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General Manager Preschool
Location: Newcastle, NSW
Organisation: Awabakal Ltd
Employment Type: Full-time | Permanent
Salary: Competitive + Super + Salary Packaging
Identified Role: Aboriginality is an essential requirement under Section 14D of the Anti-Discrimination Act
Lead With Purpose. Build Community. Empower Futures.
Awabakal is seeking an experienced and visionary General Manager Preschool to lead our early childhood education programs and shape the next generation of First Nations learners. This is a rare opportunity to take on a key executive leadership role that blends cultural integrity, educational excellence, and operational strength across multiple preschool sites.
About Us
For over 40 years, Awabakal has delivered culturally safe and responsive health, education, and community services for Aboriginal people across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, and the Hunter Valley. Our Preschools play a vital role in this mission, supporting early childhood development through connection, culture, and care.
The Role
The General Manager Preschool provides strategic leadership and operational oversight across all Awabakal Preschool services. Reporting directly to the CEO and leading a team of Centre Directors, you will ensure our services are financially sustainable, culturally strong, and meet the highest quality standards in early education. This role will work closely with the General Manager Enterprises, General Manager Awabakal Limited, Chief Financial Officer, and Executive Officer to ensure an integrated, whole-of-organisation approach to strategic planning, governance, and service delivery. You will drive operational performance, lead compliance initiatives, and support a dedicated and diverse workforce in delivering culturally responsive early learning programs.
Key focus areas include:
Strategic & operational leadership across multiple preschool sites
Driving performance in alignment with ACECQA standards and the Early Years Learning Framework
Business development, funding submissions, and program growth
Culturally responsive staff development and workforce planning
Engagement with families, community, and key stakeholders
Financial management in partnership with our CFO
Leading innovation in Aboriginal early childhood education
About You
We are looking for a strategic, culturally responsive leader with deep knowledge and experience in early childhood education. You will be passionate about creating culturally safe and high-quality environments where Aboriginal children thrive.
To succeed, you will bring:
Diploma in Early Childhood Education (or higher)
Strong leadership experience in early childhood or education services
Proven experience managing budgets, contracts, and funding submissions
Deep knowledge of the National Quality Standards & Education and Care Services National Regulations
A collaborative, inclusive leadership style with a passion for mentoring others
Demonstrated understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, child protection, and community engagement
Strong governance, risk, and compliance capability
Highly Desirable:
Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Education Leadership, or similar
Formal leadership or management training (e.g., Cert IV or Diploma in Leadership & Management)
Experience with funding and grants management (e.g., CIP, ACYFS, IAS, Start Strong)
What We Offer
A leadership role where culture, education, and community are at the heart of your work
Competitive salary with access to salary packaging
A supportive and passionate Executive team
Professional development & cultural training opportunities
The chance to lead positive change and shape a lasting legacy for Aboriginal children and families
How to Apply
Submit your resume and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria to HR@awabakal.org .
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Your application will include the following questions:Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia? How many years' experience do you have as a general manager? Have you worked in a role where you were responsible for budget management & forecasting? How many years of people management experience do you have? Do you have a current Police Check (National Police Certificate) for employment? Have you completed a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care? Have you completed a Bachelor of Education - Early Childhood?
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