Assistant Director (2iC) / Educational Leader

Little Zak's Academy; Gosford; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Worker Retention Payment 15% boost

Rotating rosters for work-life balance

Competitive remuneration based on qual

Staff childcare discount up to 50%

Wellbeing day per year (after 12 mos)

Job summary

Little Zak’s Academy is seeking an experienced Assistant Director (2IC) & Educational Leader for our The Entrance service in NSW. The role combines leadership of the service with the Educational Leader responsibilities to guide curriculum and staff development.

You will support the Director in governance, mentor staff, and lead programs aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework and National Quality Standard, while upholding child wellbeing and safety as a core focus.

Qualifications

• ACECQA approved Diploma or Teaching Degree in Early Childhood Education.
• Minimum 3 years leadership experience in an ECE setting, or 5 years sector experience.
• Current First Aid, Anaphylaxis and Asthma management certifications.
• Valid Working With Children Check and Child Protection Training.
• Deep knowledge of the National Quality Framework, National Law and Regulations, and CCS system.

Responsibilities

• Support the Director in the overall leadership, compliance and management of the service.
• Act as the Responsible Person/Nominated Supervisor in the Director’s absence.
• Provide leadership, mentoring and guidance to the educator team.
• Lead development, implementation and review of educational programs guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (V2.0) and the National Quality Standard (NQS).
• Work with educators to ensure curriculum is responsive, inclusive and reflective of children's needs, interests and abilities.
• Ensure a strong focus on child wellbeing, safety and child protection requirements.
• Assist with staff inductions, professional development and performance management.
• Build and maintain respectful relationships with children, families and the wider community.
• Drive continuous improvement across curriculum and operations.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Team-building

Education

ACECQA approved Diploma or Teaching Degree (EC)**

Job description

Assistant Director (2iC) / Educational Leader

Competitive salary + benefits + the Government WRP

Little Zak's Academy is privately owned and family run. Our aim is to provide early childhood care and education in a safe, welcoming, adopting and nurturing environment.

Our staff are dedicated professionals who value the importance of maintaining an optimum level of care and education for all children. We select our staff based on knowledge and values, vision for children and learning, and commitment to families.

We are seeking an experienced Assistant Director (2IC) & Educational Leader to join our The Entrance service.

Why Join Us?

• We are proud to be part of the Australian Government’s Worker Retention Payment program. Eligible team members at Little Zak's Academy now receive an additional 15% on top of award rates. The Australian Government announced that the Worker Retention Payment program would be extended until 30 June 2028, continuing to support wage increases for eligible early childhood educators. Little Zak's Academy was one of the first approved providers nationally to participate in this initiative, ensuring our team could access these additional benefits from the commencement of the program.
• Rotating rosters to support work life balance
• Competitive remuneration depending on your qualification and experience
• Up to 50 percent staff childcare discount
• Paid wellbeing day each year for permanent staff (after 12 months)
• Health and wellness allowance reimbursing up to $50 per month (gym, pool, wellness memberships)
• $1,000 employee referral bonus for each successful referral
• Employee Assistance Program via Sonder, offering unlimited confidential counselling and wellbeing support
• Paid staff meetings, including dinner provided
• Paid off-floor induction with structured onboarding and training
• Mentoring and buddy system for all new starters
• Study support through Pay for Progression, including Certificate III, Diploma, and Early Childhood Teaching pathways (T&Cs apply)
• Strong promote-from-within culture with long‑term career opportunities

About the role

This is a dual position that combines Assistant Director (2IC) responsibilities with the Educational Leader role. You will:

• Support the Director in the overall leadership, compliance and management of the service.
• Act as the Responsible Person/Nominated Supervisor in the Director’s absence.
• Provide leadership, mentoring and guidance to the educator team.
• Lead the development, implementation and review of educational programs, guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (V2.0) and the National Quality Standard (NQS).
• Work with educators to ensure curriculum is responsive, inclusive and reflective of children's needs, interests and abilities.
• Ensure a strong focus on child wellbeing, safety and child protection requirements.
• Assist with staff inductions, professional development and performance management.
• Build and maintain respectful relationships with children, families and the wider community.
• Drive continuous improvement across both curriculum and operational practices.

About you

• ACECQA approved Diploma or Teaching Degree in Early Childhood Education.
• Minimum 3 years leadership experience in an Early Childhood setting, or 5 years overall sector experience.
• Current First Aid, Anaphylaxis and Asthma management certifications.
• Valid Working With Children Check and Child Protection Training.
• Deep knowledge of the National Quality Framework, National Law and Regulations, and Child Care Subsidy system.
• Strong communication, mentoring and team‑building skills.
• Passionate about inspiring both children and educators to reach their full potential.

Little Zak's Child Safety Commitment

Little Zak’s Academy is a Child Safe Organisation. We prioritise the safety, wellbeing, and rights of all children and maintain a strong culture of child safety across our services. As part of our commitment, we have a rigorous recruitment and screening process in place, including comprehensive reference checks, Police checks and child‑safe employment checks.

By applying for a role with Little Zak’s Academy, you acknowledge and agree to undergo all required child safety checks as part of our employment process.

We are an equal opportunity workplace where diversity is embraced. We foster a culture that supports inclusion and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

Your application will include the following questions:

• Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?
• How many years' experience do you have as an Assistant Director?

Education, Training & Professional Development 1,001-5,000 employees

Early childhood is a significant period of our life during which the greatest brain development and growth occurs. It is a time when experiences influence attitudes, dispositions and learning. At Little Zak’s Academy our aim is to provide excellence in early childhood care and education in a safe, welcoming, adopting and nurturing environment.

Little Zak’s Academy is privately owned and family run, with a strong commitment to participative, consultative and collaborative management. Our philosophy has been developed in consultation with staff and families, and we welcome visits, ideas and suggestions.

Early childhood is a significant period of our life during which the greatest brain development and growth occurs. It is a time when experiences influence attitudes, dispositions and learning. At Little Zak’s Academy our aim is to provide excellence in early childhood care and education in a safe, welcoming, adopting and nurturing environment.

Little Zak’s Academy is privately owned and family run, with a strong commitment to participative, consultative and collaborative management. Our philosophy has been developed in consultation with staff and families, and we welcome visits, ideas and suggestions.

Early childhood is a significant period of our life during which the greatest brain development and growth occurs. It is a time when experiences influence attitudes, dispositions and learning. At Little Zak’s Academy our aim is to provide excellence in early childhood care and education in a safe, welcoming, adopting and nurturing environment.

Little Zak’s Academy is privately owned and family run, with a strong commitment to participative, consultative and collaborative management. Our philosophy has been developed in consultation with staff and families, and we welcome visits, ideas and suggestions.

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What can I earn as an Early Learning Centre Assistant Director