Head of Children’s Services

the Y Northern Territory; Darwin; On-site; AUD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 Weeks Annual Leave

Free access to recreation facilities

Discounted rates at Y Childcare Centres

Rebatable salary packaging

Job summary

A community-focused organization in the Northern Territory is seeking a Head of Children’s Services. This executive role includes overseeing Early Learning Centres and Outside School Hours Care, ensuring services are high-quality, sustainable, and culturally responsive. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in Early Childhood Education, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to community partnerships. This position includes generous annual leave and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years’ experience in Early Childhood Education.
• Proven experience in senior or executive leadership roles.
• Strong financial acumen and oversight of budgets.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across Early Learning and OSHC services.
• Build partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Oversee multi-site operations, quality outcomes, and compliance.

Skills

Deep expertise in the National Quality Framework

Strong leadership capability

Cultural competence

Excellent written and verbal skills

Education

Tertiary qualification in Early Childhood Education

Postgraduate qualification in Leadership or Management

Job description

Join to apply for the Head of Children’s Services role at the Y Northern Territory

At the Y NT, we are dedicated to helping children, young people, and communities thrive. Whether through our Early Learning Centres, Outside Hours School Care, Recreation Centres, Aquatic facilities, Youth Programs or Remote Pools program, we are committed to supporting Territorians to be connected, educated, resilient, and healthy.

The Opportunity

As the Head of Children’s Services, you will provide strategic leadership and oversight of Y NT’s Early Learning Centres and Outside School Hours Care services across the Northern Territory. This executive-level role is responsible for driving high-quality, culturally responsive, and financially sustainable children’s services that reflect the Y NT’s mission, values, and commitment to community strengthening.

Leading a multidisciplinary team, including Area Managers, Accounts Administrator, and Enrolments Officer, you will guide service excellence across multiple sites while fostering strong partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, government agencies, and sector stakeholders. This role requires deep expertise in the National Quality Framework, strong leadership capability, and a proven ability to balance quality, community impact, and financial sustainability.

• 5 Weeks Annual Leave.
• Free access to the recreation facilities we manage.
• Discounted rates at Y Childcare Centres.
• Rebatable salary packaging

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Community Engagement

• Provide strategic leadership across Early Learning and OSHC services in the NT
• Build strong partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, government, and sector stakeholders
• Champion inclusive, culturally safe and community-responsive services aligned to Y NT values

People & Culture

• Lead, support and develop Area Managers and central support teams
• Oversee recruitment, performance management, succession planning and professional development
• Manage complex complaints and grievances

Operations, Quality & Compliance

• Oversee multi-site operations, quality outcomes and regulatory compliance
• Monitor performance, risk, occupancy and financial indicators across all services
• Manage critical incidents and regulatory engagement

Pedagogy & Educational Excellence

• Provide strategic guidance on pedagogy, mentoring and quality improvement
• Oversee Quality Improvement Plans and inclusive, play-based learning practices
• Promote continuous improvement across education teams
• Oversee budgets, occupancy targets and staffing within ratios
• Ensure strong financial governance and sustainable service delivery
• Identify opportunities for growth and community partnerships
• Lead change initiatives and service improvements
• Anticipate sector trends to enhance accessibility, quality and impact

Qualifications and Experience

• Tertiary qualification in Early Childhood Education, Education, or related field
• Postgraduate qualification in Leadership, Management, or Training & Assessment (highly advantageous)
• Current NT driver’s license.
• Minimum 15 years’ experience in Early Childhood Education
• Proven experience in senior or executive leadership roles
• Extensive knowledge and application of the National Quality Framework and Early Years Learning Framework
• Demonstrated experience in change management, performance management, and grievance resolution
• Strong financial acumen and experience overseeing budgets
• Demonstrated cultural competence and experience working with diverse communities
• Excellent written, verbal, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively across the NT

Mandatory Requirements

YMCA, including its Boards of Directors, are committed to the safety and well-being of children and young people in accordance with our Safeguarding Children and Young People framework. YMCA requires that all applicants undergo satisfactory screening prior to commencement, including but not limited to:

• Valid Working with Children Clearance.
• Satisfactory Criminal History Check.

Any successfully appointed applicant will be required to adhere to the Safeguarding Children and Young People framework, which includes a thorough safeguarding children and young people induction and a commitment to upholding the safety and wellbeing of children and young people throughout their engagement with YMCA.

Further Information

All applications should be accompanied by a cover letter detailing suitability for the position and a copy of your CV.

Applications close Monday 12th January 2026

We can’t wait to welcome you to the Y!