Why work with us
Every child and young person deserves a great education. We have a strategy that aims to unlock every child's potential now and into the future, one that in partnership with learners, students, parents, and the wider South Australian community will build a world‐leading public education system. Our approach is equitable and prioritises learning and wellbeing. Together, we will make our education system the best it can be, thriving communities and a stronger state.
About The Role
The Education Lead, Early Childhood is a key leadership position within the local education team, with significant accountability for driving positive change and fostering continuous improvement across preschools and services for children from birth to age 5 in South Australia.
In this role, you will lead the implementation of strategic priorities for improvement, change, and reform in the early years, enabling site leaders to achieve impact within their communities. Working collaboratively with the Education Director and Education Lead, Schools, you will bring expertise in early childhood education, pedagogy, curriculum, data‐driven improvement, and people management. You will own strategic initiatives, implement the department's vision for all young children to learn and thrive, and establish a networked approach across the education ecosystem.
You will also champion the implementation of key state and national reform policies, including the Royal Commission recommendations on 3‐year‐old preschool, kindy care, and integrated hubs. As a conduit between sites and the centre, you will facilitate multi‐directional feedback loops, support preschool improvement, and oversee the implementation of the National Quality Standard and Early Years Learning Framework.
In addition, you will facilitate coaching and mentoring relationships across the system, champion workforce development initiatives, and support the identification and acceleration of emerging and existing preschool staff for qualification uplift pathways and leadership pipelines.
Qualifications
* Essential: A tertiary qualification in education and/or related fields.
* Desirable: Tertiary qualifications in Early Childhood education.
Special Conditions
The successful applicant is required to obtain a Department for Human Services (DHS) Working With Children Check (WWCC) prior to employment, renewed every five years. Additionally, the incumbent must undertake the RRHAN –EC (Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect – Education Care) Facilitator Lead (Masterclass) extended course or the online Fundamentals course, updated every three years. For other special conditions, please refer to the attached Position Description.
Remuneration
Grade S121‐5: $160,294 per annum (1.0 FTE) + superannuation (12%).
Enquiries
For further information, contact Shana Foster, Executive Assistant, tel: (08) 8688 3488 or email: shana.foster@sa.gov.au.
Application instructions
Applications should be made through the IWorkForSA website. Submit a CV, the Application Cover Sheet, Employment Declaration, and a cover letter of no more than two pages addressing the key competencies in the attached Position Description. People of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and/or those who have a disability are strongly encouraged to apply.
Additional Note
This is a part‐time contract role (0.4 FTE), initial 6‐month term contract.
Attachments
* Application Cover Sheet - S121.pdf
* How to Apply S121.pdf
* Position Description - Education Lead Early Childhood S121.pdf
* VL233 Pre‐employment declaration.pdf
Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working, including part‐time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss flexible working arrangements for this role.
Applications close: 21/05/2026 11:30 PM
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