Poutuia Matua | Senior Learning Designer

• Are you passionate about student success and innovative learning design?
• Have you led learning design initiatives and delivered impactful educational outcomes?
• Can you develop engaging digital learning experiences and provide expert educational advice?

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting a Poutuia Matua - Senior Learning Designer to join the Student Transition team within Te Maihi - Student Experience and Success on a permanent, full-time contract.

The role provides specialist learning design expertise to design, evaluate, and continuously improve learner-centred programmes, services, resources, and digital environments that enhance student engagement, retention, progression, and success across the University.

Key Responsibilities:

• Take a leading role in the design, development, and continuous improvement of learner-centred programmes, resources, and support initiatives that enhance student engagement, retention, progression, and success.
• Provide expert advice and guidance on learning design, educational practice, and student success strategies, building capability across the University and supporting evidence-informed decision making.
• Design and enhance digital learning environments, resources, and student-facing technologies, ensuring accessible, inclusive, and engaging experiences for diverse learners.
• Use learner insights, analytics, student feedback, and co-design approaches to evaluate impact and drive continuous improvement of programmes, services, and digital experiences.
• Collaborate with academic and professional staff across the University, providing leadership, mentoring, and specialist expertise to advance strategic student success initiatives.

Ō pūmanawa - About you

You are an experienced learning design professional who is passionate about student success and creating engaging, learner-centred experiences. You combine educational expertise with innovation, using evidence and insight to design solutions that make a meaningful impact.

Collaborative and influential, you build strong relationships across diverse stakeholder groups, provide trusted advice, and drive continuous improvement. You thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy exploring new ideas and technologies, and are motivated by making a difference for students and the wider University community.

Key Requirements:

• Proven experience in the tertiary education sector, or within the private or public sectors, in leading the development of modern/digital online modes of delivery and instructional design methodologies.
• At least 3-5 years of demonstrated experience in a Learning Designer, Educational Designers or equivalent role or equivalent.
• Relevant post-graduate qualification, accreditation, or equivalent workplace experience.
• Leadership experience in educational design and development
• Applied subject matter expertise in the management of Learning Management Systems and associated tools.
• Knowledge of current pedagogical theory, learner engagement, student success, and evidence-informed design practice.
• Highly developed oral and written communication skills, with the ability to express complex matters in a concise and easily understandable manner to different target groups.
• Sound relationship building, coaching and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated application of assistive technologies and associated learning design frameworks.

Role Description: Click here to see further information, including salary details.

If this link is not available, click 'apply' to view this on the University career's page.

Close date for vacancy: 09 September 2026.

Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role, please get in touch with Fiona Hart, Manager, Student Transition (fiona.hart@vuw.ac.nz).

How to apply: Please ensure you are applying for this role directly on our careers page and not via email. Candidates must submit supporting documents along with their resume, such as a cover letter.

We can only consider applicants who are citizens or residents of New Zealand or Australia or on a current working visa.