The Independent Institute of Educations Central Academic Team (CAT) is responsible for the academic leadership and governance of the work done at the brands while each brand is managed as a business entity by its own divisional management team.
The IIEs strategic imperative is to become the first private university in South Africa.
The IIE (Pty) Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of AdvTech Ltd, which is listed on the JSE.
The IIEs Central Academic Team have a vacancy for Online Learning and Development Manager at The IIEs offices based in Sandton.
Direct Reporting Line
The incumbent will report to Head: Educational Technology and Innovation.
Key Purpose Statement
The Learning and Development Manager plays a crucial role in advancing educational excellence at The IIE by leading the development and execution of cutting-edge digital learning strategies. They ensure these strategies align with the institution's overarching teaching and learning strategy while staying updated on emerging education technologies.
With a primary focus on enhancing the digital learning experience, the manager supervises the integration of educational technologies into teaching and learning processes, making effective use of the Learning Management System (LMS) and related tools to deliver high-quality online modules and programmes.
Furthermore, they are responsible for implementing the LMS within the academic framework and promoting institutional adoption of aspects of the Teaching and Learning Strategy that pertain to the advancement of online and digital learning. Through effective project management, they guide the creation of engaging learning content, directly overseeing a team of instructional designers and content developers. The manager also plays a pivotal role in facilitating collaboration between various divisions, ensuring cohesive implementation of the digital learning and technology adoption strategy. This involves fostering cooperation within the Central Academic Team (CAT) and among campus representatives and stakeholders.
Key Areas Of Responsibility Include
Management/Capacity Building
- Ensure accountability for the entire Online Learning and Development department (Learn Team) and the Learning Management System (LMS), including peripheral technologies and associated processes.
- Oversee the delivery of learning designs and experiences that are aligned with module and qualification outcomes, as well as the Teaching and Learning (T&L) Strategy.
- Successfully project manage the LMS delivery, ensuring it stays within budget and meets project timelines.
- Effectively manage stakeholder relationships related to LMS implementation and usage.
- Enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness to enable improved delivery of learning experiences using existing resources, while accommodating growth in demand.
- Implement strategies to optimize resource utilization and minimize waste.
- Utilize weekly reports and data analysis to make informed decisions and manage the delivery process more effectively.
- Regularly review and act upon data insights to improve learning outcomes and user experiences.
- Actively participate in strategic planning, budgeting, and financial reporting processes related to learning and development initiatives.
- Provide transparent and accurate reporting on spending, ensuring financial resources are allocated efficiently.
- Ensure the establishment and maintenance of comprehensive Quality Assurance (QA) processes within the Learning and Development department. This includes accurate documentation and communication of QA processes.
- Develop and implement a framework for assessing the adherence of team members to QA standards.
- Monitor and manage the performance of individuals or teams against these standards and take appropriate corrective actions when necessary, including potential escalation to higher management.
- Monitor and manage the performance of individuals or teams against these standards and take appropriate corrective actions when necessary, including potential escalation to higher management.
- Conduct regular assessments of processes and policies across The IIE that impact the Learning and Development department.
- Advocate for improvements or changes where necessary, aligning with the teaching and learning strategy of The IIE.
- Lead or participate in the implementation of changes that enhance the quality of learning experiences and outcomes.
- Use stakeholder feedback to drive continuous improvement efforts and align learning practices with evolving needs.
- Regularly monitor and evaluate compliance with QA standards, both internally within the department and externally with industry or regulatory requirements.
- Implement corrective actions and preventive measures to maintain high-quality standards.
- Establish clear performance metrics and key performance indicators related to quality assurance.
- Integrate relevant best practices into the QA processes to ensure ongoing enhancement of learning quality.
- Collaborate closely with the Senior Instructional Designer (SID) to comprehensively understand adoption strategies and assess their impact.
- Promote adoption strategies across all brands and programs, emphasizing improvements in student performance as a key outcome.
- Streamline the process of bringing new stakeholders and programmes onto the LMS platform efficiently and effectively.
- Ensure the availability of training resources for faculty and staff to effectively use the LMS platform. Monitor the effectiveness of training programs, making improvements as needed to enhance user proficiency.
