Academic Developer

James Cook University

Townsville City

On-site

AUD 109,791 - 129,547

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Generous superannuation contributions

5 weeks of annual leave

Paid sick/carers leave

Flexible working options

Study assistance and paid study leave

Fitness Passport

Corporate health insurance discount

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

A prominent university in Australia seeks an experienced Academic Developer to enhance learning and teaching. Responsibilities include leading professional development, designing innovative curricula, and improving student learning outcomes. The ideal candidate holds a PhD and has expertise in universal learning design and active learning strategies. This full-time role offers salary ranging from $109,791 to $129,547 per annum, plus substantial benefits.

Qualifications

Significant expertise in universal learning design and active learning strategies.
Record of scholarly publication in learning and teaching, especially in assessment.
Experience developing inclusive curricula for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Responsibilities

Lead professional development activities for academic staff.
Design inclusive learning experiences across various environments.
Evaluate strategies and resources to improve student learning.

Skills

Universal learning design

Active learning strategies

Assessment design in technology-enhanced learning

Communication skills

Education

PhD in a relevant field

Job description

James Cook University (JCU) is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Academic Developer to support and enhance learning and teaching across the University. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate educator to influence curriculum design, promote innovative teaching practices, and improve student learning outcomes.

Full-time and continuing position
Based at the Townsville Bebegu Yumba campus, Douglas
Academic Level B: $109,791 - $129,547 per annum plus up to 17% employer superannuation contributions, leave loading and other generous employee benefits
2.75% pay increase in December 2025
Relocation assistance may be negotiated for the preferred candidate.

ABOUT THE ROLE

In this role, you will lead professional development activities and provide expert advice to academic staff, working collaboratively with individuals and course teams to design inclusive and authentic learning experiences in online, blended, and on-campus environments. You’ll apply your deep knowledge of educational technologies and evidence-based pedagogy to support effective teaching, learning and assessment design. You will also work closely with stakeholders across the University to scope, plan, and evaluate strategies and resources that improve student learning experiences. Building strong relationships with academic leaders, course coordinators, and other key staff will be central to your success.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

To be successful in this role, you will hold a PhD in a relevant field and demonstrate significant expertise in universal learning design, active learning strategies, and assessment design in technology-enhanced learning environments within the higher education sector. You will have a record of scholarly publication in learning and teaching, particularly in assessment and inclusive learning design, and be a confident communicator able to build partnerships and engage others in educational innovation. Experience developing inclusive curricula that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and evaluating educational programs will be highly regarded.

ABOUT THE EDUCATION DESIGN, QUALITY AND STANDARDS DIRECTORATE

With a focus on transformative education experiences for our students, the directorate delivers education and learner development capacity-building services focusing on student-centred curriculum, assessment design and digital learning; recognises and supports innovation in teaching; maintains learning analytics to inform review and evaluation processes across course, subject, educator, and student learning experiences ensuring alignment with regulatory standards; oversees student and academic policy and procedures; and delivers curriculum management and accreditation services.

SHAPE YOUR FUTURE WITH JCU

At JCU we’re not just shaping minds; we’re shaping the future.

As Australia’s only university established to focus on the issues of Northern Australia and the Tropics worldwide, JCU is dedicated to helping the world’s tropical regions to prosper. With our main campuses located in the vibrant and diverse tropics of Northern Queensland, JCU is at the forefront of research and education in some of the world’s most critical areas, including marine biology, environmental science, tropical and rural health, and more.

Find out more about JCU, our Careers and our locations.

WHY JCU?

JCU offers a dynamic and culturally diverse workplace where your ideas are valued, your professional growth is supported, and your work-life balance is respected. Working under the values of Authenticity, Excellence, Integrity, and Respect, we support and empower our people through the provisions of;

A generous superannuation scheme with up to 17% employer contributions with UniSuper
5 weeks of annual recreation leave plus leave loading
15 days paid sick/carers leave per year
Up to 6 months paid parental leave or 12 months at half pay
A range of flexible working options
Attractive options for salary packaging
Staff study assistance and paid study leave
Fitness Passport
Corporate discount on health insurance
Free Employee Assistance Program (coaching and counselling)
Well-equipped modern facilities and contemporary workspaces with access to on-site childcare and medical services

HOW TO APPLY AND CONTACT DETAILS

Are you ready to make a difference? Join us at JCU, where your future meets the tropics.

Click the ‘apply’ button to be redirected to the JCU careers page, create an applicant profile and follow the below steps:

Complete the application form
Upload your current resume
Upload a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and your relevant skills and experience
Upload a separate document addressing the Key Requirements for Success as listed in the position description/role profile.

The closing date for applications is Thursday 27 Novemberat 11:55 PM AEST.

Please note, as the role requires an urgent commencement, we are seeking applications from candidates who currently hold valid Australian work rights.

For any enquiries about the role, please contact Colleen Kaesehagen on (07) 4781 6592 or via email - colleen.kaesehagen@jcu.edu.au.

ABOUT OUR PROCESS

At JCU, we are committed to employing individuals who meet the requirements of the role and align with our values. All applicants will be contacted and advised of an outcome once the recruitment process is finalised.

Please visit our Information Privacy Policy to understand how your information is collected, stored, accessed and used.

WHAT MATTERS TO US AT JCU

Our People - Our staff, students, and the communities we serve
Our Education - Knowledge has the power to change lives
Our Place - the Tropics and beyond
Our Research - a catalyst for innovation and knowledge generation

James Cook University encourages people from all backgrounds who meet role requirements to apply. We value and celebrate the diversity of our community, and are committed to ensuring our community, and are committed to ensuring our learning and working environment is safe and welcoming.

Seniority level