About the role
CatholicCare Wollongong is seeking an experienced and inspiring Early Childhood Leader to establish and lead a brand-new Early Learning Centre (ELC) opening in August 2026. This is a rare opportunity to shape an ELC service from the ground up.
The role commences immediately, enabling the successful applicant to be directly involved in all aspects of planning, service setup, and development including design input, regulatory readiness, resourcing, team recruitment, educational vision, and the establishment of a strong, values-driven culture prior to the centre opening.
The new ELC will be co‑located with CatholicCare’s social services (including counselling) and St John’s Catholic Primary School, creating a unique, integrated community hub. This model offers exceptional opportunities to build strong partnerships that support children, families, and the broader community.
As the Centre Director, you will oversee daily operations, ensure compliance, guide educational practice, and support a passionate team dedicated to nurturing and educating young children. Your leadership will play a pivotal role in embedding excellence, strengthening community relationships, and ensuring a safe, inclusive environment for all children.
Key responsibilities
- Establish and lead day to day operations the ELC from opening, launch and beyond. Ensuring full compliance with the National Quality Framework (NQF) and relevant legislation.
- Establishing and embedding high-quality educational practice aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework (ELYF).
- Recruiting, mentoring and leading a passionate and skilled team of educators.
- Build, inspire, and develop a high‑performing team of educators.
- Foster a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where children and families feel welcomed, and that supports the wellbeing and learning of all children.
- Guide and strengthen educational practice, curriculum implementation and continuous quality improvement.
- Build strong partnerships with families, school communities, CatholicCare services, and St John’s Catholic Primary School to support an integrated community.
- Driving a culture of excellence, continuous improvement, and reflective practice from service inception.
About you
You are a collaborative and motivated leader who is passionate about early childhood education and shaping high‑quality learning environments. You will bring:
- Proven experience in early childhood education and leadership roles.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Knowledge of current early childhood education practices and regulations.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or post graduate qualification in Early Childhood Education (ACECQA‑approved).
- Tertiary qualifications will need to have NESA accreditation (provisional or working towards full accreditation).
What we offer
In addition to joining an organisation that genuinely makes a difference in the lives of children and families, you will also enjoy:
- $114,600 base salary + 15% Worker Retention Payment + Superannuation.
- Up to $18,550 tax‑free salary packaging.
- 15 days paid personal leave each year.
- 3 days additional leave at Christmas.
- Paid parental leave.
- Long Service Leave after 7 years of service.
- Study leave and ongoing professional development.
- Fitness Passport and Employee Assistance Program.
About us
CatholicCare Wollongong is a local not‑for‑profit organisation committed to helping those in need, regardless of background or circumstances. Our vision is for inclusive, thriving communities where the dignity of every person is respected and valued. We provide services across all stages of life including early childhood education, out of school hours care, community aged and disability care, foster care, school counselling and parenting courses across the Illawarra, Shoalhaven, Southern Highlands and Macarthur regions.
Closing date: 10 April 2026. Please note the role may close early as applications are reviewed continuously
For further information contact: Belinda Williams E: belindaw@catholiccare.dow.org.au for a confidential discussion.