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.
