Principal, Early Years 

At Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL), we are seeking an experienced and visionary Principal, Early Years to lead our research, policy, and advocacy agenda focused on children and families.

Location: Fitzroy 

Job Type: Permanent Full-Time working 38 hours per week

Salary: BSL CS EA Level 8 plus  11.5% superannuation. (pro rata for part time employment)

What we offer our employees

• Salary packaging options to improve your take home pay – up to $18,500 can be packaged every year (details via AccessPay)! 
• Career development opportunities 
• Leave loading of 17.5% 
• Flexible working arrangements 
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Discounted health insurance and free flu shots each year

About the role 

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of early years policy in Australia. Reporting to the Director, Social Policy and Research Centre, the Principal, Early Years leads a program of work to understand and address the systemic and structural drivers of disadvantage affecting young children and families.

You will work at the intersection of evidence, lived experience and advocacy—designing impactful research, developing bold yet grounded policy positions, and influencing government and key stakeholders to create real change. Your work will be rooted in partnership—across research, community, and advocacy—and will draw on BSL’s deep legacy and commitment to social justice.

You will also lead a team, contribute to the Centre’s leadership, and manage projects from concept to delivery—including project design, funding proposals and stakeholder engagement.

This role is ideal for someone who is committed to addressing child poverty and inequality, and who thrives in complex, cross-sectoral work with impact.

Core duties include:

• Lead the development and execution of BSL’s early years research and policy agenda
• Identify emerging issues and produce high-impact policy papers, submissions, and reports
• Build strong partnerships with researchers, community organisations, government departments and advocates
• Represent BSL as a spokesperson on early years issues at public forums and in media
• Lead, mentor and support a small high-performing team (funding dependent)
• Secure and manage project funding and oversee budget and reporting
• Contribute to organisational strategy and the broader leadership of the Social Policy and Research Centre

About Brotherhood of St Laurence 

We are passionate about the work we do. We strive to create change that lasts for a more compassionate and just society – a society in which we can all fully participate in social, civic and economic life with the dignity and respect we all deserve.

The Brotherhood of St Laurence (BSL) has a clear vision – an Australia free of poverty. For over 90 years, we have worked with policy makers and the community for systemic change that will prevent and alleviate poverty in Australia. We are made up of 1500+ employees and 1000+ volunteers to make a difference in our communities.

What we are looking for 

We are looking for a senior policy and research leader who is committed to creating systems-level change in early years.

Key skills and experience include

• Extensive experience in research, policy and advocacy, ideally in early childhood development, family policy or education 
• Strong understanding of systemic disadvantage and reform opportunities in the early years space 
• Excellent communication skills—able to craft compelling narratives and policy recommendations for diverse audiences 
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior government and sector stakeholders 
• Experience managing research teams, developing advocacy strategies, and securing funding 
• Postgraduate qualifications in economics, public policy, sociology or related fields 
• A commitment to BSL’s values of inclusion, respect and social justice 

If you are interested in this exciting opportunity and looking to contribute to our organisation’s success, we’d love to hear from you.

APPLY NOW

When completing your application, please upload each document as a separate attachment.

Your application must include:

• A tailored cover letter, 
• A current resume showcasing demonstrated skills and experiences, and 
• A 2-page (maximum) written response addressing the Key Selection Criteria found in the Position Description. 

Applications will be considered upon submission, so we encourage you to apply early.

Please review the Position Description to address the Key Selection Criteria. 

If you have any questions about the role, or want more clarification, please contact  Nicole Bieske at [email protected], using the subject line: Principal - Early Years enquiry via EthicalJobs, for a confidential discussion.BSL is a child-safe organisation. 

We are an EEO and understand the importance of diversity and inclusion. We recognise that everyone has the right to an equitable, safe and productive environment and to be treated with dignity and respect. We welcome applications from all people regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, cultural background, disability or sexual orientation. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

Successful applicants will be subject to pre-employment checks including criminal history and working with children. Applicants must have proof of working rights in Australia.

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