CENTRE DIRECTOR- MATERNITY LEAVE COVER in Sydney

Rose Bay, Sydney NSW
Full-time | Fixed-term contract: 4 January 2027 – 31 October 2027
$120,000 – $130,000 per annum + superannuation

The Ballykin Group

Rose Bay, Sydney NSW
Full-time | Fixed-term contract: 4 January 2027 – 31 October 2027
$120,000 – $130,000 per annum + superannuation

About the role

We are seeking an experienced, passionate and inspiring Centre Director to lead our well-established early learning service in Rose Bay during a maternity leave contract from 4 January 2027 to 31 October 2027.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced early childhood leader who values meaningful relationships, strong team culture and high-quality educational practice.

At Ballykin, we believe exceptional early learning begins with strong relationships, a shared vision and an environment where educators feel valued, supported and inspired. We are looking for someone who can build on the wonderful foundations already established, empower our team and maintain the high standards that our families and community have come to know and value.

Key responsibilities

Leadership & Team Culture

• Provide warm, visible and approachable leadership across the service.

• Lead, support and empower a dedicated team of educators and room leaders.

• Foster a positive, collaborative and respectful workplace culture.

• Build strong relationships with educators, children and families.

• Support staff development, performance management and professional growth.

• Encourage open communication, shared responsibility and a strong sense of team connection.

• Lead team meetings and contribute to a positive and engaging workplace environment.

• Promote a culture of accountability, initiative and shared leadership.

Educational Leadership & Pedagogical Practice

• Work in close partnership with the Educational Leader to uphold and strengthen our educational philosophy.

• Champion our Reggio Emilia-inspired approach, inquiry-based learning and slow pedagogy.

• Support educators to create meaningful, intentional and responsive learning environments.

• Ensure children's agency, autonomy, voice and individual interests are reflected throughout the curriculum.

• Promote critical reflection, professional dialogue and continuous improvement.

• Support the implementation of the EYLF and National Quality Standard (NQS).

• Ensure educational practice remains consistent with our philosophy and expectations.

• Encourage collaboration between room leaders and educators to strengthen the consistency and quality of practice across the service.

Operations & Compliance

• Oversee the day-to-day operations and smooth running of the service.

• Ensure compliance with the National Quality Framework, Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations.

• Maintain appropriate staffing arrangements, rosters and ratio requirements.

• Oversee enrolments, occupancy, family enquiries and daily administration.

• Maintain effective systems, policies and procedures.

• Lead quality improvement initiatives and maintain a strong culture of child safety.

• Monitor service performance and operational priorities.

• Work collaboratively with the wider Ballykin Group management team to support the ongoing success of the service.

Family & Community Relationships

• Build genuine, trusting relationships with families and the wider community.

• Maintain open, transparent and professional communication.

• Support family engagement and meaningful connections within the service.

• Represent Ballykin's values and philosophy within the local community.

• Foster a welcoming environment where families feel connected, respected and valued.

About you

We are looking for someone who is not only an experienced Centre Director but also a genuinely passionate early childhood educator and people leader.

You will ideally bring:

• A recognised Bachelor of Early Childhood Education or equivalent ACECQA-approved ECT qualification.

• Previous experience as a Centre Director, Assistant Director or senior leadership position within early childhood education.

• Strong knowledge of the EYLF, NQS and National Quality Framework.

• Confidence leading teams, managing operations and maintaining regulatory compliance.

• A genuine passion for pedagogical leadership and high-quality early childhood education.

• An understanding of Reggio Emilia, Montessori or other child-led, inquiry-based approaches.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• The ability to build trust, inspire educators and foster a positive team culture.

• A calm, organised and solutions-focused approach to leadership.

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to confidently manage competing priorities.

• A genuine commitment to children's rights, wellbeing, agency and learning.

Above all, you will be someone who leads with warmth, integrity and purpose, understands the importance of relationships and enjoys being actively involved in the everyday life of a service.

About us

The Ballykin Group is a privately owned early learning provider with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality early childhood education and care.

Our Rose Bay service is a well-established 45-place centre with a dedicated team, strong family relationships and inspiring indoor and outdoor learning environments.

Our educational philosophy is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, with influences from Montessori, slow pedagogy and inquiry-based learning.

We place great value on the image of the child as capable, curious and full of potential, with a belief that children have 100 languages through which they can express their thinking, creativity and understanding of the world.

Our environments are thoughtfully designed as the third teacher, encouraging exploration, connection, creativity, nature play and a deep sense of belonging.

We are proud of the culture we have built and are looking for a leader who will embrace our philosophy and continue nurturing the wonderful community that makes Ballykin special.

What we offer

• A competitive salary of $120,000 - $130,000 per annum + superannuation, commensurate with experience.

• An established, well-resourced service with a wonderful reputation.

• A supportive and experienced leadership team.

• The opportunity to work alongside a passionate Educational Leader.

• A dedicated team of educators and strong relationships with families.

• Beautiful indoor and outdoor learning environments.

• A workplace that genuinely values relationships, professional growth and pedagogical thinking.

• Support from the wider Ballykin Group management team.

• An opportunity to make a meaningful contribution within a respected early learning community.

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