Assistant Centre Director & Educational Leader

Early Learning Victoria; Ballarat; On-site; AUD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation incentive up to AU$8,000

Job summary

Early Learning Victoria seeks a Centre Manager for a new Avoca service opening in 2027. The 57-place centre will offer long day care, 3-year-old and 4-year-old kindergarten, co-located with Avoca Primary School, about 182 kms from Melbourne and 70 kms from Ballarat.

A relocation incentive of up to AU$8,000 may apply; join a team focused on high-quality education and safety. You will work with the Centre Director to oversee operations, lead teaching teams, manage enrolments, and ensure compliance

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership in early childhood education settings.
• Strong knowledge of Education Care National Law and National Quality Framework.
• Experience with staff recruitment and enrolment management.
• Ability to lead teaching teams and manage budgets.
• Excellent communication with families and communities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations at the service with the Centre Director.
• Deliver on organisational and pedagogical priorities across programs.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and policies.
• Support recruitment, staff development, and enrolment management.
• Foster a positive team culture to sustain the workforce.

Skills

Pedagogical leadership

Regulatory compliance

Staff recruitment

Budget management

Education program development

Community engagement

Education

ACECQA Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care

Bachelor of Education/Teaching (EC)

Tools

Education management 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.

ELV is approved for the Commonwealths Worker Retention Grant, which provides a 15% wage increase for eligible staff.

About the Role

Opening in 2027 and co‑located with Avoca Primary School, Early Learning Victoria Avoca is a 57-place centre and will provide long day care, Three-Year-Old Kindergarten and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten programs.

This centre is located 182KMs from Melbourne and 70KMS from Ballarat.

Financial incentives including a relocation incentive of up to $8,000 may be applicable (subject to eligibility).

In this role, you will:

• Work alongside the Centre Director to oversee daily operations at the service
• Be responsible for ensuring the centre delivers on key organisational and local pedagogical priorities, developing strong educational practices across all programs and partnerships onsite
• 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

More information about this role can be found HERE

About You

• Demonstrated pedagogical 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

• ACECQA 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

For more information about the role, or to request adjustments for participation in the recruitment process, please contact Julie Turner on ************@education.vic.gov.au

Applications close 11:59pm on Sunday 11 October 2026.

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. OurStaff 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.