Assistant Director or Educational Leader

About ThriveSince opening our doors in 2016, Thrive Early Learning Centres has grown into a trusted name in early childhood education, with 12 thriving centres across NSW and VIC. We're proud to be 100% Australian owned and privately operated, supporting over 2,500 children and employing more than 300 passionate professionals.

Our vision is simple but powerful:

"Committed to children's futures by creating lifelong learning experiences in rich, stimulating environments where children and families feel secure and supported."

At Thrive, we know that our people are the heart of everything we do. That's why we're committed to supporting you both professionally and personally with:

Bonus Program – Earn a percentage of your salary in bonuses

Birthday Leave – Celebrate YOU with a paid day off on your birthday

Discounted Childcare – Enjoy up to 90% off the gap fee

Refer a Friend Bonus – Recommend great people and receive a bonus in return

Career Progression – Grow with us through tailored development pathways

Funded Training – We cover your First Aid, CPR, and Child Protection training

Hero Points & Perks – Access discounts and cashback at 1,000+ retailers

Work-Life Balance – Flexible working conditions that support your lifestyle

Diverse & Inclusive Team – Be part of a welcoming, collaborative community

Open Communication – Your voice matters at Thrive

About Thrive ELC, Drysdale

We're beyond excited to announce our brand-new, purpose-built centre coming to Drysdale, VIC, opening early 2026. This 130-place centre will be our second location in Victoria – and we're looking for a dedicated and experienced Assistant Centre Leader (2iC) and a quality focussed Educational Leader to join the leadership team.

This is your chance to be part of something from the ground up – shaping the team, culture, and future of the centre

Our purpose-built centre will operate Monday to Friday, 7am – 6pm for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years.

About the RolesThe 2iC (Assistant Centre Leader) will;

• Spend time floating between each room and be allocated a minimum of 8 hours per week of non contact time to assist the Centre Leader in the day to day operations of the centre.
• Drive the curriculum, Learning for Life programs across all aspects of children's development
• Maintain and implement centre policies and procedures
• Build on team leadership and educator engagement
• Build strong relationships with children and families

The Educational Leader will;

• Inspire, mentor, and support educators, while fostering a positive learning culture for children, families, and colleagues.
• Float between rooms, supporting educators in programming and pedagogy
• Receive a minimum of 8 hours per week non-contact time for office-based responsibilities
• Work closely with the Head of Education and Quality and other Educational Leaders across the Thrive group.

You're a natural leader with a genuine drive for high quality early childhood education You'll bring:

• A Bachelor in Teaching (or equivalent) or Diploma in Early Childhood
• Strong knowledge of the EYLF and National Quality Standards
• Excellent communication skills – both written and verbal
• Confidence with digital tools and technology (Kindm8 experience a bonus)
• A warm, collaborative leadership style that uplifts others

If you're ready to join a new centre, this is your opportunity

Apply now or get in touch with Katie Histon, Talent Partner for a confidential chat on or email

At Thrive Early Learning, we are committed to being a child-safe organisation, with a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse and neglect. Every employee plays an important role in ensuring the safety and well-being of children in our care. All candidates will undergo thorough background checks, including a Working with Children Check (WWCC), and must comply with our child protection policies to maintain a safe, secure, and supportive environment.