Digital Teaching and Innovation Specialist

Champion pedagogy-first thinking in how academic staff use digital technology to teach, from the LMS to AI.

• 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 provide expert, evidence-informed guidance to academic staff on selecting and using digital tools that enhance teaching effectiveness, student engagement and assessment practice, and support staff to design high-quality online and blended learning experiences that are equitable for every student regardless of learning mode. You will advise on digital accessibility principles, evaluate emerging educational technologies, including AI, for their pedagogical effectiveness, and build the resources and guidance that grow academic staff's confidence and independence over time.

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, 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 practical, learning design focused educational technologist with a track record supporting academic staff to teach well with digital tools. You hold a bachelor's degree in educational technology, instructional design or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience; a master's would set you apart.

You will bring:

• At least three years supporting educational technology in a higher education setting, with real breadth across LMS platforms and digital teaching tools.
• Sound understanding of pedagogical frameworks for technology integration, online pedagogy, multimedia learning and digital accessibility.
• Experience evaluating educational technologies for pedagogical effectiveness, usability and accessibility, and communicating findings clearly.
• Proficiency in technical troubleshooting and documentation, with a solutions-focused approach that builds staff independence.
• Awareness of AI tools and emerging technologies, and the judgement to assess their pedagogical implications.
• A demonstrated understanding of and commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and mātauranga Māori, and the ability to apply this in your work.

Teaching experience in higher education, certification in specific educational technologies, or experience with learning analytics 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 30 October 2026.

Requisition: 1003933