CELA Early Education Specialist-Full time

6-month contract | Full time (38 hours per week) | Potential for extension 

Community Early Learning Australia (CELA) is a member-based peak body supporting excellence, leadership and quality across early childhood education and care. We are seeking a passionate and highly skilled Early Education Specialist to join our dynamic Learning & Development team.  

We are particularly interested in hearing from people who hold extensive experience in early education services or large organisations in a similar role. 

About the role 

At CELA, our work spans all aspects of early education service delivery, leadership and governance. In this role, you will work alongside a knowledgeable, innovative and values-driven team united by deep sector expertise and a shared commitment to strengthening professionalism across early education. 

Based in our George Street, Sydney office, CELA offers flexible working arrangements, blending office-based and remote work. This role is ideal for someone who has worked as a director in early education and care for a minimum of 5 years.  

Key responsibilities

In this varied and rewarding role, you will: 

• Support compliance and quality improvement through CELA’s consultancy services and regulatory guidance 

• Contribute to the development and review of CELA’s learning and development materials 

• Deliver expert advice on service delivery and management for CELA members 

• Collaborate proactively with colleagues to respond to emerging sector needs 

• Proactively and collaboratively engage in early education government policy interpretation to enable informed expert advice 

Skills and capabilities

To be successful, you will bring: 

• High-level working knowledge of the National Quality Framework and contemporary ECEC theory and practice 

• Demonstrated experience leading teams through the Assessment and Rating process 

• Strong understanding of child protection and child safety requirements 

• Strong professional judgement with the capacity to navigate complex service environments 

• Highly developed critical thinking and analytical skills to identify underlying challenges and recommend clear, actionable feedback 

• Ability to connect with diverse audiences to confidently deliver and tailor online or in-person training 

• Exceptional relationship-building skills and a genuine passion for supporting educator growth 

• Proven ability to manage competing priorities and timelines whilst maintaining attention to detail 

• Exceptional written communication skills, with the ability to produce clear and engaging learning and development materials  

• Ability to critically review existing learning materials and identify opportunities for enhancement 

• Ability to work collaboratively within a team, while also demonstrating initiative and independence 

• Strong digital literacy, with the confidence to quickly learn and navigate new systems and technologies

Essential requirements

• Bachelor or higher qualification in Early Education 

• Working with Children Check Documentation 

• Current Driver’s License 

• Currency in children’s services sector including current trends and contemporary ECEC theory and practice 

Desirable qualifications and experience

• Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40122 or equivalent) 

• CHCPRT025 Identify and report children and young people at risk 

• Experience working with management committees 

• Knowledge of service approval and provider approval process 

• Experience in facilitating engaging, adult-learning focused professional development with a coaching-oriented approach 

How to apply

Please forward your CV and/or a brief overview outlining how your skills and experience align with this role to ericawilkinson@cela.org.au or contact us on 1800 157 818 for further information. 

Applications close: 2nd March 2026