The Pasifika Communities University (PCU) reaffirms its commitment to delivering accessible, inclusive, and high-quality education across the Pacific, grounded in a Whole of Life approach that integrates intellectual, spiritual, cultural, and communal formation. Our model of education is values-driven, student-centred, and rooted in Pasifika self-determination— “for our people, by our people.”

At the heart of PCU is the ethic of vakamareqeti nai yau bula—the nurturing and stewardship of communal wealth, wisdom, and relationships. We seek to form graduates who will contribute to the transformative development of their communities, guided by relational accountability, cultural integrity, and service.

Position Summary

The ODEL Director will lead the operational and strategic development of PCU’s distance learning ecosystem, ensuring that flexible delivery models remain relational, contextually grounded, and pedagogically excellent.

This role is central to bridging theological education, Pasifika knowledge systems, and digital innovation, ensuring that remote learners experience holistic, culturally responsive, and community-connected education, regardless of geography.

Key Responsibilities

ODEL Operations and Coordination

• Direct the coordination of all distance learning programmes, ensuring equitable access, continuity of learning, and student-centred support systems.
• Establish systems that uphold relational care, accountability, and holistic student tracking, recognising the diverse realities of Pacific learners.
• Manage timelines and workflows to ensure delivery that reflects academic excellence and institutional integrity.

Digital Learning and Innovation

• Administer Moodle (or equivalent VLE) to ensure platforms are accessible, inclusive, and user-centred, particularly for low-bandwidth and remote contexts.
• Collaborate with faculty to design learning experiences that integrate Pasifika epistemologies, Christian theology, and contemporary pedagogical practices.
• Develop multimedia resources that support lifelong learning and diverse modes of engagement.

Program Development and Quality Assurance

• Lead the development of innovative and contextually appropriate delivery models (online, mobile, print), addressing the geographical and infrastructural realities of Oceania.
• Use data to enhance student success, retention, and meaningful engagement, ensuring continuous improvement aligned with PCU’s mission.
• Ensure compliance with standards while maintaining cultural relevance and institutional values.

Regional Engagement and Student Support

• Strengthen partnerships with regional hubs, churches, and communities to ensure education remains relational, localised, and community embedded.
• Champion a model of student support grounded in care, responsiveness, and cultural sensitivity.
• Facilitate workshops and orientations that promote collaborative learning and shared ownership of education.

Team Leadership and Administration

• Lead and mentor staff in a way that reflects collaboration, mutual respect, and professional growth.
• Report on performance with transparency, accountability, and strategic clarity.
• Manage resources responsibly, embodying the principle of stewardship (vakamareqeti nai yau bula).

Candidate Profile

• Essential Experience: 10 years Demonstrated experience in ODEL environments with a commitment to accessible, inclusive, and transformative education.
• Technical Expertise: Strong command of VLE systems, with a focus on usability, accessibility, and innovation for diverse learners.
• Instructional Design: Ability to support faculty in developing contextually grounded, student-centred, and values-driven curricula.
• Project Management: Proven capacity to manage complex systems with precision, reliability, and accountability.
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to operate across diverse Pacific cultures with sensitivity and respect.

Qualifications

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

Preferred: Postgraduate qualification in Educational Technology, ODEL, or related discipline, with demonstrated alignment to values-based and community-oriented education.