Senior Instructional Designer (One-Post), Department for Education Innovation at University of Pretoria/Universiteit van Pretoria

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The incumbent will be responsible for:

• The role involves analysing content to design and develop interactive digital materials, e-assessments, and LMS modules using research-based principles, while prototyping, evaluating, and coordinating with teams like creative studios and subject experts. It also emphasises ongoing quality assurance, evaluation using learning analytics, and contributions to high-impact modules and peer reviews for academic staff. Ongoing liaison and co-ordination with academic personnel, project leaders and project managers as well as other role-players for the successful progression and completion of e-learning projects;
• Manage E-Learning projects at departmental or faculty levels by liaising with stakeholders, documenting progress, meeting deadlines, and analysing needs for courses or programs. Handle electronic assessment processes with lecturers and IT services to ensure timely delivery.
• Develop, facilitate, and evaluate E-Education training workshops and materials for academics and students, including self-paced online courses and updates based on feedback. Support includes technical assistance, mentoring junior staff, managing e-assessments, and fostering team spirit through just-in-time training and problem resolution. Provide training and support to staff and students in the use of electronic environments.
• Test upgrades to existing technologies, developing solutions for limitations, and reporting findings to project managers while communicating changes to users. It also entails researching new media and technologies, piloting them with stakeholders, and providing recommendations for institutional adoption.
• Stakeholder management by focusing on building relationships, contributing to strategic documents and policies, managing communications, and supporting awareness campaigns. Provide consulting and advice on planning, implementing, and evaluating online modules, multimedia content, and e-assessments.
• Stay current with global trends in education and instructional design through publications, professional societies, conferences, and skill-building in e-delivery systems. It involves sharing knowledge through reports and presentations, benchmarking, and contributing to E-Education procedures and innovative implementations.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Master’s degree in Computer Integrated Education, Educational Digital Content Design for Higher Education, Instructional Design, or a closely related field in Higher Education, with at least five years’ relevant Higher Education experience, OR an Honours degree in the same fields with six years’ relevant Higher Education experience.
• Advanced expertise in instructional design, including the application of learning theories, e‑assessment principles, and best‑practice methodologies for e‑learning, blended, and hybrid learning in Higher Education.
• Extensive experience in educational technology integration, including the design of high‑quality digital learning environments (web‑based, mobile, and hybrid), and the innovative use of emerging technologies.
• Strong knowledge of AI‑enhanced teaching and learning, and the ability to conceptualise and implement technology‑rich learning solutions at scale.
• Advanced skills in Learning Management Systems (preferably Blackboard), plagiarism detection tools, and contemporary instructional authoring software.
• Demonstrated ability to design high‑impact e‑learning solutions, supported by high‑level digital literacy and strong conceptual design skills.
• Practical experience using at least one modern instructional authoring tool for the development of interactive learning materials.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

• Demonstrated ability to conceptualise and implement comprehensive e‑learning solutions, integrating advanced educational technologies seamlessly into the curriculum.
• Strong analytical skills to identify complex problems, evaluate potential solutions, and implement effective resolutions. Able to maintain high performance and sound judgement in demanding, fast‑paced environments.
• Proven ability to assess lecturers’ training and development needs related to digital education, as well as to support effective facilitation, teaching, and learning in technology‑enhanced environments.
• Experienced in collaborating within multidisciplinary teams comprising academics, instructional designers, technologists, and other support units, contributing to shared goals across diverse areas of expertise.
• Demonstrates a supportive and empowering leadership style, mentoring colleagues, fostering staff development, and promoting a collaborative team culture that drives high‑quality outcomes.
• Advanced computer literacy with the ability to design and deliver structured training programmes, coordinate learning activities and protocols, set measurable objectives, and apply data‑driven approaches to planning and evaluation.
• Strong client‑relationship and stakeholder management skills, including the ability to listen actively, respond effectively to needs, communicate clearly, and facilitate learning for diverse groups of staff and students.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

• More than five years’ relevant experience in higher education;
• Blackboard Certified trainer or relevant e-learning certification;
• At least 4 years of experience in the development of training material for e-learning training events;
• Knowledge of visual representation of data and the interpretation of Learning Analytics data reports to enhance course design or improve effective assessment;
• At least 4 years of experience with consultation and training within an e-learning or blended learning model.

CLOSING DATE: 16 March 2026