Associate Director, Teaching Design and Innovation
- The University of Waikato
- New Zealand, WKO
- Aug 14, 2026
Job Description:
Shape teaching excellence and learning innovation across the University of Waikato.
- Leadership opportunity based at our Hamilton Campus
- Additional university leave and competitive superannuation
- Flexible working, and on-site parking
Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role
This is an exciting time for the University of Waikato and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) portfolio, as we strengthen teaching excellence and innovation across every School and Division.
Reporting to the Assistant Vice-Chancellor Academic Excellence, you will lead the Teaching Design and Innovation Studio, providing strategic and operational leadership across curriculum design, assessment practice, learning innovation, and academic capability development. Working closely with academic and professional leaders across the University, you will help drive high-quality, inclusive and evidence-informed teaching practice that enhances the student experience and supports institutional priorities.
You will lead a specialist team, guide key initiatives, provide expert advice to senior leaders, and ensure the University continues to strengthen its reputation for teaching excellence and innovation.
While the purpose of the role is clear, there is genuine scope for the successful candidate to help shape how it evolves in practice. 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.
Salary will be based on skills, knowledge and experience brought to the position. This is a full-time role (37.5 hours a week), based on our Hillcrest Campus. For more information on the role please see the position description.
For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Kirsten Petrie, Assistant Vice-Chancellor Academic Excellence, [email protected]. All applications must be submitted through the online portal, emailed applications will not be accepted.
Ko wai koe? – Who are you?
You are an experienced leader with a passion for teaching excellence, curriculum innovation and meaningful change in higher education. You bring credibility, sound judgement and the ability to build strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
You will have experience leading complex initiatives to advance teaching and learning in a tertiary context, influencing senior stakeholders and using evidence to inform decision-making. A doctoral qualification, or equivalent professional experience, together with a commitment to inclusive practice, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and improving student outcomes will position you well for success in this role.
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?
Situated within the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) portfolio, the Teaching Design and Innovation Studio provides University-wide leadership, oversight and delivery of 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 Sunday 30th August, 2026
Requisition number: 1003843
The University of Waikato holds a special place in the New Zealand university system. Since its inception in 1964 when it was created by the demands of the local community, the University has shown a commitment to innovation and to...
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Job Description:
Shape teaching excellence and learning innovation across the University of Waikato.
- Leadership opportunity based at our Hamilton Campus
- Additional university leave and competitive superannuation
- Flexible working, and on-site parking
Ngā kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role
This is an exciting time for the University of Waikato and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) portfolio, as we strengthen teaching excellence and innovation across every School and Division.
Reporting to the Assistant Vice-Chancellor Academic Excellence, you will lead the Teaching Design and Innovation Studio, providing strategic and operational leadership across curriculum design, assessment practice, learning innovation, and academic capability development. Working closely with academic and professional leaders across the University, you will help drive high-quality, inclusive and evidence-informed teaching practice that enhances the student experience and supports institutional priorities.
You will lead a specialist team, guide key initiatives, provide expert advice to senior leaders, and ensure the University continues to strengthen its reputation for teaching excellence and innovation.
While the purpose of the role is clear, there is genuine scope for the successful candidate to help shape how it evolves in practice. 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.
Salary will be based on skills, knowledge and experience brought to the position. This is a full-time role (37.5 hours a week), based on our Hillcrest Campus. For more information on the role please see the position description.
For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Kirsten Petrie, Assistant Vice-Chancellor Academic Excellence, [email protected]. All applications must be submitted through the online portal, emailed applications will not be accepted.
Ko wai koe? – Who are you?
You are an experienced leader with a passion for teaching excellence, curriculum innovation and meaningful change in higher education. You bring credibility, sound judgement and the ability to build strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
You will have experience leading complex initiatives to advance teaching and learning in a tertiary context, influencing senior stakeholders and using evidence to inform decision-making. A doctoral qualification, or equivalent professional experience, together with a commitment to inclusive practice, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and improving student outcomes will position you well for success in this role.
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?
Situated within the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) portfolio, the Teaching Design and Innovation Studio provides University-wide leadership, oversight and delivery of 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 Sunday 30th August, 2026
Requisition number: 1003843
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