Assistant Director - Early Childhood Centre

Tradewind Australia; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 75,600 - 92,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Passionate team

Professional development opportunities

Supportive work environment

Job summary

A leading education recruitment agency is seeking an Assistant Director for a high-quality Early Learning Centre in Kew, Melbourne. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing daily operations, mentoring educators, and ensuring compliance with early childhood standards. This full-time, permanent position requires strong leadership and communication skills, along with a Diploma in Early Childhood Education. The role offers a competitive salary of approximately A$84,000 and the chance to make a significant impact in a nurturing environment.

Qualifications

• Must have a Diploma or Degree in Early Childhood Education.
• Strong knowledge of EYLF and compliance standards.
• Experience in leading a team of educators is essential.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations in the absence of the Centre Director.
• Monitor staff-child ratios and educator scheduling.
• Maintain a safe and engaging learning environment.

Skills

Leadership experience

Strong communication

Organizational skills

Knowledge of EYLF and NQS

Compliance understanding

Education

Diploma in Early Childhood Education

Graduate Diploma in Education

Tools

Microsoft Office

Storypark

Job description

Assistant Director - Early Childhood Centre

Assistant Director - Early Childhood Centre

1 day ago Be among the first 25 applicants

This range is provided by Tradewind Australia. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

A$84,000.00/yr - A$84,000.00/yr

Direct message the job poster from Tradewind Australia

Early Years Senior Education Consultant @ Tradewind Australia | BA, GDipTeaching

Job Title: Full Time - Early Childhood - Assistant Centre Director - Kew

Salary field: Approx $84,000 (dependent on experience) + Super

Job Summary:

Tradewind Australia is recruiting for an Assistant Centre Director/2ic for an “Exceeding” Early Learning Centre, based in Kew, Melbourne to start in September 2025.

• Permanent, Ongoing Position across Monday - Friday
• Interview tips and preparation provided
• Work with a dedicated consultant who will walk you through the application process
• ASAP Start

About the Role:

Tradewind Australia | Early Childhood - Assistant Centre Director| Kew Melbourne

Tradewind Australia is partnering with a high-quality Early Learning Centre in Kew, Melbourne, to find a passionate and experienced Early Childhood Leader for a permanent, full-time assistant leadership opportunity.

This role offers the chance to act as 2ic within a purpose-built "Exceeding" centre featuring exceptional indoor and outdoor learning environments, tailored to engage children from 6 weeks to school age. You will work closely with a supportive centre director and team of educators, sharing responsibility for open and close shifts, spending most of your time “off floor” in your role.

We are seeking either an experienced Assistant Centre Director ready for a fresh opportunity or a standout Educational Leader looking to step into a senior leadership role.

If you're driven to make a meaningful impact in a welcoming, community-focused environment, we’d love to hear from you.

• Overseeing daily operations in the Centre Director’s absence
• Monitoring staff–child ratios, educator scheduling, and room transitions
• Maintaining safe, clean, and engaging environments that reflect the Reggio Emilia–inspired, play-based philosophy
• Supporting implementation of the Early Years Learning Framework and Reggio Emilia approach
• Collaborating with educators to plan and adapt learning experiences for children from 6 weeks to school age
• Ensuring programs build language, motor, cognitive, and social–emotional development
• Assisting with recruitment, onboarding, and performance reviews
• Supporting professional development and reflective practice
• Mentoring educators and fostering an inclusive, collaborative team culture
• Ensuring adherence to ACECQA, NQS, and regulatory requirements
• Building warm, respectful relationships with families
• Greeting children and families daily, responding to enquiries, and conducting tours
• Promoting inclusive practices that celebrate cultural diversity and multilingual engagement
• Assisting with budget monitoring, fee administration, and enrolments
• Supporting operational reporting and service occupancy
• Contributing to marketing initiatives to attract and retain families

Required Qualifications & Attributes

• Diploma, Graduate Diploma, or Degree in Early Childhood Education (ACECQA approved)
• In-depth knowledge of the EYLF and National Quality Standards (NQS)
• Understanding of early childhood pedagogies – particularly play-based learning, Reggio Emilia
• Strong understanding of compliance, regulations, and Child Safe Standards applicable to Victorian early childhood services
• High level of written and verbal communication skills
• Strong computer and documentation skills – familiarity with Microsoft Office and digital tools such as Storypark
• Current Working with Children Check or VIT
• Approved First Aid Certificate including Asthma, CPR and Anaphylaxis training
• Current legal working rights in Australia

Skills & Experience:

• Proven leadership experience working in an Australian-based Early Learning setting as a 2ic, Assistant Director or Educational Leader
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor and inspire a diverse team of educators and support staff
• Excellent organisational, time management, and problem-solving skills
• Strong financial and operational management capabilities, including budgeting, staffing, and resource allocation
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills to build strong relationships with children, families, staff, and external stakeholders
• Commitment to continuous improvement, reflective practice, and ongoing professional development
• Ability to build meaningful relationships with children, colleagues and families

Why work with Tradewind?

Tradewind Australia is a specialist, education recruitment agency and is the preferred supplier of Educators for many schools and Early Learning Centres across Australia. We have a strong reputation of providing high calibre Educators with fantastic contract and casual opportunities and helping to pursue a rewarding career. Our aim is to cultivate an excellent ongoing relationship with you throughout your growing career.

How to apply:

To apply, follow the link provided or apply on our website

Alternatively, email your resume to [e-mail]

For any queries regarding the position or application process, contact the Early Years Team on 03 9110 0090

Commitment to Child Safety and Equal Opportunity

Tradewind Australia is committed to the safety, wellbeing, and inclusion of all children. Our Child Protection Policyand Code of Conduct ensure a safe environment for all children, including those with a disability, from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

All applicants will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including a Working with Children Check, and identity verification. We encourage candidates to highlight any experience working with diverse children and communities.

TRADEWIND AUSTRALIA IS PROUD TO BE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER.

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, and those with lived experience.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Education, Management, and Strategy/Planning

• Industries

  Staffing and Recruiting

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Tradewind Australia by 2x

Get notified about new Academic Administrator jobs in Kew, Victoria, Australia.

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 6 days ago

Pascoe Vale South, Victoria, Australia 2 weeks ago

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 1 week ago

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia A$85,238.00-A$97,906.00 3 weeks ago

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 1 week ago

Early Childhood Educator Certificate III (Level 1)

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 1 week ago

Academic Sessional Initial Teacher Education

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 2 days ago

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 4 days ago

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 1 week ago

Academic Casual - Information and Communication Technology

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 1 week ago

Werribee, Victoria, Australia 3 months ago

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 4 hours ago

Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia 2 weeks ago

Head of Primary (K–6), Carrum Downs Campus: Flinders Christian Community College (VIC)

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 13 hours ago

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 19 hours ago

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 1 week ago

Hiring Now! Entry-Level English Teacher (ESL) – Full Training & Support Provided

Docklands, Victoria, Australia 5 days ago

Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia 2 weeks ago

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 1 week ago

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 2 days ago

North Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 1 week ago

Vermont South, Victoria, Australia 1 week ago

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 4 days ago

Alphington, Victoria, Australia 3 weeks ago

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 2 weeks ago

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 1 week ago

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 6 days ago

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.