Assistant Centre Director & Educational Leader

Department of Education Victoria; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation incentive up to $8,000

Job summary

Department of Education Victoria Nicholson and District is opening a new 102-place early learning centre in 2027, offering long day care and three- and four-year-old programs. The role supports daily operations, reporting to the Centre Director, and ensures delivery of pedagogical priorities while maintaining regulatory compliance.

The successful candidate will oversee staff recruitment and development, enrolment management, and strong partnerships with onsite and central teams, contributing to

Qualifications

• 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

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

Pedagogical leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Staff recruitment and development

Enrolment management

Communication skills

Working with vulnerable families

Education

ACECQA Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care

Bachelor of Education/Teaching (Early Childhood)

Job description

Department of Education Victoria – Melbourne VIC

1d ago , from Department of Education & Training Victoria

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 Nicholson Primary School, Early Learning Victoria Nicholson and District is a 102-place centre offering long day care and Three‑Year‑Old Kindergarten and Four‑Year‑Old Kindergarten programs.

This centre is located 293KMs from Melbourne and 13KMS from Bairnsdale.

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

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

Applying and Further Information

For more information about the role, or to request adjustments for participation in the recruitment process, please contact Racheal Burns, Centre Director 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. 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.

Diversity and Inclusion

The department is committed to diversity and inclusion and developing a workforce that is representative of the community we service. We value diversity and inclusion in all forms - culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQA+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for roles within the Department.The Department recognises that the provision of safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work and diversity across all schools and Department workplaces.It is our policy to provide reasonable adjustments for staff with disability (see Workplace adjustment guidelines).

Additional support and advice on the recruitment process is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates from the Koorie Outcomes Division (KOD) via *******@education.vic.gov.au

Applicants seeking part‑time employment are encouraged to apply for any teaching service position and, if they are the successful candidate, request a reduced time fraction. Such requests will be negotiated on a case‑by‑case basis and will be subject to the operational requirements of the school.

Child Safe Standards

Victorian government schools are child safe environments. Our schools actively promote the safety and wellbeing of all students, and all school staff are committed to protecting students from abuse or harm in the school environment, in accordance with their legal obligations including child safe standards. All schools have a Child Safety Code of Conduct consistent with the department's exemplar available at:

https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/child-safe-standards/policy

DE Values

The department's employees commit to upholding the department's Values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights. The department's Values complement each school's own values and underpin the behaviours the community expects of Victorian public sector employees,including those who work in Victorian Government Schools. Information on the department values is available at:

https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/values-department-vps-school-employees/overview