Director | High Quality Early Learning | No Corporate Frameworks | Padstow Area

About Us:

At Firefly HR, we redefine what it means to find exceptional talent in the education and care profession. We work exclusively with a select group of exceptional clients and candidates, ensuring that only the best are connected with the highest quality opportunities - like this one.

Director | High Quality Early Learning | No Corporate Frameworks | Padstow Area, Sydney

Some services have soul - a quiet magic in the way they move through each day, the way children are heard, and the way educators are valued. This is one of those services.

We're partnering exclusively with a privately owned early learning service that has been steadily and intentionally built over the last 10 years. It's a small service, catering to under 40 children, that is operated by two educational professionals themselves who have led the service hands on since day one. They're now ready to step back, and are seeking a Director who can carry the service forward with the same level of care, insight and depth that has shaped it to date.

This is not a reset. The service is thriving - with high occupancy (including for 2026 – already near capacity), a stable team, and clear pedagogy that draws from respectful practice, attachment theory, child led learning, and a strong image of the educator. The goal now is continuity. Someone who can bring clarity and leadership without needing to rebrand what already works.

About the Role?

• $90K - $110K + super, depending on qualification and experience.
• Lead daily operations and be the primary point of contact for the team and families.
• Guide and mentor a capable team of educators, modelling practice, language, and professional reflection.
• Oversee and strengthen existing planning and documentation processes - minimal, but meaningful.
• Maintain QIP and readiness for upcoming Assessment and Rating.
• Embed a systems thinking approach to leadership, while remaining visible and present.
• Support a calm, inclusive environment with thoughtful transitions and genuine relational pedagogy.

This is a fulltime role with flexibility in working hours (e.g. 8:30–4:30 or 9–5). You won't be expected to regularly work in ratio, but presence matters - and short covers or stepping in where needed is part of the role here or there.

Who this will suit?

You're an experienced leader who has likely worked in standalone services, not-for-profit settings, or perhaps stepped beyond the service level and are now looking to return to something more grounded.

You understand the nuance of high quality early childhood education - not just in compliance, but in culture, philosophy, and how a team works together. You're confident in supporting both structure and pedagogy, and know how to earn trust through consistency and clarity.

We're particularly interested in hearing from people who:

• Bring strong leadership experience with a Diploma or higher qualification.
• Have guided teams through A&R and quality improvement.
• Are confident with EYLF V2.0, self-assessment tools and risk management.
• Lead through modelling and mentoring, not just meetings.
• Are calm, reliable, and steady - especially in a period of leadership transition.
• Value child led practice, autonomy for educators, and respectful relationships at all levels.

Why this role stands out?

• Privately owned, values led: No group structure, no layers of approval. The owners know their team and community personally, and care deeply about both.
• Established foundation: A stable team, strong planning cycle, and embedded philosophy, this is not a rescue job.
• Genuine leadership handover: The current owners will remain involved initially but are ready to step back as you ease into the role.
• Depth over buzzwords: This service has invested in long form professional development and is committed to doing things well, not just quickly.
• Inclusive and relational culture: A team who values diversity, connection, and thoughtful pedagogy.

This is the kind of role where experience matters. It's also the kind of role that will give the right person deep satisfaction - knowing their work is shaping something real, with people who are in it for the right reasons.

Child Safeguarding:

Looking for an individual that will understand, adhere to, and promote The National Principles for Child Safe Organisations (the Child Safe Standards). In your position, you will help to take action to promote child wellbeing and prevent harm to children and young people.

Child safeguarding methods for this position, could include, but are not limited to:

• A NSW Working With Children Check (WWCC) or willingness to obtain.
• Thorough screening.
• Reference checks.
• A national criminal history check.

Sound like a team you could grow with?

We'd love to share more.

Apply confidentially via the link or reach out to our team at Firefly HR 

You'll be speaking with Barbi - a former Director of a NFP, community minded service herself with 20 years in the education space (across ECE, OSHC and Primary Teaching) who will be happy to share more about the service, the owners, and what success looks like in this role.

Not sure if it's the right fit? That's okay - reach out anyway. You'll be listened to, not sold to.

This is a rare opportunity to step into something quietly extraordinary. Don't wait too long, the right fit will feel it in their bones.

Firefly HR – Made by Educators, for Educators

We partner with services who do things differently – who lead with integrity, hold onto what matters, and create the kind of workplaces educators deserve.