Director – Watson Early Childhood Education and Care Centre

Community Services #1; Canberra; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging and allowances

Paid shutdown leave

Discounted childcare

Free parking

Employee Assistance Program

Free flu vaccination

Professional development opportunities

Supportive work environment

Job summary

Community Services #1 in Canberra is seeking an experienced Centre Director to lead our Watson Early Childhood Education and Care services through growth and continuous improvement. You’ll inspire and develop a strong team, drive quality outcomes aligned with EYLF, and strengthen connections with children, families and the wider community.

As Director, you will oversee performance, drive improvements, manage operations and finances, and foster partnerships with schools and stakeholders to

Qualifications

• ACECQA-approved qualification (Diploma or higher) in Early Childhood, or equivalent.
• 2+ years’ experience leading an education and care service.
• Strong knowledge of the NQF and EYLF.
• Confident leader with proven team development and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Resilient, adaptable, and driven to deliver quality outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration and professional growth.
• Drive continuous improvement across educational programs, compliance, quality standards and service delivery.
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality, inclusive learning environments aligned with EYLF and NQF.
• Build strong partnerships with families, local schools and community stakeholders.
• Oversee daily operations, workforce planning, occupancy and financial performance.
• Lead initiatives that strengthen culture, quality outcomes and service sustainability.
• Support educators to implement engaging programs that promote children’s learning, development and wellbeing.

Education

ACECQA-approved Early Childhood qualification (Diploma+)

Job description

Experienced Early Childhood Director – Ready for a Leadership Challenge?

Community Services #1 (CS#1) is seeking an experienced Centre Director to lead our Watson Early Childhood Education and Care services through a period of growth and continuous improvement.

This is an exciting opportunity to step into a high-impact leadership role where you’ll inspire and develop a strong team, drive quality educational outcomes aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), and strengthen connections with children, families and the wider community.

Whether your background is in long day care, preschool, kindergarten or OSHC, this role offers the opportunity to expand your leadership impact and drive meaningful change.

About the role:

As Director, you will lead the overall performance and quality of the service, ensuring positive outcomes for children, families, and educators.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration and professional growth
• Drive continuous improvement across educational programs, compliance, quality standards and service delivery
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality, inclusive learning environments aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and National Quality Framework (NQF)
• Build strong partnerships with families, local schools and community stakeholders
• Oversee daily operations, workforce planning, occupancy and financial performance
• Lead initiatives that strengthen culture, quality outcomes and service sustainability
• Support educators to implement engaging programs that promote children’s learning, development and wellbeing

For a full overview of the role and responsibilities, please refer to the Position Description attached below.

About you:

• ACECQA-approved qualification (Diploma or higher) in Early Childhood, or equivalent
• 2+ years’ experience leading an education and care service, ideally through growth or change
• Strong knowledge of the NQF, and EYLF
• Confident leader with proven team development and stakeholder engagement skills
• Resilient, adaptable, and driven to deliver quality outcomes

What we offer:

Full-time ongoing role – 76 hours per fortnight. This role may be expected to work split shifts when required Remuneration aligned to Children Services Award Level 8, plus super, salary packaging and additional allowances.

Access to paid shutdown leave, discounted childcare, uniforms, free parking, Employment Assistant Program, free flu vaccination, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.

Requirements:

Current driver’s licence and ability to obtain/maintain required pre-employment checks and certifications (including National Police Check, Working with Vulnerable Cards and First Aid), plus mandatory training as required.

About us:

Community Services #1 is a not-for-profit supporting people and families across the ACT and surrounding NSW. We deliver practical, person-centred services that strengthen community wellbeing and belonging.

Diversity & Inclusion:

We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. Workplace adjustments are available.