Academic Development Practitioner (Curriculum and Staff Development)

at  Durban University of Technology

The Durban University of Technology (DUT) is seeking a dynamic and experienced Academic Development Practitioner to join our Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching unit. This role will focus on leading curriculum and staff development initiatives, leading academic induction, advancing transformative approaches to learning, teaching and assessment and promoting the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL).

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead staff development programmes, fostering the integration of innovative teaching methodologies
• Oversee and coordinate academic induction programmes for new staff, ensuring a smooth transition into the academic environment.
• Promote and implement decolonial practices in curriculum design and pedagogy, contributing to the advancement of decoloniality in education.
• Support and enhance the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) initiatives, encouraging research-driven teaching practices and reflective teaching.
• Facilitate professional learning programmes, including workshops on curriculum enhancement, teaching and learning innovations, and collaborative learning.
• Collaborate with academic and support departments to foster Communities of Practice, promoting peer learning, reflection, and the exchange of best practices.
• Provide guidance and support for staff engaging in curriculum transformation and renewal projects to meet the evolving needs of our diverse student body.
• Perform other duties as delegated by the Director of CELT.

Requirements: Qualifications and Experience

• A Doctoral qualification in Higher Education or a related field.
• Knowledge of South African Higher Education national policies
• At least 10 years’ experience in Higher Education Learning and Teaching
• Proven experience in academic staff development, curriculum design, and learning teaching in a higher education context.
• A strong background in implementing decolonial practices in curriculum and pedagogy.
• Demonstrated expertise in SoTL and a track record of research and publications in the field of higher education teaching and learning.
• Experience in the review and design of learning and teaching related policies
• Experience in leading Communities of Practice and promoting a culture of collaboration and innovation among staff.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to lead, mentor, and collaborate with diverse academic teams.

  Desirable Attributes:

• A comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing universities of technology in South Africa.

• Dedicated to enhancing staff and students educational experience
• A commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education
• Capacity to draft proposals for funding
• Eagerness to participate in collaborative projects
• Experience in monitoring and evaluation of developmental initiatives
• Willingness to network with national and international scholars

This is an exciting opportunity to join a progressive university committed to academic excellence, innovation, and social justice. Enhance our robust staff and curriculum development knowledge and experience, and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education

• Lead staff development programmes, fostering the integration of innovative teaching methodologies
• Oversee and coordinate academic induction programmes for new staff, ensuring a smooth transition into the academic environment.
• Promote and implement decolonial practices in curriculum design and pedagogy, contributing to the advancement of decoloniality in education.
• Support and enhance the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) initiatives, encouraging research-driven teaching practices and reflective teaching.
• Facilitate professional learning programmes, including workshops on curriculum enhancement, teaching and learning innovations, and collaborative learning.
• Collaborate with academic and support departments to foster Communities of Practice, promoting peer learning, reflection, and the exchange of best practices.
• Provide guidance and support for staff engaging in curriculum transformation and renewal projects to meet the evolving needs of our diverse student body.
• Perform other duties as delegated by the Director of CELT