Director of Blended Learning & Innovation — Public University, Johannesburg, South Africa

About the Role

This pivotal role places you at the forefront of educational transformation within a leading public university in Johannesburg. As the Director of Blended Learning & Innovation, you will be responsible for conceptualising, designing, and overseeing the integration of technology-enhanced learning strategies across all faculties. This involves a blend of online and face-to-face instruction, leveraging the latest educational technologies to improve student engagement, access, and learning outcomes. You will work closely with academic leadership, faculty members, and IT services to foster a culture of innovation and excellence in teaching and learning. This role suits an experienced educational technologist or academic leader with a strong vision for digital education and the ability to drive large-scale institutional change in a dynamic, multicultural environment.

The university is committed to providing high-quality, accessible education and sees blended learning as a key component of its future strategy. You will be instrumental in shaping this future, ensuring that the institution remains competitive and relevant in a rapidly evolving global education landscape. The position offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact on thousands of students' educational journeys and to contribute to the advancement of higher education in South Africa and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive institutional strategy for blended learning and educational innovation.
• Lead and manage a team of learning designers, educational technologists, and support staff.
• Collaborate with academic departments to identify needs, design, and implement effective blended learning models and digital resources.
• Evaluate and recommend new educational technologies and platforms to enhance teaching and learning.
• Develop and deliver professional development programs for faculty on blended learning methodologies and tools.
• Monitor and assess the effectiveness of blended learning initiatives through data analysis and feedback.
• Ensure compliance with accessibility standards and best practices for online and blended course design.
• Manage project budgets, resources, and timelines for various innovation projects.
• Represent the university at national and international conferences on educational technology and innovation.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Education, Educational Technology, Instructional Design, or a related field (Doctorate preferred).
• Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in educational technology, instructional design, or blended learning leadership within a higher education setting.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing institution-wide blended learning strategies.
• Strong understanding of learning theories, instructional design principles, and educational technology tools (e.g., LMS platforms, multimedia development, assessment tools).
• Proven leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and mentor a diverse team.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, capable of engaging with faculty, senior management, and technical staff.
• Experience in project management, including budget oversight and resource allocation.
• Familiarity with the South African higher education landscape and its unique challenges and opportunities is a plus.
• Ability to think strategically, solve complex problems, and drive change in a large organisation.

Salary & Benefits

The salary for a Director of Blended Learning & Innovation at a public university in Johannesburg is highly competitive and reflects the strategic importance of the role. It typically ranges from ZAR 950,000 to ZAR 1,400,000 per annum, depending on experience, qualifications, and the specific institutional pay scales. South Africa has a progressive tax system, and it's advisable to factor this into net income calculations.

In addition to the base salary, public universities in South Africa offer a robust benefits package. This generally includes comprehensive medical aid schemes, a provident or pension fund, and substantial annual leave. Relocation assistance, while not always guaranteed, may be negotiable for international candidates, particularly for senior leadership roles.

• Competitive annual salary (ZAR 950,000 - ZAR 1,400,000)
• Comprehensive medical aid coverage
• Generous provident/pension fund contributions
• Annual leave (typically 25+ days)
• Professional development budget and opportunities
• Access to university facilities and resources
• Potential for relocation assistance (negotiable)

What a Typical Day Looks Like

A typical day for the Director of Blended Learning & Innovation is dynamic and varied. Your morning might start with a strategic planning meeting with the Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, discussing the progress of a new online module rollout or a funding application for innovative EdTech pilot projects. Following this, you might meet with your team of learning designers to review current project timelines, provide guidance on a complex instructional challenge, or brainstorm solutions for faculty engagement.

The afternoon could involve facilitating a workshop for a group of professors on effective hybrid teaching strategies, or engaging in a deep dive into analytics data to understand student performance in blended courses. You'll also allocate time for individual consultations with faculty members who are developing new digital learning resources or seeking advice on integrating specific technologies into their curriculum. Throughout the day, you will be communicating with various stakeholders, problem-solving, and ensuring that the university's blended learning vision is progressing effectively.

Career Growth & Outlook

This role offers significant career growth opportunities within the higher education sector, both domestically and internationally. Success in this position can lead to more senior leadership roles such as Dean of Digital Learning, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, or even positions at national or international education bodies focused on innovation and technology. The experience gained in leading large-scale educational transformation at a prominent African university is highly valued.

The demand for skilled professionals in educational technology and blended learning leadership continues to rise globally. As universities increasingly adopt flexible learning models, experts who can strategically drive these initiatives are in high demand. Johannesburg is a major economic and educational hub in Africa, offering a vibrant environment for networking and professional development, with numerous institutions and initiatives focused on educational innovation.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should prepare a detailed curriculum vitae (CV) outlining their educational background, professional experience, and key achievements relevant to this role. A compelling cover letter is essential, explaining your interest in the position, your vision for blended learning, and how your skills and experience align with the university's strategic goals. Be prepared to provide contact details for professional references who can attest to your leadership and expertise.

Applications are typically submitted through the university's official recruitment portal or an executive search firm. Ensure all required documents are submitted by the specified deadline. Research the university's current blended learning initiatives and strategic plan to tailor your application effectively. Networking within the South African higher education sector may also provide valuable insights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the university's current approach to blended learning? A: The university is in a phase of significant expansion and refinement of its blended learning offerings. While some faculties have well-established online components, the goal is to create a more cohesive, integrated, and innovative institutional strategy that ensures consistency in quality and leverages emerging technologies across all disciplines.

Q: What kind of team would I be managing? A: You would lead a dedicated team typically comprising instructional designers, educational technologists, multimedia specialists, and learning support staff. The exact size and composition may vary, but the focus is on a collaborative and expert group committed to supporting faculty and enhancing student learning experiences.

Q: What are the biggest challenges facing blended learning in South Africa? A: Common challenges include ensuring equitable access to technology and reliable internet for all students, providing adequate faculty training and support for new pedagogies, managing large class sizes effectively in blended formats, and securing sustainable funding for EdTech infrastructure and innovation projects.

Q: Is there support for professional development in this role? A: Absolutely. The university places a high value on continuous professional development. As Director, you would have access to a budget for attending relevant international conferences, workshops, and courses to stay abreast of the latest trends and research in educational technology and leadership.