Teaching and Learning Designer

Partner directly with academic staff to design courses that genuinely work for students.

• 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 collaborate with academic staff to design and develop high-quality courses and learning experiences across face-to-face, online, blended and hybrid environments. You will apply evidence-based learning design principles to help academics build constructively aligned courses with clear outcomes and effective assessment, provide practical guidance on the LMS and educational technologies, apply Universal Design for Learning to ensure inclusive access for every student, and use student feedback and learning analytics to support ongoing 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 $87,624 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, 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 creative, student-centred learning designer who partners well with academic staff at all stages of their career. You hold a bachelor's degree in education, instructional design or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.

You will bring:

• At least three years in learning design or educational development, designing for face-to-face, blended and online environments.
• Sound understanding of learning theories, assessment design, active learning and inclusive teaching practices.
• Experience applying Universal Design for Learning principles and accessibility standards to inclusive learning experiences.
• Strong consultation and facilitation skills, guiding academics through a genuinely collaborative design process.
• Ability to manage multiple learning design projects concurrently, balancing competing priorities.
• A demonstrated understanding of and commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and mātauranga Māori, and the ability to apply this in your work.

Experience with specific learning design frameworks such as Backward Design, or a portfolio demonstrating diverse learning design projects, 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: 1003939