Assistant Centre Director

Early Learning Victoria; Ballarat; On-site; AUD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Early Learning Victoria (ELV) is rolling out 50 government-owned centres by 2032, with this 102-place service in Clunes opening links to the community. The Centre Manager will oversee daily operations, support high-quality programs, and ensure compliance and safety while collaborating with the ELV Central team.

You will lead staff recruitment and development, foster a positive culture, and build relationships with children, families and communities.

Qualifications

• Management/leadership experience in early childhood education and care.
• Strong knowledge of Education Care Services National Law and Regulations, NQF and Child Safe Standards.
• Experience in financial management and administration for ECE settings.
• Ability to lead teaching teams and staff management.
• Excellent communication with staff, children, families and communities.
• Experience supporting vulnerable children and families.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations at the service alongside the Centre Director.
• Assist in delivering high-quality programs for children aged 0–5.
• Ensure compliance with regulations, policies and procedures.
• Support staff recruitment, development and enrolment with central team help.
• Foster a positive team culture contributing to a sustainable workforce.

Skills

Leadership experience

Regulations knowledge

Financial management

Staff management

Communication skills

Experience with vulnerability

Education

Diploma in ECE

Bachelor of Education (ECE)

Tools

Administrative systems

Job description

Early Learning Victoria (ELV) is leading the roll-out of 50 government-owned and operated early learning centres by 2032, with 18 currently operating. Our centres offer long day care, three and four-year-old kindergarten and pre-prep in accessible, play-based environments connected to local communities. We are committed to creating enriching work environments, encouraging professional growth and maintaining the highest standards of child safety.

About the Role

Opened in 2026 and co-located with Clunes Primary School, Early Learning Victoria Wirmal (meaning powerful owl) is a 102-place centre located in Clunes offering long day care Three-Year-Old Kindergarten and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten programs.

Early Learning Victoria is approved to receive the Commonwealth’s Worker Retention Grant, which funds a 15% wage increase above modern award rates for eligible employees.

In this role, you will:

• Work alongside the Centre Director to oversee daily operations at the service
• Assist in delivering high-quality programs
• Ensure compliance with regulations, organisational policies and procedures
• Support staff recruitment, development and enrolment management, with assistance from the ELV Central team
• Foster a positive team culture which contributes to a sustainable workforce

About You

• Demonstrated management and leadership experience in early childhood education and care
• Extensive understanding of Education Care Services National Law and Regulations, the National Quality Framework, Child Safe Standards, Quality Improvement Plan and the Victorian Early Years Learning Development Framework
• Experience in financial management and administration specific to early childhood education and care; proficiency in relevant administrative systems
• Ability to lead and guide teaching teams and competency in all aspects of staff management
• Effective communication and relationship-building skills with staff, children, families and communities
• Experience working with children and families experiencing vulnerability

Qualifications and Experience

Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care or higher; Bachelor of Education/Teaching (Early Childhood) will be highly regarded

Valid Working with Children Check, First Aid, CPR, anaphylaxis and asthma qualifications and completion of National Child Safety Training

Experience working with children and families experiencing vulnerability is desirable

Agreement to a police check; an international police check must be provided for candidates who have resided outside of Australia for 12+ months in the last 10 years

ELV is a child-safe organisation committed to creating environments where children are safe, valued, and respected. We maintain zero tolerance for child abuse, harm, neglect, or discrimination in any form. All staff are required to uphold the Child Safe Standards and actively contribute to a culture of child safety. Our Staff Code of Conduct policy outlines expected standards of behaviour for all staff and defines appropriate interactions with children; adherence is mandatory.

The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions, visit the department website.