Head of Quality and Compliance - St Nicholas
The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, via St Nicholas, seeks an experienced Head of Quality & Compliance to provide strategic leadership across Early Education and Out of School Hours Care (OOSH) services. This senior leadership opportunity drives organisation-wide quality frameworks, strengthens regulatory compliance and promotes a strong child-safe culture. Reporting to the Director – St Nicholas, you will help ensure our services deliver exceptional education and care outcomes for children, families and communities.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Head of Quality & Compliance provides strategic leadership to ensure all St Nicholas services operate within a strong governance, quality and compliance framework. You will lead the development and implementation of policies, systems and processes that support regulatory compliance, risk management and continuous improvement across Early Education and OOSH services. Acting as the Person with Management or Control (PMC), you will ensure the Approved Provider meets obligations under the National Quality Framework and other relevant legislation. Working closely with the Director, Head of Early Education and Head of OOSH, you will provide expert advice on regulatory matters, quality improvement strategies and emerging sector risks while supporting the ongoing growth and sustainability of St Nicholas services.
Key responsibilities include:
* Lead organisation-wide quality, compliance and child safety frameworks
* Ensure services operate in line with the National Quality Standard and relevant legislation
* Provide strategic advice on regulatory compliance, risk management and governance
* Lead the development of policies, procedures and safeguarding practices
* Use incident and compliance data to drive continuous improvement across services
* Partner with leaders and stakeholders to strengthen quality outcomes and best practice
This role plays a key part in embedding a culture of child safety, quality practice and accountability across the organisation.
EXPERIENCE / CRITERIA
To be successful in this role, you will be a strategic leader with deep sector knowledge and a passion for strengthening quality outcomes in early childhood education.
Essential
* Tertiary qualifications in Early Childhood Education (Birth–12 years)
* Current Working With Children Check (WWCC)
* Current Class C Driver’s Licence with willingness to travel
* National Criminal History Check clearance
Desirable
* Qualifications and/or experience in quality, compliance or governance
* Postgraduate qualification in Leadership or Management
Skills and Experience
* Minimum 5 years’ experience in a senior leadership role within an early childhood organisation
* Expert knowledge of the National Quality Framework, Assessment & Rating process and relevant sector legislation
* Strong understanding of child protection legislation, Family Assistance Law and regulatory compliance requirements
* Experience managing reporting obligations, governance requirements and regulatory deadlines
* Demonstrated ability to lead quality improvement initiatives and drive compliance outcomes
* Strong stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to influence leaders and support services to achieve best practice
* Proven ability to implement organisation-wide frameworks and best practice standards using subject matter expertise.
To apply, please submit an online application including:
* Cover Letter (maximum 2 pages) addressing the selection criteria and how your knowledge and experience align with the role.
* Resume outlining competence in the focus areas detailed in the role description and how your skills support success.
* Applications close 11:59pm, Friday 27 March 2026.
* Questions: Angela Bryant – Employee Relations & Talent Manager, T: 02 4979 1145, E: angela.bryant@mn.catholic.org.au
* Jodie Miller - Talent Partner, T: 02 4979 1368, E: jodie.miller@mn.catholic.org.au
Additional Information
* The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable persons and to preventing abuse or neglect. It adheres to NSW Child Safe Standards and the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards.
* All who work in the name of the Diocese must comply with the Diocesan Safeguarding Framework Policy and Code of Conduct, including the Safeguarding Commitment Statement. Employees are required to undergo a National Police Check and maintain a valid NSW Working with Children Check where required.
* St Nicholas promotes safety and wellbeing of children from diverse backgrounds and encourages applications from culturally and linguistically diverse people and from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
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