Assistant Director

ECMS’ philosophy is simple; We foster lifelong learning. As a result, we have been operating for over 22 years and are one of Victoria’s largest Early Years Managers - through 61 kindergartens and Early Learning Centres, ECMS impacts the lives of 6,000 Victorian children each week. We are dedicated to consistently good learning outcomes, and being the place where the best early years people choose to be.

Located in the heart of vibrant and culturally diverse Maribyrnong, Maribyrnong River Children’s Centre delivers high quality and inclusive early learning and care for children aged six weeks to six years. Our team of nurturing and experienced educators partner with families to develop a play-based educational program that helps each child realise their potential. Even more importantly, our educators will ensure each child is safe, secure and happy while at Maribyrnong River Children’s Centre.

We are seeking a passionate, driven and knowledgeable Assistant Director/Educational Leader, who has the experience and desire to lead, support and manage our team of Educators, and help with the day-to-day running of our service Maribyrnong River Children’s Centre.

As the Assistant Director and Educational Leader, you will work closely with our Centre Director and will support a rewarding and collaborative workplace. The role of Assistant Centre Director includes an expectation to cover in the rooms as required as well as administration support. ECMS is an organisation that is committed to supporting your professional growth. We expect high standards and provide ongoing training and career development opportunities in pedagogy, business and staff management to support you. This is a dynamic leadership opportunity where you will inspire and drive the educational program and practices through mentoring and providing professional development to Educators. To succeed in this role, you will be required to demonstrate your working knowledge of the EYLF, NQS and Regulatory requirements.

What will you do
- Partner with the Centre Director to build strong collaborative relationships with parents, families, Educators and the local community to provide an inclusive and enriching play-based learning program for children
- Lead development of the curriculum and the establishment of clear goals and objectives for teaching and learning and encourage reflective practice to provide effective learning experiences
- Lead and support a team of Educators by providing constructive feedback and coaching to improve operational practice, programs and values-driven behaviour
- Effective communication skills including the ability to deliver critical information to a diverse audience including those with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
- Be a motivated and driven leader who will inspire a positive learning culture
- Be supported by the Centre Director and Area Manager with the day-to-day operations and by Child Safety Compliance Advisors
- Contribute to a child safe environment ensuring standards are met on a daily basis

Essential criteria for an Assistant Centre Director:

- A Diploma in Early Childhood or equivalent ACECQA approved qualification.
- A Bachelor degree in Early Childhood or equivalent would be desirable
- Multilingual skills highly regarded
- Have a sound knowledge of and experience with implementing the Early Years Learning Framework, National Quality Standards and Child Safety Standards
- Experience leading a large team and ability to develop and maintain relationships with various stakeholders
- Demonstrated experience in creating and implementing high quality and inclusive programs for children
- Current Working with Children Check and National Police Check
- Current Level 2 First Aid, CPR, Anaphylaxis & Asthma Certificate

What’s in it for you?
- Genuine career development opportunities with dedicated professional development days, conferences, internal training resources, and so much more
- Above award rates
- Monthly RDO
- Funded First Aid (004) and CRP (001) training for staff
- 50% off childcare fees
- Work/Life balance

We are a child safe and equal employment opportunity employer. Child safety is a fundamental aspect of all roles at ECMS. We promote the rights of all children to participate, have a purpose and be protected from harm. Our purpose is to make every day count by providing high quality play-based learning in a safe and inclusive environment - ensuring that children and families in our community thrive in life.

Applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and from people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.