Principal Learning Designer

Principal Learning Designer – Learning Design & Development Directorate (LDD)

We are calling for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from kaimahi interested in temporarily performing the role of Principal Learning Designer within LDD. This full-time opportunity is available as a six-month internal secondment, likely commencing in June 2026 and concluding in December 2026.

This opportunity provides a valuable chance to further develop your expertise in learning design, while guiding and supporting Learning Designers and contributing to key projects across Open Polytechnic. The role is based at the Lower Hutt campus, and the successful candidate will need to be based in the Wellington region.

About the Role

The Principal Learning Designer (PLD) is responsible for providing strategic advice and design consultancy, through critical review and by leading needs analysis. The focus of the PLD role is to lead the design and development of pedagogically sound, technology-enabled teaching, learning and assessment experiences for open, distance and flexible learning (ODFL) in educational and commercial settings.

What you will be doing

• You will lead the critical review, needs analysis, design, development, and publishing of programmes, courses, and innovations, and will advocate for Open Polytechnic’s commercial platform (iQualify), products, and services both internally and externally.
• You will lead teams in the design, develop, delivery and evaluation of learner-centric solutions.
• You will provide professional consultancy, pre-sales and delivery capability as required to support the sales activity of the Commercial team.
• You will contribute to the organisational culture of Open Polytechnic, contribute positively to the performance and profile of the Learning and Development Directorate and Open Polytechnic, and champion health and safety in the workplace.

The ideal candidate will have

• Demonstrated experience in developing bicultural and/or culturally responsive courseware and programme design, with strong knowledge of instructional design principles and educational practices.
• Proven ability in developing learning resources, including assessments, supported by well-developed education technology skills across authoring tools and learning management systems.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to negotiate, clarify goals, and effectively convey information, concepts, and ideas to a range of stakeholders.
• Effective planning and organisational skills, with a creative and innovative approach and a willingness to explore non-traditional solutions.
• A coaching mindset, with an understanding of the current tertiary education sector in Aotearoa New Zealand (desirable).

How to Apply

If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit a one page Expression of Interest outlining:

• The relevant skills, work experience and strengths you would bring to the Principal Leanrning Designer secondment role.
• How this opportunity aligns with your own career and professional growth aspirations.
• How you see your skills and experience contributing to effective delivery of LDD projects and in improving ways of working and workflow visibility.

Applications for this EOI close at 11.59 pm Friday 12 June 2026.

If you have any questions about the role, feel free to get in touch with Xin Huang, Manager Design Solutions and Quality, LDD.

• Reference: 36873
• Posted: 29 May 2026
• Closes: 12 Jun 2026 23:50
• Expertise: Communications, Consultant (Education)
• Work type: Fixed Term
• Location: Lower Hutt