Assistant Centre Director & Educational Leader

Early Learning Victoria; Bendigo; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Worker Retention Grant increase

Relocation incentive up to $8,000

Job summary

Early Learning Victoria (ELV) oversees a growing network of government-owned and operated early learning centres, delivering long day care, three- and four-year-old kindergarten, and pre-prep. The Avoca centre will be co-located with a primary school and sits within a regional network expanding across Victoria.

We are committed to high standards of child safety, professional growth, and enriching work environments, with a focus on collaboration with families and communities to support vulnerable

Qualifications

• Pedagogical and leadership experience in early childhood education
• Extensive understanding of Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations
• Knowledge of the National Quality Framework and VEYLDF
• Experience with staff management and development
• Strong communication and collaboration with families and communities
• Experience working with vulnerable children and families

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations at the service with the Centre Director
• Ensure delivery of organisational and local pedagogical priorities
• Ensure compliance with regulations and policies
• Support staff recruitment, development and enrolment management with ELV Central team
• Foster a positive team culture and sustainable workforce

Skills

Pedagogical leadership

Regulatory knowledge

NQF understanding

Child safe standards

Quality Improvement Plan

VEYLDF

Financial management

Team leadership

Communication

Relationship building

Supporting vulnerable families

Education

ACECQA Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care

Bachelor of Education/Teaching (Early Childhood)

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.

Benefits

• ELV is approved for the Commonwealths Worker Retention Grant, which provides a 15% wage increase for eligible staff.
• Financial incentives including a relocation incentive of up to $8,000 may be applicable (subject to eligibility)

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.

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 [e-mail]

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. 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.

Early Learning Victoria, as part of the Department of Education, is leading the roll-out of 50 purpose-built government-owned and operated early learning centres by 2032, with 18 currently in operation. We offer long day care and 3-and 4-year-old kinder 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. Join our team and play a vital role in providing and shaping the future of high-quality early childhood education. Whether you're an educator, teacher, manager, or support staff, there’s a place for you.