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 Queenslands 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, including landscaped natural outdoor play spaces and wet play areas
* 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 (for example, Art, Physical Education and Music)
* 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 are 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 line, 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 judgement 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 support
* 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.