projects. You hold a master's degree in educational design, instructional design or a related field; a doctorate or teaching qualification would be well regarded.

You will bring:

• At least five years in learning design in higher education, with advanced expertise in learning design models.
• A deep understanding of learning theories, curriculum frameworks, assessment design and Universal Design for Learning across diverse disciplines.
• Experience in needs analysis, co-design approaches and facilitation, guiding programme teams through collaborative design.
• Familiarity with learning management systems, educational technology and learning analytics, applying data to inform design decisions.
• Experience in programme evaluation, assessing the effectiveness of curriculum and learning design innovations.
• A demonstrated understanding of and commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and mātauranga Māori, and the ability to apply this in your work.

Experience across multiple disciplinary contexts would be an advantage.

Don't meet every single requirement? Research shows that some people are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification. At The University of Waikato, we're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and genuine workplace. So, if you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't perfectly match every listed qualification, we still encourage you to apply. You might be just the right person for this or another opportunity on our team.

Ko wai mātou? - Who are we?

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) is responsible for teaching and learning, curriculum oversight, academic governance and quality assurance, student administration and enrolment, and the pastoral care and support of students.

Situated within this portfolio, the Teaching Design and Innovation Studio provides University-wide leadership, oversight and service delivery for learning design, teaching innovation and pedagogical capability development.

We partner with academic leaders, staff and professional services to enhance high-quality learning experiences across all modalities and to strengthen consistent, evidence-informed and student-centred teaching and assessment practice - spanning curriculum coherence, inclusive design, assessment quality and academic integrity, digitally mature teaching, and the evaluation and recognition of teaching excellence.

He aha ngā take me tono mai ai koe? - Why should you apply for this position?

We want you to be part of our success! Our university stands proudly on the world stage as a provider of future-focused, international education and an active player in global research. Our rankings reflect these strengths. Working with us means you'll enjoy a satisfying work environment with many benefits.

The University of Waikato is distinctive for the diversity of its staff and students and encourages applicants with the relevant capabilities from all backgrounds to apply. Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in NZ in accordance with the NZ Immigration regulations which can be found here.

Ko te Tangata - For the People

The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities that it serves, the provision of a world-class education and the national and international impact of its research. Our policies are guided by the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunity for all.

E herea ana te Whare Wānanga ki te kaupapa kia whakaratohia te mea angitū ōrite ki ngā tāngata katoa.

Applications close Friday 30th October, 2026.

Requisition: 1003935