Overview
Director of Early Learning (ELC) – Nominated Supervisor Early Years Talent•Gladstone, Australia
Independent school | Early Learning to Year 12 pathway | Strategic leadership role. Note: This role is located in a large regional centre, close to the coast in Central Queensland. We are inviting applications from an exceptional early childhood leader to take strategic responsibility for a thriving, large-format Early Learning Centre within one of Queensland's most respected independent ELC-Year 12 Independent Colleges. Why this role stands out: large, established service (193-place centre) with strong enrolment demand and stable occupancy; beautiful, purpose-built learning environments with landscaped natural outdoor spaces; Early learning embedded into an Early Learning to Year 12 educational pathway; kindergarten children participate in the wider school community with access to specialty classes; strong people and wellbeing culture supported by the resources and structure of a broader College environment; access to specialist supports and professional expertise within the College network; chef-prepared meals provided daily for children, with staff meals provided; on-site parking, professional learning, and long-term career growth within a well-resourced organisation.
About the opportunity: The Early Learning Centre is purpose-designed for children aged 0–5 and positioned as an integral part of a high-performing independent school community. The service operates with strong processes, quality resources, and an enriched educational program focused on belonging, learning, and a seamless transition to Prep.
Governance and authority: In this role, you will hold genuine delegated authority to set expectations and ensure regulatory-aligned practice across the service. You will lead early childhood governance within a school setting and provide guidance to College leadership on early learning compliance, risk management and quality standards.
What you will lead: Reporting to the Director of Early Learning / College leadership, you will lead the service across four key pillars: Quality and pedagogy (instructional leadership aligned to the EYLF and NQS, including culture of reflective practice and program excellence); People and culture (mentoring, coaching, performance development, capability uplift and retention strategy); Operations and compliance (service systems, policies, documentation, health and safety, incident response and regulatory posture); Community connection (strong relationships with families and alignment with the broader school community and transition-to-school pathway).
About you
You are a confident, values-led leader who thrives in a high-quality environment and is comfortable operating as the authority on early childhood quality and compliance within a school context.
* Bachelor of Early Childhood (preferred) OR Diploma / Advanced Diploma with substantial leadership experience (highly regarded).
* Minimum four years experience in Centre Director / Nominated Supervisor (or equivalent senior leadership) roles.
* Demonstrated success leading Assessment and Rating processes and/or driving quality uplift outcomes.
* High-level knowledge of the NQF, NQS and EYLF, including the practical application of compliance frameworks.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to brief stakeholders clearly and confidently.
* Strong operational and business discipline (staffing strategy, compliance systems, continuous improvement and data-informed decision making).
* Calm, professional judgment under pressure and a solutions-focused leadership style.
Compliance requirements
* Current First Aid (HLTAID004 or current equivalent).
* Current Queensland Blue Card (or willingness to obtain).
* National Police Check.
* Food Safety and Child Protection certification (or willingness to obtain as part of onboarding).
Remuneration and benefits
Generous remuneration package, well above Award (commensurate with seniority and scope); full-time permanent role; professional learning and leadership growth pathways within an independent school ecosystem; relocation support is considered for outstanding metro and interstate candidates.
How to apply
If you are exploring your next leadership move and want a role with genuine scale, structure and prestige, apply now for a confidential conversation. At Early Years Talent, we connect passionate early childhood educators, teachers, and leaders with opportunities across boutique exceeding early learning services, community-managed not-for-profits, and independent schools.
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