Virtual Learning Environment Lead

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Department:

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Location: Hybrid – Marconi House, Dublin 2 (2/3 days a week on site)
Reports to: Learning & Teaching Enablement Manager

The Purpose

The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Lead is responsible for the effective operation, quality and development of the college’s virtual learning environment, with a particular focus on Moodle as the core platform supporting online and blended delivery.

The role has a dual focus. It combines day-to-day ownership of the VLE to ensure reliable, consistent delivery for students, with responsibility for developing the platform capability of the wider college through guidance, training and continuous improvement. A strong emphasis is placed on usability, accessibility and user experience, ensuring that the VLE works well for both students and staff. The role does not involve curriculum or assessment design, but it requires a clear understanding of how platform structure and interface choices affect learning, engagement and delivery at scale.

The Role

The Virtual Learning Environment Lead owns the structure, standards and ongoing development of Moodle across the college. This includes maintaining platform consistency, managing change, supporting online delivery teams, and leading improvements to UX/UI and system usability.

The role works closely with Programme Level Managers, academic teams, Head of Academic Operations, Curriculum Systems Manager, Communications Coordinator, IT and Creative Studios to ensure that the VLE is stable in operation, clear in use and ready to support future growth in online provision.

The Person

You are confident in managing a digital learning platform and balancing day-to-day operational needs with ongoing improvement. You understand Moodle well and pay close attention to UX and UI, considering how students and staff experience the system in practice.

You have a practical, user-focused mindset and care about clarity, consistency and usability. You communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical colleagues and are comfortable supporting staff to use the VLE effectively. You are organised, reliable and proactive, with a willingness to take ownership and improve how the platform works at scale.

Key Responsibilities

Day-to-day VLE ownership

• Own the day-to-day UX/UI of Moodle, ensuring reliability and consistency across programmes;

• Maintain platform structures, templates, permissions and navigation standards;

• Support updates, fixes and changes to minimise disruption during live delivery;

• Act as the escalation point for complex VLE issues affecting students or staff;

• Work closely with IT on system performance, upgrades, plugins and integrations.

Platform standards, UX and usability

• Define and maintain Moodle standards that support clear navigation and predictable use;

• Review the VLE from a student and staff perspective, identifying friction points;

• Lead improvements to UX and UI within Moodle, focusing on clarity, accessibility and ease of use;

• Ensure the platform aligns with accessibility expectations and inclusive design practice;

• Maintain clear documentation and guidance on effective platform use.

Support and development of staff capability

• Support the development of college-wide capability in using Moodle effectively;

• Contribute to training materials, guidance and workshops for academic and professional staff;

• Work with the Learning Unit to align VLE guidance with faculty development activity;

• Provide practical advice to staff on using Moodle to support online and blended delivery;

• Promote consistent, good practice across schools and programmes.

Platform development and future readiness

• Maintain a forward view of Moodle development and sector practice;

• Identify opportunities to improve platform capability in support of online programmes;

• Support testing and implementation of new features, tools or workflows;

• Contribute to planning for future VLE developments aligned with institutional priorities;

• Ensure the platform remains fit for purpose as online provision scales.

Collaboration and quality improvement

• Work closely with stakeholders across the college to support effective online delivery;

• Advise academic and programme teams on platform capabilities and constraints;

• Contribute platform insight to post-run reviews and enhancement activity;

• Use feedback and data to inform continuous improvement of the VLE.

Culture

• Contribute to a culture of innovation, collaboration, inclusivity, and mutual respect across the team and the College;

• Work proactively and cooperatively with colleagues across departments to achieve shared goals;

• Demonstrate professionalism, approachability, and collegiality in all interactions;

• Communicate openly and constructively, supporting a positive and solutions-focused team environment;

• Uphold the organisation’s values in all internal and external activities;

• Take initiative in personal and professional development, and acknowledge and support the contributions of others.

Key Outcomes

• A reliable, well-governed Moodle environment supporting online and blended delivery;

• Clear platform standards that improve consistency and reduce confusion;

• Improved UX and accessibility for students and staff;

• Stronger staff capability and confidence in using the VLE;

• A platform roadmap that supports future online growth.

Person Specification

Essential

• Significant experience managing Moodle or a comparable VLE in a higher education context;

• Strong understanding of VLE structure, navigation, permissions and configuration;

• Experience supporting day-to-day platform operation alongside longer-term development;

• Understanding of usability, accessibility and UX principles in digital environments;

• Experience working with academic staff, delivery teams and IT;

• Strong communication and documentation skills.

Desirable

• Experience supporting fully online programmes delivered at scale;

• Experience developing or contributing to staff training related to LMS use;

• Familiarity with learning experience or instructional design principles as applied to platform use;

• Experience working with Moodle plugins, integrations or system enhancements;

• Awareness of quality expectations for online learning in higher education.

Pay & Benefits

The salary range for this role is 40 to 50K.

• Free Internal Courses;

• Discounted Fees for Family Members;

• Life Assurance & Disabilities Cover;

• Sports & Social;

• Employee Assistance Programme;

• Employee Discount Scheme;

• Paid sick leave;

• Death-In-Service Benefit.

This job description is a guide to the work the post holders will initially be required to undertake. It may be amended from time to time to meet changing circumstances by mutual agreement. It is expected that the post-holders and their manager will review the job description regularly.

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This job description is a guide to the work the post holder will initially be required to undertake. It may be amended from time to time to meet changing circumstances by mutual agreement. It is expected that the job description will be reviewed regularly by the post-holder and their manager.

DBS is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. If you require any adjustments or additional support within the recruitment process, please contact us directly.