Group Head: E-Learning (EI), E-Education, Department for Education Innovation

University of Pretoria; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 50 000 - 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Pretoria seeks a Group Head: E-Learning to provide strategic and operational direction for its e-learning initiatives. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing e-learning strategies, leading a functional team, and aligning e-learning training with departmental goals. You should hold a Master's degree and have at least 6 years of relevant higher education experience, with a strong focus on innovative management and the integration of educational technologies.

Benefits

Medical aid scheme contributions

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Computer-Integrated Education or Educational Technology.
• At least 6 years’ relevant experience in Higher Education.
• Innovative management of e-learning environments.

Responsibilities

• Provides strategic and operational direction to e-learning environment.
• Manage training, support, and e-assessment initiatives.
• Alignment of e-learning with departmental Teaching & Learning strategies.

Skills

Application of learning theories

E-learning pedagogies

Change management strategies

Negotiating alignment

Budgeting and financial management

Education

Master’s degree in Computer-Integrated Education

PhD in relevant field

Tools

Learning Management Systems

Educational Technology Systems

Job description

UP Professional and Support

DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION INNOVATION

E-EDUCATION

POST TITLE: GROUP HEAD: E-ARNING

PEROMNES POST LEVEL: 005

In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following vacancy.

The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.

Responsibilities

Provides strategic and operational direction to the institution's E-Learning environment and the development and implementation of innovative E-Learning strategies within the University. The Head: E-learning is responsible for the matrix management of e-learning systems and projects across the institution, as well as for managing the training, support, and e-assessment initiatives provided by the e-learning unit. The position also provides leadership for the effective management of a functional E-Learning team and finances, including managing expenses within the budget of the eLearning unit, account management of e-learning systems vendors, grant management, and E-Education training funds from Human Resources.

• Provide strategic and operational leadership by shaping institutional e-learning strategy; advising senior departmental leadership and affiliates; managing the e-learning unit to realise departmental goals; leading instructional designers; driving institutional, national and international collaborations; maintaining effective stakeholder relationships and communication; and collaborating across departmental groups.
• Contribute to the strategy, operations, and continuous improvement of the University's e-learning infrastructure in partnership with ITS, coordinating internal and external stakeholders such as the CBT vendor and managing integrated systems to enable lecturers to use them optimally in a blended environment.
• Co-coordinate cross-functional e-learning and systems projects at institutional, national, and international levels by managing stakeholder requirements and specifications, guiding implementation and enhancements with educational expertise, and delivering required reports within a matrix project environment.
• Align e-learning training and support with UP and departmental Teaching & Learning strategies by contributing to relevant policies and SLAs, and by designing, managing, and coordinating evidence-based training programmes compliant with national and institutional frameworks.
• Lead end-to-end human resource management by setting clear roles, standards and SOPs; operating a participative, policy-compliant performance system; recruiting and placing staff; providing guidance, learning and succession development; defining delegations and empowering decision-making; fostering communication, motivation and recognition; and fairly addressing discipline, grievances and underperformance to optimise individual, team and divisional results.
• Provide end-to-end financial governance for the division, aligning with UP policy, by managing budgets and assets, coordinating vendor accounts withITS, administering E-Learning and EI training grants, maintaining robust controls, and overseeing service-provider contracts.

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree in Computer-Integrated Education or Educational Technology
• At least 6 years’ relevant experience in Higher Education, including:
• Innovative management of e-learning environments;
• Design, development, implementation, and quality assurance of e-learning solutions;
• Integration and management of e-learning ICT systems and support;
• Matrix management of complex e-learning projects;
• Collaboration with internal, national, and international stakeholders;
• Institutional change management in educational technology.

Required Competencies (skills, Knowledge And Behavioural Attributes)

Knowledge and Technical Skills

• Expert proficiency and experience in:
  • the application of learning theories and e-learning / blended learning pedagogies; in the appropriate application of e-learning and education ICTs;
  • liaise with various educational technology role players; in the possibilities of the e-learning environment;
  • change management strategies and best practices for the promotion of successful education, including curriculum mapping using technology in Higher Education.
• Advanced knowledge and experience in:
  • national and international trends in terms of e-learning to facilitate strategic decision-making about the e-learning environment;
  • researching new technologies and their application, and writing business proposals and reports in Higher Education;
  • understanding budgeting and financial management, and matrix human resource management in educational technology environments.
• Expert knowledge in:
  • management of an educational technology eco-system;
  • leading cross-functional projects within a multidisciplinary team, in academic and administrative business processes, and system analysis to support the successful integration of systems in Higher Education.
• Seasoned knowledge and skills in LMS / computer-based software problem-solving.

Behavioural Attributes

• Ability to build strong relationships, coordinate cross-functional work, negotiate alignment, and motivate teams to deliver;
• Ability to communicate clearly and empathetically, actively listen, write and speak with impact, and give constructive feedback;
• Ability to plan and execute goals by setting clear objectives and quality standards, assigning and monitoring work, and meeting deadlines while juggling priorities;
• Ability to make analytical, unbiased decisions, diagnose problems, weigh options, and act on facts and constraints to resolve issues quickly;
• Ability to turn strategy into action with initiative, pursue long-term goals, and project professional presence and credibility;
• Ability to coach and develop people, applying fair HR practices to build an inclusive, high‑performing, and diverse team;
• Ability to drive continuous improvement by measuring and refining processes, services, and products to achieve organisational goals;
• Ability to manage budgets responsibly, plan and monitor spend, prepare accurate reports, and ensure policy compliance;
• Ability to understand client needs and provide timely, effective resolutions.

Added Advantages And Preferences

• PhD in Master’s degree in Computer-Integrated Education or Educational Technology
• More than 6 years' experience in:
  • Development and implementation of e-learning policies and practices;
  • management, planning, and implementation of blended learning environments in faculties;
  • Financial and Human Resource management in an e-Learning environment in Higher Education;
  • Research on the effective application of e-learning in HE;
  • Experience in Tertiary Didactics, Learning Theories, and Distance Education.

Please Note

As part of the selection process, shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in relevant skills assessments, which could include completing a proficiency test.

The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent's level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the BESTMED and UMVUZO medical aid schemes, contributing 50% of the applicable monthly premium.

Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za and follow the link: Careers@UP.

In Applying For This Post, Please Attach

• A comprehensive CV;
• Certified copies of qualifications;
• Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact.

CLOSING DATE: 16 December 2025

No application will be considered after the closing date or if it does not meet the minimum requirements.

ENQUIRIES: Ms Fikile Mabaso, E-mail: [e-mail] for application-related enquiries, and Dr D Jordaan, E-mail: [e-mail] for enquiries relating to the post content.

If you do not hear from the University of Pretoria by 31 March 2026, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.

The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity.

In accordance with the University's Employment Equity Plan and its goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to, candidates from under-represented designated groups.

All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply. All candidates agree to undergo verification of personal credentials.

By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent to undergo verification of personal credentials and related information, including, but not limited to, qualifications, criminal record, credit record, and current and historic disciplinary proceedings, as part of the selection process.

The University of Pretoria reserves the right not to fill the advertised positions.