Educational Consultant

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Posting Information:
This posting is for an existing vacancy.

The internal posting deadline for this position is September 3, 2026 at 11:59PM

This position is being offered as a Secondment or contract opportunity. Term: 2 years

Job Description:

Primary Purpose

Teaching Support and Innovation (TSI) exists to promote and advance teaching quality and ultimately enhance student learning at the University of Waterloo.

About TSI’s Digital Learning team

In alignment with institutional priorities and needs, the Digital Learning team works collaboratively with instructors to design and develop new online courses, programs, and digital learning materials while supporting the continuous improvement and maintenance of existing offerings. 

Focus and unique aspects of role  Educational Consultants (Digital Learning Design) lead digital development projects from planning through completion and contribute expertise in the following areas:

• instructional design and user experience design

  • should have familiarity with digital pedagogy skills such as accessibility and Canadian copyright regulations 

•  project management, including the ability to lead a project team, and balancing the triple constraints of project scope, timelines and resource availability

The Lead Educational Consultant provides advanced leadership in teaching and learning by developing pedagogical practices, leading course and program design, facilitating development and delivery of faculty development and support initiatives, and mentoring teammates. The role leads projects and priority institutional initiatives, conducts applied research, and serves as a subject matter expert in their area(s) of specialization.

Each educational consultant serves as a recognized subject matter expert in one or more strategic areas, and may be assigned to support a designated role or area of specialization within the unit according to the priority needs of the institution. These priorities may shift over time.

This role operates with a high degree of autonomy, demonstrates leadership, and has a significant impact at the departmental and institutional level.

Key Accountabilities

Pedagogical Leadership and Instructional Support

• Develop and advance pedagogical frameworks, best practices, and resources

• Provide expert consultation to instructors on complex teaching and learning challenges

• Design and implement innovative instructional strategies across disciplines

• Lead the adaptation of theory into practice in diverse academic contexts

• Evaluate and refine teaching practices based on evidence and outcomes

• Generates new knowledge and translates findings into institutional strategy and practice

Instructor Skills Development

• Lead the design, delivery, and evaluation of faculty development programs

• Provide coaching and mentorship to instructors and academic leaders

• Facilitate advanced workshops and learning experiences

• Identify emerging faculty development needs and design strategic responses

Course and Program Design

• Lead the design and development of courses, programs, and curricula

• Develop comprehensive course architectures, including learning outcomes, assessments, and instructional strategies

• Guide large-scale or complex curriculum development initiatives

• Ensure alignment with institutional priorities and quality standards

Research and Scholarship

• Design and lead applied research

• Translate research findings into institutional practice and strategy

• Contribute to scholarly outputs (e.g., publications, presentations)

• Provide methodological guidance to others engaged in educational research

• Build and maintain internal and external networks to advance practice

Leadership of Projects and Institutional Initiatives

• Lead and manage unit-based projects, aligned with area of specialization and institutional priorities

• Establish project scope, objectives, and success measures

• Engage stakeholders and manage change processes

• Monitor outcomes and ensure alignment with institutional priorities

• Contribute to the development of institutional strategies and frameworks

Staff Leadership and Mentorship

• Mentor and provide guidance to educational consultants and other staff

• Support skill development and knowledge sharing within the team

• Provide functional leadership on projects or areas of practice

• Contribute to team planning and continuous improvement

Required Qualifications

Education

• Completion of a graduate degree in a relevant discipline: pedagogy, instructional design, educational technology, adult/post-secondary education, and/or educational research or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Master’s degree required, PhD in a relevant field considered an asset

Experience

• 6–9+ years of progressive experience in educational development, instructional design, or teaching in a post-secondary environment

• Demonstrated experience leading course, program, or curriculum design

• Experience designing and leading faculty development programs

• Experience leading projects that advance institutional priorities

• Experience conducting and applying educational research

• Teaching experience at the post-secondary level is strongly preferred

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Advanced expertise in pedagogy and instructional design

• Strong consultation, coaching, and facilitation skills

• Project leadership and change management experience

• Ability to influence and work effectively across disciplines and leadership levels

• Strong analytical and research skills

• High level of proficiency with learning management systems, educational technologies, and digital learning environments

• Awareness of disciplinary contexts and inclusive teaching practices

• Ability to mentor others and contribute to team capability development

Equity Statement
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.
The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion.  As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.
Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.
The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at [email protected] or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.