• An influential leadership role of a key peak body - Early Learning Association Australia (ELAA)
• A unique opportunity to collaborate with a highly engaged Board to continue positioning ELAA as the key peak body for early childhood education and care in Australia.
• Drive an ambitious and invigorating new strategy.
• Available in Wurundjeri Country (Melbourne).
• FTE (1.0) permanent full time.
• Domestic travel will be a requirement of this role.

As the CEO, you will collaborate with Board Members to continue shaping and driving ELAA as an influential and leading early education and care peak body and strategically advise on the long term direction of the new strategic plan. You will foster an inclusive, motivating and high performing workplace where staff are engaged and supported that empowers them to deliver on ELAA’s strategic goals.

The CEO is responsible for implementing the strategic direction, vision and effective management of ELAA. They will play a vital role in developing and implementing the strategic plan, cultivating strong relationships with key stakeholders, leading initiatives to influence government policy, providing high-quality structured systems to support the expanding activities for day-to-day operations, and upholding ELAA’s reputation.

This role will foster a culture of excellence and equity across the organisation, which is reflective of ELAA’s reputation. The CEO will lead by example in all aspects of work, and is directly related to the success of the organisation; ensuring it achieves its objectives while maintaining its core values and mission.

WHO WE ARE

Early Learning Association Australia is Victoria’s peak body for early childhood education and care (ECEC) services and is an influential voice for excellence and equity for Australian children. For over 32 years ELAA has advocated for high quality early learning to both governments and the community.

ELAA’s vision is excellence and equity in early childhood education and care. Our purpose is to collaboratively develop solutions with members, government and partners to achieve our vision.

ELAA provides a vast range of support services to members across metropolitan, regional and rural Victoria. Our members include independent kindergartens, Early Years Management services, long day care services, local governments, independent schools and before and after school hours care providers.

CONTEXT OF THE POSITION

ELAA is poised to implement the next major phase of its development with the consolidation of a new, ambitious and contemporary strategic plan 2025-2027. To achieve this, the Board is seeking to engage an experienced, motivated and skilled individual to lead ELAA to the next level.

As a visionary, the CEO will significantly contribute to the implementation of the Best Start Best Life reforms across Victoria. The State Government has committed $14 billion to expand kindergarten programs across the state over the next 10 years. The CEO role will be critical in creating positive and innovative change across the sector for the benefit of children and their families. Further the CEO will also be actively involved and be a key contributor to the Commonwealth Government National Early Years Strategy and related policy and program development.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• In partnership with the Board, take responsibility for the development and implementation of ELAA’s strategic plan.
• Monitor the external environment to identify opportunities, challenges, and risks, and adapt strategies accordingly.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for growth, innovation, and diversification in line with ELAA’s strategy, mission and purpose.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the organisation to ensure organisational and member outcomes are achieved.
• Attract, develop, and retain high-performing talent.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders, including members, government, peak bodies and community organisations.
• Maintain a strong, transparent relationship with the Board, keeping them informed of material developments.

A position description is attached.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are seeking an experienced CEO or executive leader who is visionary and transformational to lead ELAA into its next phase of innovation, impact and excellence. The ideal candidate will be a dynamic forward -thinking leader with a demonstrated track record of guiding organisations through significant transformation, growth, and realignment, while achieving operational excellence, service innovation, and cultural change.

They will have experience in leading service-based organisations, preferably within the early childhood, community or health sectors and are deeply familiar with government and regulatory landscape, having worked in or closely with government. You are an authentic leader capable of effectively engaging and influencing all stakeholders to drive a strategic vision while addressing immediate operational needs.

You will foster a positive and inclusive organisational culture, empowering our team to achieve the best outcomes for our members and communities. With a proven track record of strategic leadership and the ability to inspire and engage, the successful candidate will drive transformation, champion continuous improvement and position ELAA to influence the early education and care agenda.

WHO YOU MIGHT BE

• You can demonstrate a proven track record of successful leadership at the executive level in aligned service delivery organisations.
• You have successfully driven organisational change, delivered on cultural change and built successful services.
• You have strong business and strategic acumen with a demonstrated ability to create, cultivate, secure, diversify and retain revenue for service expansion and diversification.
• You can demonstrate proven political astuteness, capable of navigating complex government and policy landscapes and engaging and influencing external stakeholders across government and community sectors.
• You have extensive experience working with or serving boards in an executive capacity with a deep understanding of governance best practice and the importance of a collaborative and trusting relationship, and skilled in providing strategic advice and insight.
• You have exceptional financial acumen, with a proven ability to manage budgets, oversee complex financial operations, and ensure long-term financial sustainability and growth.
• You hold a graduate qualification in education, social work, or health sciences
• You may hold a post-graduate qualification in management/executive leadership.
• You may be a graduate/member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Research indicates that while men apply to jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria, women and other marginalised individuals often wait until they fulfil every requirement. If you believe you have the attributes to do the job but don't match every point on the job ad, that's perfectly fine – we welcome your application.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Flexibility and a focus on work-life balance through hybrid working arrangements.
• A team of supportive and passionate people committed to maintaining a positive workplace culture.
• A highly invested and supportive Board.
• A psychologically and physically safe working environment.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Continuous learning and development opportunities.

How to Apply

To express your interest, click Apply Now to submit an online application through our portal and include a professional resume. All applicants must also provide brief responses to the application questions that are included as part of the online application.

Applications will be reviewed upon receipt, so don’t delay your application.

If you require additional adjustments, or would like to discuss any access needs as a part of the application and recruitment process, then please contact us via email [email protected] using the subject line: Chief Executive Officer - Early Learning Association Australia enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Early Learning Association Australia is an equal opportunity employer and strives to maintain a workplace environment that is fair and free of discrimination, is safe and accessible for all employees, and provides working arrangements that accommodate the diverse needs of our staff. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, people from culturally- and linguistically-diverse backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people and people of every ethnicity, faith, ability, culture, language, gender identity, age, and sex.