Center Manager

**Reports To**:
Owner

**Position Summary**:
The Director of the Childcare Center is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the center’s operations, ensuring high-quality care, education, and compliance with regulatory requirements. The Director will lead the team in creating a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment that promotes children’s social, emotional, and educational development. This role involves effective communication with parents, staff, and community organizations to build strong relationships and support the center’s goals.

**Key Responsibilities**:
Leadership and Management:

- Lead, mentor, and support staff to achieve the center’s mission and goals.
- Foster a positive and collaborative team culture.
- Oversee staff recruitment, training, and professional development.
- Conduct performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback to staff.

Program Development and Delivery:

- Develop and implement a curriculum inspired by the Reggio Emilia and Montessori philosophies, incorporating rituals to support children’s social and emotional growth.
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of educational programs.
- Ensure the delivery of high-quality, age-appropriate educational experiences for all children.

Communication and Relationship Building:

- Communicate effectively with parents to build trust and maintain open lines of communication.
- Act as a liaison between families, staff, and community organizations.
- Represent the center in the local community and promote its services.
- Address concerns and inquiries promptly and professionally.

Compliance and Quality Assurance:

- Ensure the center complies with all applicable state and federal regulations, including the National Quality Framework (NQF).
- Maintain compliance with health, safety, and child protection policies.
- Prepare for and participate in assessment and rating visits.

Family and Community Engagement:

- Build strong relationships with families, encouraging involvement in the center’s programs.
- Partner with community organizations to enhance educational opportunities and resources.

Financial Management:

- Manage the center’s budget, ensuring financial sustainability.
- Oversee enrollment and maintain occupancy targets.
- Monitor fees and ensure timely collection of payments.

Facilities and Resources Management:

- Ensure the center is safe, clean, and well-maintained.
- Oversee the procurement and management of educational materials and supplies.

**Qualifications and Skills**:
Essential Qualifications and Checks:

- Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
- Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a leadership role within a childcare or early learning setting.
- Current Working with Children Check (WWCC), PolciceCheck and First Aid Certification, including CPR, Anaphylaxis, and Asthma Management.

Key Skills:

- Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
- In-depth knowledge of early childhood education frameworks, including EYLF and NQS.
- Excellent communication skills to engage effectively with parents, staff, and community organizations.
- Proficiency in managing budgets and resources.
- Outstanding organizational and time management abilities.
- Problem-solving and decision-making skills.

**Personal Attributes**:

- Passionate about early childhood education and child development.
- Approachable, empathetic, and able to build positive relationships.
- Resilient and adaptable to challenges.
- Committed to continuous improvement and professional development.

**Working Conditions**:

- This role offers flexibility, with the option to work full-time or part-time.
- Based in St Albans, Victoria.
- Requires occasional attendance at evening or weekend events.
- Must be available for on-call support as needed.

**Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)**:

- Achievement of enrollment and retention targets.
- High levels of family and staff satisfaction.
- Compliance with all regulatory and quality standards.
- Positive outcomes from assessment and rating processes.

This position offers a unique opportunity to lead a dedicated team in a nurturing, innovative environment where communication, collaboration, and quality education are at the forefront.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $36.00 - $45.00 per hour

Schedule:

- Shift work

Work Authorisation:

- Australia (preferred)

Work Location: In person