Assistant Director

Gardenia Early Learning; Deception Bay; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

90% staff childcare discount

Paid professional development

EAP wellbeing support

Job summary

Gardenia Early Learning Deception Bay is seeking an experienced Assistant Director to support our centre’s daily operations and contribute to an environment where children, families and educators feel safe, connected and valued.

Working with the Centre Director and leadership team, you will build strong relationships with parents and educators, coach staff, manage rosters, compliance and family communications, and help guide the centre to continuous improvement and effective rating outcomes.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in ECEC settings such as Assistant Director or Educational Leader.
• Excellent relationship-building and communication with parents and staff.
• Approachable, professional manner with sensitive conversations.
• Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care or ACECQA-approved equivalent or higher.
• Strong understanding of EYLF and National Quality Standard.

Responsibilities

• Build strong relationships with parents and educators and communicate openly.
• Support daily operations including staffing, rosters and compliance.
• Coach and mentor educators through guidance and feedback.
• Lead with the Centre Director and share accountability within the leadership team.
• Contribute to Quality Improvement Plan and assessment and rating preparation.

Skills

Leadership experience

Relationship-building

Communication skills

Professionalism

Education

Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care or ACECQA-approved equivalent

Job description

Assistant Director | Leadership Development & Career Progression

Gardenia Early Learning Deception Bay

Build strong connections, lead alongside a passionate team and grow your leadership career within our close-knit centre community.

Gardenia Early Learning Deception Bay is seeking an experienced, approachable and capable Assistant Director to support our centre’s daily operations and contribute to an environment where children, families and educators feel safe, connected and valued.

Our centre is a close-knit community, and relationships are at the heart of what we do. We are looking for someone who connects naturally with people, builds trust with parents and colleagues, and brings warmth, professionalism and care to everyday interactions.

This role combines contact and non-contact responsibilities, giving you opportunities to lead alongside educators in the rooms while developing your skills in centre operations and management.

About the role

Working closely with the Centre Director and leadership team, you will:

• Build strong, trusting relationships with parents, taking time to listen, communicate openly and support their connection to the centre.
• Develop positive relationships with educators, creating a supportive team culture where people feel valued and expectations are clear.
• Support daily operations, including staffing, rosters, compliance and family communication.
• Work directly with children and educators, modelling warm relationships and quality practice.
• Coach and mentor educators through practical guidance and constructive feedback.
• Help maintain a united leadership team with shared accountability and consistent communication.
• Contribute to continuous improvement, the Quality Improvement Plan and assessment and rating preparation.
• Welcome prospective families, support centre tours and help new families feel part of our community.
• Step into the responsible person role and support centre leadership during the Director’s absence, as required.

Your time will include both working in ratio and undertaking leadership responsibilities outside ratio, with the balance responding to the centre’s needs.

A role with a future

Succession planning is an important part of this appointment. We are looking for someone who wants to grow with Gardenia and develop towards a future Centre Director or broader leadership opportunity.

Through mentoring, professional development and practical experience, you will build your confidence and capability across people leadership, centre operations, quality and compliance. Future progression will reflect your readiness, performance and available opportunities.

About you

You will bring:

• Previous leadership experience in ECEC, such as an Assistant Director, Educational Leader or experienced Room Leader.
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills, with the ability to connect with parents, earn trust and support a cohesive team.
• An approachable, professional manner and confidence navigating sensitive conversations with care and discretion.
• A Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care or an ACECQA-approved equivalent or higher qualification.
• A good understanding of the EYLF, National Quality Standard and regulatory requirements.
• Confidence supporting educators, having constructive conversations and following through on expectations.
• Strong organisation, initiative and a willingness to take ownership.
• A commitment to children’s rights, safeguarding and inclusive, responsive practice.
• A current Blue Card and relevant first aid qualifications.

Why Gardenia?

• A close-knit community with meaningful connections to children and families.
• A family-owned organisation with accessible, supportive leadership.
• A clear focus on mentoring, professional development and internal progression.
• Opportunities to collaborate with leaders across our centres.
• A 90% staff childcare discount.
• Paid professional development and access to our EAP wellbeing support.
• A research-informed approach to education, including our trauma-aware focus.