Southern Cross University is a dynamic, ambitious institution focused on its purpose of changing lives through revolutionary learning and research with real impact. Our game changing Southern Cross Model brings a deeper learning experience, improving individual student outcomes, quality of life and a better way to learn. Our world-ranked research is driving positive impact for our communities, environment and economy.

Working at Southern Cross University combines a rare combination of being surrounded by ambitious students, dedicated colleagues and an environment of stunning natural beauty. We are leaders in our communities in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, Coffs Harbour and the Gold Coast and pride ourselves on helping shape a better tomorrow.

About the opportunity

Southern Cross University’s Centre for Teaching and Learning is seeking a Senior Educational Designer.  In this role, you will provide expert leadership to a team of Educational Designers, driving innovation in curriculum design through best-practice pedagogy, hybrid learning, and Universal Design for Learning principles.  You will ensure the efficient delivery of team activities, including work planning, performance oversight, and issue resolution, while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.  Operating in a dynamic environment, the position requires strong leadership, technical agility, and a commitment to enhancing learning experiences through the effective use of emerging technologies. Your core responsibilities will include:

• Provide strategic leadership and supervision to the Educational Design team, overseeing work distribution, performance management, and professional development
• Lead and support collaborative engagement between educational designers, academic staff, and external stakeholders to align with university and business objectives
• Drive innovation in curriculum design by implementing best practices in online pedagogy, incorporating emerging technologies, and enhancing the Southern Cross Model
• Champion assessment excellence by leading the development of authentic, rigorous, and programmatic assessment and feedback practices
• Manage complex projects and reporting, balancing quality, time, and cost, while providing expert advice to stakeholders and contributing to the Centre for Teaching and Learning’s strategic goals.

About you

You are a dynamic and hands-on leader who thrives in fast paced, high demand environments, balancing strategic oversight with active engagement in day-to-day activities, and bringing a proven ability to manage multiple complex initiatives while guiding and supporting your team towards high-quality, impactful outcomes. More specifically, you will have:

• Extensive experience and qualifications in Educational Design or a related field, with a strong foundation in higher education pedagogy and ideally 5+ years of professional practice
• Proven leadership in digital learning innovation, including the successful delivery of complex projects and the application of Universal Design for Learning principles to hybrid and technology-enhanced education
• Expertise in developing rigour, authentic assessment strategies, including programmatic assessment and feedback practices that uphold academic integrity
• Strong track record in team leadership, mentoring, and fostering an agile, high-performing culture aligned with best practices in educational design
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence, collaborate, and drive consensus across diverse academic and professional groups

Salary and benefits

Our staff benefit from flexible work arrangements, including hybrid work models, generous parental and carer’s leave provisions, wellbeing initiatives, employee assistance programs and professional learning opportunities. This position is:

• Full-time continuing (permanent)
• Located at Gold Coast, QLD 4225. Generous relocation support available.
• HEW Level 8. The base salary ranges from $116,672 – $128,651 per annum, plus 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation. The total remuneration package is up to $150,521.

Find out more about working at SCU by visiting Why Work at SCU.

Application requirements

Applicants must apply online and attach a CV and cover letter responding to the selection criteria within the position description by the closing date. Information to support you prepare your application is available on our website. If you experience difficulties applying online or need reasonable adjustments at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know by contacting jobs@scu.edu.au.

Job applicants must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, Australian permanent resident or currently hold a visa with ongoing work rights in Australia. Employer visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Further information

To view the full position advertisement and details of the application process, please click on the APPLY button where you will be redirected to the Southern Cross University website.

Closing Date: 11.30pm AEDT, 25 May 2025

Southern Cross University is committed to ensuring that the University reflects the rich diversity across the region in which the University’s campuses are located.

The University encourages applications from people of all ages, women, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people, people living with disabilities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and people who are LGBTQI+.

We encourage applications from people with disability and will provide adjustments to the recruitment process upon request.