Assistant Director

Goodstart Early Learning; Sydney; On-site; AUD 64,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Above award pay

Childcare discount

Salary packaging

Fitness Passport

Wellbeing days

Free flu shot

Extra leave

First Nations support

Retail discounts

Uniform allowance

Employee referral program

Job summary

Goodstart Merrylands is seeking an experienced Assistant Director to lead and support the centre team, partnering with the Centre Director to deliver high-quality early learning and care.

You will mentor staff, manage centre operations in the Director’s absence, and implement the Goodstart Practice Guide while building strong relationships with families and the local community. Competitive above-award pay and benefits apply.

Qualifications

• Experience in early learning and centre leadership.
• Ability to mentor and build capabilities within the team.
• Experience supporting the Centre Director and managing centre operations.
• Commitment to safeguarding and compliance with child safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Support the Centre Director in leading the team to provide high-quality early learning and care.
• Mentor and develop capabilities within the centre team.
• Be responsible for the overall management of the centre in the Centre Director’s absence.
• Implement and uphold the Goodstart Practice Guide.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Mentoring

Early childhood education

Education

Diploma - Children’s Services

Job description

Employment Type: Full Time / Fixed Term (until April 2027)

Pay: $46.76 - $47.78 per hour + super

• Use your experience in early learning and work alongside our Centre Director to support our centre and team
• Competitive pay at least 7% above award + a range of benefits including childcare discount + salary packaging available
• Work for Australia’s largest early learning Not-for-Profit

Are you an experienced early learning professional eager to advance your career, sharpen your leadership skills, and contribute to building a thriving business? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you!

As the Assistant Director at Goodstart Merrylands, you'll leverage your expertise and leadership to inspire and motivate your centre team, driving continuous improvement across all areas of centre operations. Collaborate with our dedicated leadership team, forge respectful and reciprocal relationships with families, and actively engage with the local community networks.

In this role, you will:

• Support the Centre Director in the leadership of the team to provide high-quality early learning and care
• Mentor and build capabilities within the centre team
• Be responsible for the overall management of the centre in the Centre Director’s absence
• Use and implement the Goodstart Practice Guide

About Goodstart Merrylands

Ready to broaden your leadership experience in a centre where you'll have the opportunity to influence practice, support educators, and drive positive outcomes for children and families?

Goodstart Merrylands offers a unique opportunity to step into a contract leadership role within a well-established, community-focused service.

Located on Darug Country, our centre is known for its warm, home-like environment, inclusive multicultural culture, and strong family partnerships. Educators deliver rich, child-led learning programs complemented by sustainability initiatives, outdoor garden spaces, and regular sports, fitness, and music experiences.

With a longstanding and supportive team, Goodstart Merrylands provides an excellent environment for experienced educators looking to strengthen their leadership capability while making a meaningful impact every day.

WhatGoodstart can offer you:

• Receive at least 7% above the award rate
• Up to 50% discount off your childcare gap fees and up to 6 weeks paid parental leave
• Salary packaging benefits available through AccessPay (eligibility applies)
• Fitness Passport - access to gyms and pools for you and your family at a heavily discounted price
• Two wellbeing days included in your personal leave per year
• Free annual flu shot (optional)
• Option to purchase extra leave for even greater work life balance
• First Nations Support and Cultural Leave
• Retail discounts on insurance, travel and technology
• Uniform allowance and employee referral program

If you have previous experience as an Assistant Director or in a centre leadership position,or similar, we’d love to talk to you about which of our amazing opportunities would be the best fit for you.

Have a question? Contact

James Brendel from our Talent Acquisition Team on 1800 222 543 or via email [e-mail]

Supporting our people and protecting our children

We’re an equal opportunity employer that is proud of our inclusive and diverse work environment. We know that Goodstarters from diverse cultures, backgrounds and experiences strengthen our teams and help us grow. We’re also deeply committed to Reconciliation and creating an environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People feel a strong sense of belonging and connection.

Safety is our priority and we will take any action necessary to ensure that all children can feel safe and be safe, and are safeguarded from abuse, neglect and harm. As a Child Safe Organisation, all of our candidates must have or obtain a valid working with children check along with Certificate of Completion for the National Child Safety Foundation Training, completed via Geccko platform.

Posting Notes: MERRYLANDS, SYDNEY || NSW || Australia (AU) || | || Diploma - Children's Services or equiv || Full-Time