Learning Designer

BNU is a Disability Confident employer and as such you will be given the opportunity to declare a disability as part of the application process.

Job Description

Job Title: Learning Designer

College/Directorate: Teaching Excellence Academy

Grade: G

Location: High Wycombe

Hours: 37

Responsible to: Senior Academic Lead for Digital Education

Responsible for: N/A

Job Purpose:

Part of the BNU Teaching Excellence Academy, this role will lead and support the design, development and enhancement of high-quality learning experiences across online, flexible, work based and personalised programmes. Working collaboratively with academic teams and subject matter experts (SMEs) to create online and blended courses, to embed appropriate learning design principles to support positive student outcomes.

Main Duties & Responsibilities Of The Role:

• Work collaboratively with academic teams/subject matter experts (SMEs) to design programmes, modules and learning activities for flexible, hybrid, work based and personalised provision.
• Translate learning outcomes into engaging, inclusive and coherent learning experiences across multiple delivery modes including fully online, blended and in-person.
• Deliver learning design workshops and consultations with academics (e.g., ABC, storyboarding, constructive alignment mapping).
• Lead the development of high quality online learning materials using institutional platforms (e.g., VLE/LMS, content authoring tools, video platforms).
• Provide guidance, templates and exemplars to support effective learning design across in-person and online provision, including accessibility and inclusion.
• Ensure learning design implementation aligns with institutional policies, external quality frameworks, and professional body requirements where relevant.
• Work collaboratively with SMEs to apply learning design principles in their disciplinary context
• Evaluate learning design outputs using appropriate methodologies and recommend enhancements.
• Manage learning design activities independently, ensuring delivery against agreed timelines and accessibility standards.
• Conduct editorial review and user acceptance testing of outputs prior to final delivery for quality assurance
• Contribute to wider educational development initiatives, pilots and innovation projects.
• Comply with relevant legislative and other requirements (e.g., the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR; Health and Safety; UKVI; and Equality and Diversity) in all working practices.
• Such other duties temporarily or on a continuing basis, as may reasonably be required.

Person Specification

A = Application T = Test I = Interview

Education, Qualifications & Training

Means of Testing

• Degree level qualification or equivalent professional experience in a relevant field (e.g., education, digital learning, instructional design, media, or related discipline).

A

• Evidence of ongoing professional development relevant to learning design, digital learning, or pedagogy.

A

• Fellowship or recognition through a relevant professional body (e.g. AdvanceHE, CMALT)

A

Knowledge & Experience

• Experience of building effective working relationships with academic and professional services colleagues.

A/I

• Experience designing and developing blended, online, or flexible learning in higher education or a comparable professional/educational environment.

A/I

• Experience working collaboratively with subject matter experts (SMEs) or disciplinary specialists.

A/I

• Experience supporting staff through workshops, consultations or training sessions related to learning design.

A/I

• Substantial knowledge of learning design principles and frameworks, digital pedagogy, and/or adult learning theories, with the ability to apply this knowledge to creating inclusive learning experiences

A/I

• Good understanding of accessibility, usability, copyright, inclusive design principles (e.g., WCAG guidelines)

A/I

• Good working knowledge of Universal Design for Learning or comparable approaches.

A/I

Skills

• Experience producing high quality digital learning resources using common tools (such as VLE platforms, H5P, Articulate Rise/Storyline, or multimedia platforms).

A/I

• Ability to communicate clearly and persuasively with a wide range of colleagues, including non‑specialists.

A/I

• Excellent organisational, planning and project management skills, with the ability to work flexibly to meet multiple deadlines.

A/I

• Strong problem solving skills and a proactive approach to identifying creative learning design solutions.

A/I

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.

A/I

• Digitally able and proficient in Microsoft tools

A/I

Special Requirements

• The ability to travel to other BNU campuses subject to operational requirements.

I

Behavioural Indicators

The BNU Behaviours Framework (BBF) Is a Framework For All University Staff That Sets Out The Key Behaviours That Exemplify The DRIVE Values And Ethos Of The University. The Nine Categories Provide a Clear Steer On Behavioural Expectations That Will Help Support a Step Change In The Performance And Culture Of The University. The Three Key Behavioural Indicators For This Post Are As Follows:

• Finding solutions: Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.
• Embracing change: Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.
• Achieving results: Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.