Assistant Director

Belford Oaks Community Children's Centre – Kew, VIC

Full Time – 5 Days Per Week (4 days in ratio, 1 day office-based)

0.8 FTE open for discussion.

Are you a passionate early childhood leader ready to take the next step in your career? Join our warm, community-focused Centre as a dedicated Assistant Director (2IC) / Educator, supporting high-quality programs and the smooth running of our much-loved service.

Belford Oaks Community Children's Centre is a not-for-profit, community-managed early childhood service located in leafy Kew. With over 36 years of history and a proud Exceeding rating under the National Quality Standard, we offer an integrated long-day care program for children aged 6 months to school age, including funded 3-year-old and 4-year-old kindergarten. We value connection, collaboration, and supporting the wellbeing of our team, children, and families.

About the Role

This is a dynamic and rewarding leadership role that combines hands-on educator work (4 days/week) with dedicated office-based responsibilities (1 day/week). You will also step into the role of Acting Director as required.

As Assistant Director (2IC), you will be responsible for:

· Coordinating enrolments, waitlist, and occupancy

· Helping with rosters and some compliance tasks

· Supporting QIP development and policy reviews

· Assisting family communications including newsletters

· Mentoring staff and students, and fostering a supportive, team-focused culture

· Representing the leadership team with all key stakeholders

As an Educator, you will:

· Plan and deliver engaging, play-based learning experiences aligned with the EYLF

· Build strong, respectful relationships with children and families

· Support children's wellbeing, independence, and participation

· Contribute to a collaborative, professional team culture

· Maintain accurate documentation and uphold safety, hygiene, and wellbeing standards

About You

We're seeking a confident, capable professional with:

· Demonstrated experience in a senior leadership role, such as Assistant Director, Acting Director or Director (essential)

· An ACECQA-approved Diploma or higher qualification

· Strong knowledge of the NQF, Education and Care Regulations, and best practice in early childhood education

· Excellent communication, organisational, and digital literacy skills, including confidence using platforms like Microsoft 365, spreadsheets, and early childhood software systems (e.g. for enrolments, documentation or communication)

· The ability to build warm, respectful relationships with children, families, colleagues, and external stakeholders

· Leadership capabilities in team mentoring, supervision, and performance support

· Confidence in managing day-to-day operations, including enrolments, compliance, and basic financial administration

· A commitment to upholding our Child Safe Policy and Code of Conduct, including zero tolerance for racism, discrimination, or inappropriate behaviour, and promoting a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all children, families, and staff.

· A current Working with Children Check, valid First Aid, Asthma, Anaphylaxis, and Child Protection certificates, and a willingness to undergo a National Police Check (or provide a current certificate).

· Current working rights in Australia.

Benefits and Perks

·      Above Award wages, with a regular salary review period

· Earn between Level 5.1 and 5.3 (Children Services Award 2010), depending on experience and position

· Structured performance appraisals and dedicated support from our Director and management team

· Monthly Rostered Days Off (RDOs)

· ~3-week closure over Christmas and New Year

· IT and digital resources in every room to support programming, documentation, and communication.

· Access to a free Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

· On-street parking and close proximity to public transport

· Regular social events and opportunities to build community with families

· Be part of a close-knit, supportive team where your contributions matter

· Above staff ratios in all rooms

· Enjoy a meaningful leadership role with variety, autonomy, and strong support

· Opportunity to shape systems, strengthen relationships, and step into Director duties when needed

· Community-based values, professional development opportunities, and strong governance support from our engaged parent Committee

If you're ready to bring your leadership experience, warmth, and initiative to a Centre that truly values its people, we'd love to hear from you.

We encourage you to address the following selection criteria in your cover letter:

Demonstrated experience in a senior leadership role within an early childhood setting, such as Assistant Director, Acting Director, or Director.

Experience planning and delivering high-quality, play-based programs, with a strong understanding of child development, family engagement, and working collaboratively within a team.

Strong knowledge of the NQF, Education and Care Regulations, and evidence of implementing best practice.

Confidence in administrative and operational tasks, such as managing enrolments, rosters, compliance, or documentation systems.

Commitment to child safety, inclusion, and professional conduct, aligned with the Centre's Code of Conduct and Child Safe Policy.

This position is available for an immediate start.

Applications close Friday 17th October 2025, unless the role is filled earlier.

Please submit your CV and cover letter via SEEK.

For queries about the position, contact Fiona Hodgson (Director) on or