• Do you want to take a rare opportunity at our close-knit, community-focused childcare and preschool co-operative that leads with compassion, warmth, and a strong sense of belonging?
• Do you want to lead a team of passionate educators and run a co-operative that delivers child focused programmes?
• Do you want to be rewarded with class leading remuneration, professional development opportunities, a supportive and engaged Committee of Management, and the satisfaction of leaving your mark on this treasured community not-for-profit centre?
• Are you the next community-centric Centre Director to join our Warrandyte Childcare and Preschool (WCPC) family?

About the Opportunity

Step into a rare opening as the Centre Director who is responsible for the delivery of the strategy and operations of this 38-place childcare and preschool. WCPC cares for children from 12 weeks through to preschool age, including offering a 3- & 4-year-old Kindergarten Program. You will lead a team of approximately 20 passionate, dedicated, and loyal educators. All our Educators and Teachers deliver child focused, play based Programs embedding our Centre Philosophy, EYLF and VEDYLF. Our Centre provides a home away from home environment where children feel safe and welcome. We pride ourselves on being a community focused, diverse and inclusive Centre that prioritises strong, healthy relationships with our community. The centre is a respected and critical part of the unique community of Warrandyte. Warrandyte is a community nestled in between bushland on the banks of the Birrarung (Yarra River) on Wurundjeri land. The centre has been a cornerstone of early childhood education in the area for circa 40 years and has many long serving staff and families, even families returning with a second generation of WCPC children.

Whether you're a seasoned Centre Director looking for a new setting or an Assistant Director ready to step up, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

What You’ll Get in Return

• The opportunity to take on the overall leadership of this long established, crucial co-operative as Centre Director and Chief Executive Officer. You will have the opportunity to leave your mark on the co-operative and community more broadly, as you lead us through the next chapter of the centre’s story,
• To lead a brilliant team of educators who genuinely love what they do,
• Enjoy flexible work options, including flexibility of roster and 0.8 hours for the right candidate
• Class leading remuneration, professional development opportunities,
• Support from an established Assistant Director, and an Educational Leader,
• Leadership from a supportive and engaged Committee of Management (Board)
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive community rooted on the banks of the Birrarung (Yarra River) on Wurundjeri land.

The Role

Supported by an Assistant Director, your responsibilities will include (but are not limited to), the following:

• Overall operation of the centre, including managing the organisation’s budget and financial operations; manage enrolments, capacity and funding; general management including service delivery and compliance of the centre,
• Work productively with the Committee of Management through formal reporting, open dialogue, and strategy development,
• Lead and motivate a dedicated team of early childhood educators to create a safe, supportive, and educational environment for all children,
• Cultivate a vibrant learning environment where children, families and educators feel excited to come every day,
• Develop and execute best-practice programs in conjunction with the Educational Leader.

About you

• You're community-minded, with a strong understanding of the vital role this centre plays in the local community,
• Your leadership style is approachable, adaptable, transparent, and collaborative,
• Your superpower is building strong relationships and fostering trust.
• You have a solid understanding of VEYLDF, EYLF, NQS, and Child Safe Standards
• You hold a Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and have all relevant qualifications.
• You are a values-led professional who is child-focused, while tending to the needs of staff, families, and the external environment,
• While you are an early childhood education subject matter expert, you also understand how to run a business with a significant budget, which has complex compliance requirements, and varied risks to manage.

Qualifications

• Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or equivalent and all relevant qualifications (required)
• Graduate Certificate in Childcare Management or equivalent (desirable)
• Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management or equivalent (desirable),
• Business related qualifications at Cert. IV level or above (desirable),
• Tell us what qualifications you have and how they could add value to the centre.

If this sounds like the right opportunity for you and you share our values, we’d love to hear from you. Please click on "Apply Now" to submit your resume and cover letter, and we will be in touch with suitable candidates.

Please note that screening and interviewing will take place as applications are received, not just after the advert has expired.

Principles of equity and diversity are supported by the integration of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) into all stages of our recruitment and selection process. We encourage all individuals to apply if you have the relevant attributes. Candidates can contact WCPC on [email protected] using the subject line: Centre Director enquiry via EthicalJobs for information and assistance to ensure their diversity is reasonably accommodated during the recruitment process.