Pedagogy, Research and Practice Manager

**What we offer**:

- **Competitive annual salary with generous salary packaging of up to $15,900 each FBT year**:

- **Paid Parental Leave program for all on-going employees (after 12 months’ of service)**:

- **Be part of a close knit and dedicated team who are supportive, approachable and truly passionate about delivering excellence**:

- **Discounted rates (50% off gap fee) for staff at all bestchance childcare centres**:

- **Genuine commitment to professional development**:

- **Access to Employee Wellbeing Program**:

- **120k per year and 20k vehicle and accomodation allowance**

**The Role**:
The Early Years Pedagogy, Research and Practice Manager will be a part of the Early Years Leadership Team, responsible for leading and supporting the Practice Coaches, Educational Leaders and services to achieve program excellence. The position will initiate and support a culture of contemporary early childhood practice and pedagogy across our early education and care services, including Kindergarten and Long Day Care programs.

The Pedagogy, Research and Practice Manager has an influential role in inspiring, motivating, affirming, and also challenging and enriching the curriculum and pedagogy implemented by the teachers and educators and be the driving force behind the development, planning, and administration of our professional learning programs. It is a collaborative endeavour, involving expertise, inquiry and critical reflection, which can significantly impact on the important work teachers and educators undertake in partnership with children and families and other professionals.

**Job Details**:
This position supports and collaborates with the Regional Managers, Kindergarten and Centre Coordinators, Educational Leaders (ELs) and service based Early Childhood teachers to oversee consistently high-quality practices that contribute to positive outcomes for all children as defined in the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework and the National Quality Standards.

The Early Years Pedagogy, Research and Practice Manager will have strong leadership skills and knowledge; ability to lead program planning and implementation, ensuring the achievement of goals; ability to contribute to the building of a strong, high functioning team that aligns teams with the organisational values and goals, strong ability to establish credibility with staff and inspire a shared vision for pedagogy and curriculum.

Providing leadership to the Regional Managers, Service Coordinators, early childhood teachers and educators in the development and coordination of educational programs for all children with a focus on inclusion for children.

Please note, this position will require you to work across Victoria.

**You will stand out if you have**:

- Extensive experience and knowledge of the National Quality Framework, including the National Law and Regulations, Education and Care learning frameworks and related resources, the Kindergarten Funding guidelines relevant to Early Childhood Services and Victorian Child Safe Standards
- Ability to work independently and co-operatively in a team environment, with an innovative, supportive and flexible approach to work
- Ability to develop positive working relationships with multiple stakeholders, internal and external
- Proven ability to independently manage complex workloads
- Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, including a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively across audiences and genres (including social media, print and web-based), backed by high level written communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to research, analyse and conceptualise complex multifaceted concepts and issues, developing proactive and innovative outcomes.
- Proven ability to develop productive working relationships with external stakeholders and peak organisations.
- Ability to develop and deliver informative and engaging presentations, resources and articles that align with the NQF and promote quality education and care programs and practices.
- Demonstrated ability to use a range of technologies and the ability to learn new systems quickly.
- Effective teamwork skills, including a proven ability to contribute to the success of a project or team.

**In addition to the above you will need the following to be considered for this role**:

- Degree or Post Graduate qualified in Education (Early Childhood) or related discipline with experience in leadership of pedagogical practices
- Have at least three years’ experience in an educational leadership role within an early childhood education and care setting.
- Have a sound knowledge and understanding of contemporary early childhood theories and evidence.
- Have a strong understanding of contemporary curriculum approaches, specifically a thorough knowledge of the approved learning frameworks and relevant research.
- Ability to research and disseminate information to others in a manner that is easily understood.
- Proven leader