Lead Curriculum Developer (Higher Education)

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Professional development

Research opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is partnering with a prominent Stellenbosch-based higher education institution to hire a Lead Curriculum Developer. The role directs curriculum design and improvement across undergraduate and postgraduate programs, guiding a team of instructional designers and subject matter experts.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s or PhD in Education or related field, with 7+ years in curriculum development and leadership.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Education, Curriculum Development, Instructional Design, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of curriculum development experience, including 3+ years in leadership within higher education.
• Proven expertise in instructional design theories, adult learning principles, and curriculum evaluation methods.
• Experience leading teams and managing complex curriculum development projects.
• Strong understanding of accreditation processes and quality assurance in higher education.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic planning skills.
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and interpersonal abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and revision of curricula for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
• Mentor a team of curriculum designers, instructional designers, and subject matter experts.
• Oversee the curriculum development lifecycle ensuring adherence to standards and accreditation.
• Conduct needs analyses to identify gaps and new program opportunities.
• Collaborate with faculty and external stakeholders for relevance and alignment.
• Develop assessment strategies and learning outcomes for courses and programs.
• Stay updated on pedagogical research and educational technologies.

Skills

Instructional design theories

Adult learning principles

Curriculum evaluation methods

Strategic planning

Communication & collaboration

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Education/Curriculum Development

Tools

LMS

Project management tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent higher education institution in **Stellenbosch, Western Cape**, is seeking an accomplished Lead Curriculum Developer to spearhead the design and enhancement of innovative academic programs. This senior role is critical in ensuring our curriculum remains relevant, rigorous, and aligned with industry needs and future trends. The Lead Curriculum Developer will manage a team of instructional designers and subject matter experts, guiding them through the entire curriculum development lifecycle, from conceptualization to implementation and evaluation. We are looking for a strategic thinker with a profound understanding of adult learning principles, pedagogical best practices, and current educational technologies. This position offers a unique opportunity to influence the academic direction of the institution and shape the learning experiences of a diverse student body in Stellenbosch. The successful candidate will play a key role in fostering a culture of continuous improvement and academic excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and revision of comprehensive curricula for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
• Manage and mentor a team of curriculum designers, instructional designers, and subject matter experts, providing clear direction and support.
• Oversee the entire curriculum development process, ensuring adherence to quality standards, institutional policies, and accreditation requirements.
• Conduct needs analyses to identify gaps in current offerings and opportunities for new program development.
• Collaborate with faculty, department heads, and external stakeholders to ensure curriculum relevance and alignment with industry demands.
• Develop and implement effective assessment strategies and learning outcomes for all courses and programs.
• Stay abreast of pedagogical research, emerging technologies, and best practices in higher education curriculum design.
• Facilitate faculty workshops and provide training on curriculum development and instructional design principles.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources for curriculum development initiatives.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of implemented curricula through data analysis and stakeholder feedback.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Education, Curriculum Development, Instructional Design, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in curriculum development, with at least 3 years in a leadership or management role within higher education.
• Demonstrated expertise in instructional design theories, adult learning principles, and curriculum evaluation methods.
• Proven experience managing teams and leading complex curriculum development projects.
• Strong understanding of accreditation processes and quality assurance in higher education.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic planning skills.
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in relevant software and technologies for curriculum development and project management.
• Experience with online learning environments and instructional technologies is highly desirable.
• A commitment to fostering academic excellence and innovation.

Benefits

• A leading annual salary package of R .
• A significant leadership role with substantial influence on academic programs in **Stellenbosch, Western Cape**.
• Opportunities for professional development, including conferences and further training.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement benefits.
• A stimulating work environment within a highly respected academic community.
• Potential for research involvement and publication.