- Establish clear metrics and performance indicators to assess the adoption of LMS across brands and programmes.
- Gather feedback from faculty, staff, and students regarding their experience with LMS adoption. Use feedback to identify areas for improvement in adoption strategies, training, and platform usability.
- Implement effective change management strategies to facilitate the adoption of the LMS among new users.
- Develop and execute data-driven strategies to drive higher adoption rates and improved outcomes.
- Ensure that adoption strategies align with the broader institutional goals and objectives of The IIE, contributing to the institutions overall success.
- Assess the impact of adoption strategies on student performance and learning outcomes, providing evidence of their effectiveness.
- Take overall responsibility for ensuring that instructional design (ID) strategy and implementation consistently align with best practices in education and The IIE Teaching and Learning (T&L) Strategy.
- Lead efforts to improve the online marking and assessment processes within the online learning environment.
- Develop data-driven strategies to enhance the effectiveness of the LMS and other technologies in facilitating improved teaching and learning experiences.
- Manage and drive the acceptance and adoption of innovative teaching and learning strategies that incorporate the LMS and other technologies.
- Collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including faculty, instructional designers, and technologists, to ensure that ID strategies are aligned with institutional goals and best practices.
- Lead and participate in continuous improvement initiatives aimed at optimizing the use of the LMS and other technologies to enhance teaching and learning.
- Assess the impact of instructional design strategies and technology adoption on teaching and learning outcomes.
- Disseminate knowledge and best practices related to instructional design and technology integration to support faculty and staff in their teaching roles.
- Ensure that all instructional design strategies and technology implementations comply with relevant educational regulations and accreditation standards.
- Actively participate in all required governance structures related to the Learning and Development department.
- Take overall responsibility for ensuring compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements relevant to the department's operations.
- Design and implement efficient systems, processes, and reporting mechanisms that facilitate effective management and collaboration within the department.
- Manage the integration and onboarding of new systems and processes to improve operational efficiency.
- Continuously monitor departmental costs and expenses, identifying areas for potential cost savings and efficiency improvements.
- Ensure strict compliance with all legal, regulatory, and accreditation requirements relevant to the Learning and Development department.
- Establish clear performance metrics and key performance indicators for administrative and governance functions.
- Identify and mitigate risks associated with administration and governance, implementing risk management strategies to protect departmental interests.
Minimum
A master-level qualification (or a recognised equivalent thereof) in education, educational technology, instructional design or a related field is preferred
Ideal
A doctoral-level qualification in education, educational technology, instructional design or a related field is preferred
Experience
- Demonstrated experience in the design and development of online learning material and modules for a blended and/or distance mode of delivery to meet particular design requirements
- LMS Administration
- Skills development, applying best practices for adoption and utilisation of educational technologies in the teaching and learning environment
- Project management and execution in a team context.
- Working in a Higher Education environment with a core focus on academics.
- Providing leadership and guidance in a team context.
- Working within a policy environment (interpretation, implementation, amendment, creation).
- Defining and monitoring team performance
- Proven track record in developing and implementing digital learning strategies that align with institutional goals.
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience with identifying emerging education technologies and trends, such as online learning tools, educational apps, virtual classrooms, and adaptive learning systems.
- Knowledge of curriculum development and the ability to align the LMS and digital learning initiatives with academic objectives.
- Understanding and application of contemporary educational learning theories in an online and blended mode of delivery.
- Design and deliver skills development interventions (e.g. self-help modules, online webinars and face-to-face workshops) aimed at academic staff and content developers on the use of educational technologies
- Training and skills development focussed on the underpinning theory, and good practice of learning design
- Excellent communication skills written and verbal
- High independent delivery ability, including capacity to organise own work, work of others and work against tight deadlines and high pressure.
- Proven ability to work constructively as part of a team, display initiative and work strategically and independently with limited supervision.
- Proven record of managing projects to a successful conclusion
- Able to acquire new skills to keep up with new technologies and or new knowledge areas within relevant disciplines.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with a focus on liaison, negotiation, leadership and inspiration.
- Interpersonal skills characterised by tact and diplomacy and an ability to participate effectively in a team.
