Program Partner

• Fixed term, part-time appointment (21 hours per week until end-April 2026, reducing to 14 hours per week from May to October 2026)
• Level 5: $81,953 - $92,681 (pro-rated) + 17% Superannuation 

About the role  

Early Start is seeking a passionate, experienced and collaborative individual to lead the development, organisation and implementation of programs occurring within the Discovery Space for children and their adults. Supported by our Education Partnership Coordinator, these programs will be constructed in direct collaboration and consultation with researchers/academics, broader UOW staff, and external organisations. These programs include - but are not limited to - daily public offerings, research partnership programs, school excursions programs, special events, virtual events and UOW student integrations/immersions.  

Experience working in the Education sector, social work, child services or other relevant experiences in a child focused or visitor services environments will support successful applicants in their delivery of an exceptional visitor service. Program Partners work directly with children and their adults from diverse backgrounds, modelling quality interactions and increasing participation of community in play opportunities. Finally, Program Partners ensure the quality of the Discovery Space play environment, including resource maintenance, cleaning and minor improvements. 

About the area  

Early Start is an entity of the University of Wollongong (UOW) that sits within the Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (ASSH). It draws together collaborators from the ASSH Faculty and wider UOW community to conduct interdisciplinary research and deliver educational programs within the Discovery Space. Research translation is a priority, and the Discovery Space and partners are key research translation spaces. Partners (community, education, government, industry) are critical to enable Early Start to achieve its vision. Early Start strives to connect research, education and community to improve the life trajectories for children, especially those growing up in regional and remote Australia.    

The Discovery Space is Australia's only dedicated children's museum, and the first-of-its-kind in the world based on a university campus. It is an interactive children's play environment that stimulates curiosity, nurtures creativity, builds confidence, and provides opportunities for social connection, wellbeing and development. The space is specifically designed for children from birth to 10 years and their adults and is visited by over 130,000 people a year.

How to Apply

You will be prompted to respond to a selection criteria questionnaire as part of the application process. Please also attach your CV to your application. 

For further information about this position, please contact Josef English, Manager, Early Start Operations on or via email at  

Position Description

Closing Date: Wednesday 8 October :59 PM

The University of Wollongong is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. As an equal opportunity employer, and a recognised leader in gender equality, we encourage and welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and people including: culturally and linguistically diverse, women, disability, LGBTIQ+, and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Australians.

Note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.  Only candidates with valid work rights in Australia are eligible to apply.

This position is not suitable for remote work in accordance with the UOW Remote Working Guidelines.

This position may have restrictions on leave during peak periods.

This position has been classified as 'child-related work", more information is available within the position description. 

Please note: If you are a current permanent/fixed term UOW employee, you may be able to seek approval from your Executive Dean/Director to temporarily vacate your existing position to take up this fixed term position.  Approval is subject to consideration of business needs within your Faculty/Division.  For further information please contact your Talent Acquisition Advisor.