Senior Educational Developer N000473 AND N000811 at North West University

Job description

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

• The Educational Developer advances quality teaching and learning through curriculum development, teaching enhancement initiatives, academic professional development, and strategic faculty partnerships and collaborations.
• The role involves active collaboration with faculties, external regulatory bodies, and academic support units to design and implement innovative and responsive educational solutions aligned with NWU's strategic priorities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Curriculum Programme, development and design:

• Provide strategic and operational support for the development of new qualifications aligned with institutional goals and national priorities.
• Contribute to the review and enhancement of existing qualifications, ensuring academic coherence, relevance, and responsiveness.
• Ensure regulatory compliance through alignment with institutional policies, Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF), and accreditation requirements (e.g., CHE, DHET, SAQA).

 Teaching Enhancement:

• Coordinate and facilitate the Induction Programme for Academics to support onboarding and capacity development.
• Drive awards and recognition initiatives that celebrate teaching excellence and innovation.
• Manage and implement Continuous Professional Learning (CPL) offerings for academic staff.
• Advocate and support digital and blended learning strategies, including the integration of educational technologies.
• Provide ongoing faculty support through workshops, consultations, and collaborative projects.

Teaching and Programme Evaluation:

• Support Institutional and External Programme Evaluation (IPE/EPE) processes to ensure quality assurance and continuous improvement.
• Facilitate teaching evaluations, including the analysis and reporting of student feedback to inform pedagogical improvement.

 Scholarship and professional development:

• Engage in ongoing professional development to enhance expertise in teaching and learning in higher education, including participation in formal and informal learning opportunities.
• Pursue academic qualifications or advanced studies relevant to teaching and learning in higher education to support role effectiveness and scholarly credibility.
• Contribute to the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) through research, conference participation, publications, or other scholarly outputs that advance knowledge and practice in the field.
• Maintain professional engagement with national and international networks and communities of practice to remain informed of emerging trends, innovations, and best practices in higher education.

Ad hoc responsibilities:

• Participate in ad hoc projects or committees that align with strategic institutional initiatives or address emergent academic development and faculty needs.

Occupational Health and Safety:

• Comply with and promote OHS protocols and procedures, contributing to a safe and healthy working environment.

Minimum requirements

• A Master’s degree (NQF level 9) in Instructional Design / Curriculum Studies or related field.
• A minimum of 3 years’ working experience in Higher Education Teaching and Learning.

RECOMMENDATIONS / ADDED ADVANTAGES:

• A Postgraduate Certificate / Postgraduate Diploma (NQF level 8) in Education, Higher Education, Technology or Curriculum Design/Development.
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in curriculum and programme design.

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Expertise in curriculum design, instructional design, and digital pedagogy.
• Understanding of South African higher education policy and regulatory environments.
• Excellent theoretical foundations in educational theories, instructional methods and teaching strategies.
• Competency in data literacy.
• Strong project management, facilitation, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work effectively across diverse academic disciplines and institutional functions.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to participate in team project within the Centre, directorates and Faculties
• Project and time management skills
• Emotional intelligence.

Apply by: 28 November 2025