Learning Designer

University of Pretoria; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 500 000 - 700 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Pretoria is seeking a Learning Designer or Senior Learning Designer. This role involves developing curriculum and instructional materials for fully online programs. The ideal candidate holds a relevant Master's or Doctorate degree and has significant experience in e-learning. This three-year contract role offers the possibility of a hybrid working arrangement and is committed to equality and diversity in hiring.

Qualifications

• Relevant Master's or PhD degree in a related field.
• Extensive experience in technology integration and online learning.
• Strong understanding of learning theories and instructional strategies.

Responsibilities

• Develop online learning programs and materials.
• Provide first-line support to academic staff.
• Manage training opportunities for online learning.

Skills

Expert knowledge of learning theories

Advanced knowledge of higher education policy frameworks

Expert level of computer literacy

Advanced level of visual design skills

Expertise in conflict resolution

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Organisational skills

Education

Master’s degree in Educational Technology

PhD in relevant field

Tools

Articulate 360

Photoshop

Illustrator

Job description

Overview

UP Professional and Support
DIRECTORATE OF COMPREHENSIVE ONLINE EDUCATION SERVICES
LEARNING DESIGNER / SENIOR LEARNING DESIGNER
PEROMNES POST LEVEL 8 / 7 (subject to qualifications and experience)
THREE-YEAR CONTRACT POSITION

Position

Learning Designer / Senior Learning Designer — Post level 8 or 7 (subject to qualifications and experience); three-year contract position. This is an academic position with potential for a hybrid working arrangement, subject to discussions and agreement with the line manager.

Responsibilities

• Providing curriculum, learning and instructional design services to develop programmes that are offered fully online;
• Developing interactive educational materials suitable for fully online learning in collaboration with subject matter experts, graphic artists and videographers;
• Providing first-line support through channels such as phone, e-mail, chat, web-conferencing and drop-in consultations, and acting as single point of contact to assist academic staff;
• Modelling effective design practices and creating engaging learning activities and compelling course content that enhances retention and transfer;
• Managing and facilitating training opportunities relating to fully online learning for both individuals and larger groups and aligning these opportunities with the strategic objectives of the University;
• Project management of multiple development teams and projects;
• Teaching fully online modules and modelling best practices;
• Conducting research on topics relating to fully online learning and disseminating findings;
• Participating in marketing and liaison activities, e.g. maintaining the departmental website, developing marketing material for new fully online programmes, and creating a social media presence.

Minimum Requirements

Post level 8:

• A relevant Master’s degree in Computer-integrated Education, Educational Technology, Curriculum Development or Academic Development OR
• A Masters-level qualification in any academic discipline, with extensive experience in technology integration, online learning, or distance learning.

Post Level 7:

• A relevant PhD in Computer-integrated Education, Educational Technology, Curriculum Development or Academic Development OR
• A PhD in a relevant academic field, with extensive experience in technology integration, online learning, or distance learning.

Required Competencies (skills, Knowledge And Behavioural Attributes)

• Expert knowledge of learning theories, teaching strategies and best practices in an e-learning environment;
• Advanced knowledge of higher education policy frameworks as it relates to curriculum design, teaching, learning, assessment, educational technology, open educational resources, distance learning, and student success;
• Expert level of computer literacy, technical skills and the ability to troubleshoot;
• Seasoned knowledge of learning management systems, authoring systems and e-learning tools;
• Expert knowledge of web and visual design principles;
• Advanced level of visual design skills (e.g. Articulate 360, Rise, Photoshop, Illustrator or similar software) and ability to storyboard;
• Advanced level of ability to write effective copy, instructional text, and audio/video scripts;
• Expert ability to integrate AI tools into learning design workflows (e.g., for ideation, content generation, analysis, or feedback), with an advanced understanding of the ethical, pedagogical, and data privacy considerations involved;
• Basic knowledge of programming, ICT hardware and network configuration;
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills;
• Decision-making and leadership capabilities;
• Expertise in conflict resolution and relationship building;
• Adaptability and willingness to deal with constant change;
• Strong verbal and written communication skills;
• Organisational skills, including attention to detail and multitasking;
• Ability to work under pressure and a tolerance for high levels of stress.

Added Advantages And Preferences

Post level 8:

• Working towards a Doctorate degree (e.g. in Computer-integrated Education, Educational Technology, Curriculum Development or Academic Development)
• Project management experience
• Curriculum and instructional design and development experience
• Extensive experience in working in a learning management system and various authoring tools, online applications, services and tools
• Experience within Academic environment in a Higher Educational Institution.

Post level 7:

• NRF rating
• Project management experience
• Curriculum and instructional design and development experience
• Extensive experience in working in a learning management system and various authoring tools, online applications, services and tools
• Experience within Academic environment in a Higher Educational Institution.
• PLEASE NOTE: All shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in relevant skills assessments as part of the selection process.

Application and Enquiries

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; Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact.

CLOSING DATE: 9 February 2026

No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.

ENQUIRIES: Ms Kgomotso Lekgari, Tel: [phone] for application-related enquiries, and Ms Bianca Le Cornu, [e-mail] for enquiries relating to the post content.

Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by the end of 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 Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference will be given 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. The University reserves the right to not fill the advertised positions.