Senior Educational Technologist — University of Melbourne, Australia

About the Role

HP Jobs is delighted to feature a significant career opportunity for a Senior Educational Technologist at the University of Melbourne, a world-renowned institution. This role is central to enhancing the university's digital learning environment, focusing on the strategic integration of educational technology to support both teaching and learning. You will be responsible for evaluating, recommending, and implementing innovative technological solutions that enrich the student experience and empower faculty to adopt effective online and blended learning pedagogies. This position requires a forward-thinking individual with a passion for leveraging technology to transform higher education.

The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of current trends in educational technology, learning management systems (LMS), and digital content creation. You will work closely with academic staff, IT departments, and instructional designers to ensure that technology solutions are pedagogically sound, accessible, and aligned with the university's strategic goals. This role is suited for a proactive and collaborative professional who thrives in a dynamic, research-intensive environment and is committed to fostering a culture of digital innovation within a leading academic institution.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the evaluation, selection, and implementation of new educational technologies and platforms.
• Provide expert advice and support to faculty and staff on effective use of digital learning tools and pedagogies.
• Develop and deliver professional development workshops and resources on educational technology for instructors.
• Collaborate with IT services to ensure the seamless integration and maintenance of learning technologies.
• Contribute to the design and development of engaging online and blended learning experiences.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends in educational technology, digital learning, and higher education pedagogy.
• Manage and support the university's primary Learning Management System (LMS) and related educational applications.
• Collect and analyze data on technology usage to inform strategic decision-making and process improvements.
• Champion digital literacy and accessibility initiatives across the university.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Master's degree in Educational Technology, Instructional Design, Information Systems, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in an educational technology support or development role within higher education.
• Proven experience with major Learning Management Systems (e.g., Moodle, Canvas, Blackboard) and associated tools.
• Strong understanding of instructional design principles and adult learning theories.
• Demonstrated ability to design and deliver effective professional development sessions.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills, with the ability to work across diverse university departments.
• Experience with digital accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and implementation.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting related to learning technologies.

Salary & Benefits

Salaries for a Senior Educational Technologist at the University of Melbourne typically range from AUD $110,000 to $140,000 per annum, commensurate with experience and qualifications. This reflects the significant responsibilities and expertise required for this strategic role within a top-tier university.

In addition to a competitive salary, the university offers a comprehensive benefits package. This often includes generous superannuation contributions (Australia's retirement savings scheme), extensive health and wellness programs, subsidized campus facilities, and opportunities for professional development funding. Staff also benefit from considerable annual leave and public holiday allowances, contributing to a healthy work-life balance.

• Competitive annual salary (approx. AUD $110,000 - $140,000)
• Generous employer superannuation contributions
• Comprehensive health and wellness programs
• Paid annual, sick, and long-service leave
• Professional development funding and opportunities for further study
• Access to university libraries, research facilities, and discounted services
• Relocation assistance may be available for eligible candidates
• Subsidized on-campus parking and public transport options

What a Typical Day Looks Like

A typical day for a Senior Educational Technologist at the University of Melbourne might involve starting with a review of support tickets related to the LMS, identifying any critical issues that need immediate attention. Following this, you could lead a meeting with a faculty team to brainstorm how to best integrate a new interactive simulation tool into their upcoming course. The afternoon may be dedicated to developing content for an online workshop on utilizing video effectively in teaching or collaborating with the IT team on a planned upgrade of a key learning platform.

You’ll also be expected to stay current with industry publications and attend webinars on the latest edtech trends. The role is a blend of technical support, strategic planning, pedagogical consultation, and proactive initiative, all aimed at enhancing the digital learning landscape of the university.

Career Growth & Outlook

This role provides a strong foundation for career advancement within the university, with potential pathways leading to positions such as Manager of Educational Technology, Director of Digital Learning, or even broader leadership roles in academic innovation. Your expertise in a field crucial to modern higher education ensures high employability.

The outlook for skilled educational technologists in Australia and globally remains exceptionally strong. Universities are continually investing in their digital learning infrastructure and pedagogical support. Melbourne, as a major educational and technological hub, offers a dynamic environment for professionals in this field, with continuous opportunities for growth and impact.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application through the University of Melbourne's official careers portal. This typically requires an up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) and a tailored cover letter that clearly articulates your relevant experience, your understanding of educational technology in higher education, and your vision for supporting digital learning innovation. Be prepared to provide contact details for professional referees. Specific application deadlines and further details will be available on the university's recruitment website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the primary learning management system used at the University of Melbourne?

A: The University of Melbourne primarily utilizes a platform like Canvas (or a similarly robust LMS), alongside a suite of integrated educational technologies and applications to support its diverse teaching and learning needs. Specific details about the current ecosystem will be provided during the interview process.

Q: Will I be expected to do any programming or software development?

A: While a strong technical aptitude is essential, this role is primarily focused on the *application* and *integration* of existing educational technologies, rather than core software development. Tasks may involve configuring platforms, troubleshooting integrations, and understanding API functionalities, but extensive coding is generally not required.

Q: What kind of professional development opportunities are available for this role?

A: The university typically offers a robust professional development program, including access to conferences, workshops, online courses, and opportunities for further academic study. Support for attending industry-specific events and certifications is common, ensuring you can maintain and enhance your expertise.

Q: How does the university support faculty in adopting new technologies?

A: The university employs a multi-faceted approach, including one-on-one consultations, group training workshops, online tutorials, and the creation of best-practice guides. The Senior Educational Technologist plays a key role in developing and delivering these support mechanisms to ensure faculty feel confident and competent in using new digital tools for teaching.