Teaching Innovation

Turn promising teaching ideas into practice that spreads and sticks across the University.

• Join us as we establish a new Teaching Design and Innovation Studio
• Continuing, full-time role based at our Hamilton campus, and supporting academic staff across our Tauranga campus and in international settings.
• 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 scan the horizon for emerging pedagogical trends and innovative teaching practices, and design and lead the pilots that test whether they are genuinely worth adopting. You will develop the frameworks that let us evaluate an innovation's impact and scalability with evidence, establish and coordinate communities of learning that keep innovation a shared conversation across the University, and build innovation capability among academic staff through mentoring and professional development.

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 description, 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 an experienced academic with a genuine track record of turning promising ideas into embedded practice. You hold a master's degree in education, educational innovation or a related field, or equivalent professional experience; a doctorate would be a bonus.

You will bring:

• At least five years in higher education teaching, with a proven track record of identifying, implementing and scaling successful teaching innovations.
• A strong background in the scholarship of teaching and learning, mixed-methods evaluation and contemporary pedagogies.
• Experience applying design thinking, innovation frameworks and change management to drive sustainable improvements in teaching practice.
• Skilled facilitation and community-building, with the ability to mobilise knowledge and build networks across disciplines.
• Strong communication skills, translating complex pedagogical ideas into compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
• A demonstrated understanding of and commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and mātauranga Māori, and the ability to apply this in your work.

Experience developing business cases or funding proposals to secure resources for teaching innovation, or gaining national or international recognition for innovation adoption, would each 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: 1003938