Johannesburg, South Africa
8 days ago
Senior Academic Developer (AD.07.4)
Job TitleSenior Academic DeveloperLocationJohannesburg,ZAOrganization NameCentre for Learning, Teaching & DevelopmentDepartment DescriptionThe Centre for Learning, Teaching and Development (CLTD) supports the professional learning of academic staff at the University of the Witwatersrand through a range of initiatives aimed at enhancing learning, teaching, and research supervision practices.Brief DescriptionSenior Academic Developer (PAS AD07)

Wits invites applications for the position of Senior Academic Developer in CLTD. This permanent role is based on-site in Johannesburg, Gauteng.

The Senior Academic Developer will lead the design, development, implementation, and review of blended and fully online learning programmes in the Centre. This includes collaborating with academic staff to conceptualize curricula, provide expertise in assessment strategies, and enhance learning through the integration of technology. The role also involves facilitating professional learning programmes and contributing to the Scholarship of Learning and Teaching through research, mentorship, and dissemination of findings.

The successful candidate will be self-motivated and will demonstrate strong leadership and project management capabilities, with a proven ability to design and implement learning- and student-centred accessible, inclusive curricula.

The Senior Academic Developer will:
Design and develop learning- and student-centred curricula aligned to the South African Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework and regulatory
environment by collaborating with stakeholders and subject matter experts and applying sound learning experience design principles. Evaluate and guide improvement and enhancement of curricula to improve the student learning experience and achievement of learning outcomes.
Lead curriculum development projects and mentor colleagues to promote innovative university teaching practices.
Design, implement and facilitate professional learning programmes that support university teachers in adopting effective university teaching strategies.
Conduct research and disseminate findings to advance evidence-based curriculum and learning experience design, university teaching, and student
learning. Participate in university initiatives and community service to promote educational excellence.

Requirements

Academic Qualifications
A doctoral/PhD or equivalent NQF level 10 qualification in the field of academic development (e.g. education, curriculum, educational technology,
learning experience design, computer-integrated education) or other relevant discipline is required for appointment as Senior Academic Developer (PAS
PL7). A master s degree or equivalent NQF level 9 qualification in the field of academic development or other relevant discipline is required for appointment as
Academic Developer (PAS PL8).
Work Experience
At least 5 years of Higher Education experience in academic development (including academic continuous professional learning, curriculum Candidates with a qualifying master s degree or equivalent and 7 or more years of Higher Education experience in academic development (including academic continuous professional learning, curriculum development, implementation, and review), and leading academic development projects and
teams will also be considered for appointment as Senior Academic Developer. At least 3 years of Higher Education experience in academic development (including academic continuous professional learning, curriculum
development, implementation, and review) is required for appointment as Senior Academic Developer.
For appointment as a Senior Academic Developer, experience should include:
Significant experience in designing, developing, and facilitating blended and fully online learning programmes, including continuous professional
learning opportunities. Experience with curriculum review, quality assurance processes, and removing structural barriers to effective learning.
Expertise in integrating AI and educational technology tools into curriculum design and teaching practices.
Significant engagement in the Scholarship of Learning and Teaching
Proven track record of mentoring junior academic development staff

Knowledge and Skills
Sound knowledge of educational theory and practice
Proven expertise in constructively aligned blended and/or online curriculum development (including expertise in learning experience design and in valid, authentic on-campus and remote assessment). Excellent facilitation, inter-personal, and communication skills.
Willingness to engage in continuing professional and personal learning.
Excellent organisational skills and the ability to work independently and in teams.
High level of proficiency in Office 365 and Learning Management Systems such as Canvas and/or Moodle, and a wide variety of other educational technologies.
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For more information on this position, please contact:
Dr Gerrit Wissing: Gerrit.Wissing@wits.ac.za

Closing Date: 16 February 2025Detailed DescriptionJob RequirementsAdditional DetailsHow To ApplyTo apply, please submit a covering letter explicitly addressing your suitability with respect to the key responsibilities of and requirements for the position together with a detailed Curriculum Vitae with names, addresses, contact numbers and e-mail addresses of three referees. Please also attach certified copies of degrees/diplomas.

External applicants are invited to apply, by registering their profile on the Wits i-recruitment platform located at https://irec.wits.ac.za and submitting their application. Internal employees are invited to apply directly on Oracle by following the path: iWits /Self Service application/ Apply for a job.

The University is committed to employment equity. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from the underrepresented designated groups in terms of the relevant employment equity plans and policies of the University. The University retains the right to verify all information provided by applicants.

Please note that correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted applicants. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-advertise.


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