Are you a leader/manager that can contribute creatively to an environment where people can do their very best work?

Does the inclusion of ALL children in early childhood settings matter to you?

Do you have the drive, commitment and energy to be a game-changer for some of the most disadvantaged Australian children in the NT?

If so, then you need to come and work with us at Early Childhood Australia in the NT (ECANT).

ECANT operates the federal government-funded Inclusion Support Program (ISP) across the whole of the Northern Territory supporting eligible Early Childhood Education and Care services in urban, rural and remote communities to increase capacity and capability to include ALL children.

The ISP Program Manager position in the top end is a challenging, rewarding, and important role. Leading a diverse team of early childhood professionals, you would be responsible for managing and coordinating the delivery of inclusion support to over 160 Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services in the northern region of the NT.

Successful candidates will work closely with services, families, communities, and other stakeholders.

The current contract runs to 30 September 2026 subject to ongoing government funding. We invite interested candidates to apply now.

You will need to:

• love a road trip, be happy to board a boat to the Tiwi’s and catch a light aircraft into the Gulf.
• be able to really listen to communities, services and families.
• be able to lead a team of inclusion professionals innovatively and contribute to the senior management teams’ strategic planning process.
• be able to build relationships and collaborate with other key stakeholders to contribute to inclusive, equitable, accessible, quality programs and services for some of the most geographically isolated children and families.

Essential:

• Tertiary or Diploma qualification in education, early childhood and/or equivalent with recent experience in the early childhood sector
• Leadership experience in the early childhood sector
• Current driver’s license
• Capacity to travel to remote services, including overnight time away from home

Desirable:

• Applicants with experience and training in inclusion, trauma informed practice, and community engagement will be highly regarded.
• Experience in partnership and community/stakeholder engagement and family support highly regarded.

ECA is the national peak body for CHILDREN in Australia, with a vision that ‘every young child thriving and learning’.

ECA provides access to continuous training and professional development, flexible work hours and a diverse and dynamic workplace culture that welcomes difference.

For more information:

If any of this sounds like it’s got your name all over it please visit the ECA Careers Page, via the Apply Now link, to find out more information and download the full position description.

You can also contact Janet Williams Smith, Inclusion & Early Intervention General Manager at [email protected], using the subject line: Program Manager - Inclusion Support Team - Darwin enquiry via EthicalJobs, for more information.

A position description is attached.

If you want to apply:

Please apply via EthicalJobs with your resume and a maximum two-page cover letter addressing the key selection criteria in the position description.

ECA recognise, appreciate and use the unique insights, perspectives and backgrounds of each ECA employee. As an equal opportunity employer, ECA strongly welcomes applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples. ECA values diversity and seeks applications from people with a disability.

Applicants must be located in and have a genuine right to work in Australia.

The annual starting salary is $109,453 - $113,876 plus super (based on skills & experience). Salary packaging is available.

ECA offers a generous relocation allowance for people moving from interstate.

Apply Now - with a view to a starting date of the 20th of January 2025.