Assistant Director (2IC) Early Childhood

Brady Bunch Early Learning Centre; Ballarat; On-site; AUD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Above Award Pay + WRP

Weekly Pay

Birthday Leave

Childcare discounts

Employee Assistance Program

Above-ratio staffing

Leadership development

Staff wellbeing (coffee van)

Job summary

Brady Bunch Early Learning Centre – Ballarat VIC is seeking an experienced 2IC & Educational Leader to join our Miners Rest service and work closely with the Centre Director.

The role suits an experienced 2IC or Educational Leader seeking leadership challenges, with time allocated to leadership duties balanced with on-floor practice and ratio responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Diploma or higher ACECQA-approved Early Childhood qualification.
• Leadership experience or strong senior educator ready for next step.
• Knowledge of NQF, EYLF, VEYLDF and regulatory requirements.
• Passion for pedagogy, curriculum and reflective practice.
• Mentor educators while setting clear expectations.
• Organised and reliable; balance leadership and operations.
• Excellent communication and willingness to have challenging conversations.
• Visible, involved and connected to the floor.
• Understands that child safety is everyone's responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Centre Director with daily operations, rostering and admin.
• Step into leadership during the Centre Director's temporary absences.
• Lead, mentor and support educators to deliver high-quality practice.
• Champion pedagogy, reflection, planning cycles and continuous improvement.
• Coach and build capability among staff.
• Support the QIP and EYLF/VEYLDF and NQS implementation.
• Foster a positive, accountable team culture.
• Build strong relationships with children and families.
• Remain visible on the floor and provide in-ratio support.
• Lead by example in child safety and professional practice.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Pedagogy knowledge

Reflective practice

NQF knowledge

Regulatory knowledge

Organisational skills

Communication

Child safety focus

On-floor presence

Education

Diploma or higher ACECQA-approved Early Childhood qualification

Job description

Assistant Director (2IC) Early Childhood

Brady Bunch Early Learning Centre – Ballarat VIC

At Brady Bunch Early Learning Centres, we are looking for an experienced and motivated 2IC & Educational Leader to join our Miners Rest service and work closely alongside our Centre Director.

This role would suit an experienced 2IC or Educational Leader looking for a new challenge, or a strong senior educator ready to confidently take the next step into leadership.

With well-established and structured systems and processes, you will have the support and guidance to focus on what matters — your team, quality practice and creating the best possible environment for our children.

This role includes dedicated time to focus on your leadership and Educational Leader responsibilities, balanced with an expectation that you will also work in ratio and remain actively connected to the floor.

This is a hands‑on leadership role balancing people, pedagogy, compliance and operations, while remaining connected to our educators, children and families.

At Brady Bunch Early Learning Centres, we are looking for an experienced and motivated 2IC & Educational Leader to join our Miners Rest service and work closely alongside our Centre Director.

This role would suit an experienced 2IC or Educational Leader looking for a new challenge, or a strong senior educator ready to confidently take the next step into leadership.

With well‑established and structured systems and processes, you will have the support and guidance to focus on what matters — your team, quality practice and creating the best possible environment for our children.

This role includes dedicated time to focus on your leadership and Educational Leader responsibilities, balanced with an expectation that you will also work in ratio and remain actively connected to the floor.

This is a hands‑on leadership role balancing people, pedagogy, compliance and operations, while remaining connected to our educators, children and families.

Our Commitment to Child Safety

Brady Bunch Early Learning Centres has zero tolerance for child abuse and harm.

We actively promote the safety, wellbeing and empowerment of all children and are committed to creating environments where every child feels safe, respected, included and heard.

As a member of our leadership team, you will be expected to lead this commitment by example. Above all, children's safety, wellbeing and sense of belonging come first.

About the Role

Working side‑by‑side with the Centre Director, you will help lead the daily operation of the service while championing quality practice, pedagogy and a positive team culture.

We believe strong teams are built on trust, accountability and genuinely championing one another. We want our educators to feel supported to speak up, ask questions, learn from each other and take ownership of their practice. A supported and accountable team creates a safer environment for everyone.

You will:

• Support the Centre Director with daily operations, compliance, rostering and administration.
• Step into leadership of the service during the Centre Director's temporary absences.
• Lead, mentor and support educators to deliver safe, high‑quality practice.
• Champion pedagogy, critical reflection, planning cycles and continuous improvement.
• Coach and work alongside educators to strengthen practice and build capability.
• Support the QIP and implementation of the EYLF, VEYLDF and National Quality Standard.
• Build a positive and accountable team culture with clear expectations.
• Build strong relationships with children and families.
• Remain visible and hands‑on, including providing in‑ratio support when required.
• Lead by example in child safety, professionalism and quality practice.

You’ll also have access to our dedicated Pedagogy and Practice Leader, Centre Director and broader leadership team for mentoring, guidance and support.

What You Bring

We’re looking for someone who:

• Holds a Diploma or higher ACECQA‑approved Early Childhood qualification.
• Has leadership experience or is a strong senior educator ready for their next step.
• Has strong knowledge of the NQF, EYLF, VEYLDF and regulatory requirements.
• Is passionate about pedagogy, curriculum and reflective practice.
• Can confidently mentor educators while setting clear expectations.
• Is organised, reliable and comfortable balancing leadership and operational priorities.
• Communicates well and isn't afraid to have respectful but sometimes difficult conversations.
• Enjoys being visible, involved and connected to the floor.
• Understands that child safety is everyone's responsibility.

A valid Working with Children Check is required, along with a National Police Check or willingness to obtain one.

Why Brady Bunch?

As a family‑owned organisation, we believe in supporting our people and providing genuine opportunities to grow.

• Above Award Pay + Work Retention Payment (WRP)
• Weekly Pay
• Paid Birthday Leave and additional leave opportunities after probation
• Childcare discounts
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Above‑ratio staffing
• Experienced Centre Director, Area Manager and Pedagogy & Practice support
• Professional development and leadership progression
• Staff wellbeing initiatives, including our much‑loved coffee van

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you're ready to grow your leadership experience, influence quality practice and become an important part of the leadership team at Miners Rest, we'd love to hear from you.

Brady Bunch Early Learning Centres – Learners Today. Leaders Tomorrow.