Assistant Director

Role: Assistant Director

Location: Kirwan – Burnda Street, Townsville QLD 4817

Centre: Goodstart Kirwan – Burnda Street

Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $ $66.09 p/h (Depending on qualification & experience) + Super + Benefits

• Use your experience in early learning and work alongside our Centre Director to support our centre and team
• Competitive pay at least 7% above award + a range of benefits including childcare discount + salary packaging available
• Work for Australia's largest early learning Not-for-Profit

Are you an experienced early learning professional eager to advance your career, sharpen your leadership skills, and contribute to building a thriving business? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you

As the Assistant Director at Goodstart Kirwan – Burnda Street, you'll leverage your expertise and leadership to inspire and motivate your centre team, driving continuous improvement across all areas of centre operations. Collaborate with our dedicated leadership team, forge respectful and reciprocal relationships with families, and actively engage with the local community networks.

In this role, you will:

• Support the Centre Director in the leadership of the team to provide high-quality early learning and care
• Mentor and build capabilities within the centre team
• Be responsible for the overall management of the centre in the Centre Director's absence
• Use and implement the Goodstart Practice Guide

About Goodstart Kirwan – Burnda Street

Join our passionate team at Goodstart Kirwan – Burnda Street, a 131-place centre providing nurturing, play-based learning for children from Nursery to Kindergarten.

We're proud to have achieved a Meeting rating – a testament to our commitment to quality education, continuous improvement, and the National Quality Standard.

We're seeking an Assistant Director who thrives on collaboration, mentorship, and operational excellence. This is a full-time position (Monday to Friday, 6am–6pm) supporting the Centre Director in driving pedagogy, quality outcomes, and team development.

• Step into a leadership pathway that values both Diploma and ECT-qualified professionals
• Work across eight beautifully designed rooms with age-appropriate playgrounds that inspire creativity and curiosity
• Collaborate with a diverse, experienced team dedicated to inclusion, cultural connection, and community partnerships
• Play a key role in maintaining our commitment to the National Quality Framework and continuous quality improvement

At Goodstart, we believe that leadership is about empowering others, nurturing professional growth, and ensuring every child feels seen, valued, and inspired to learn.

What Goodstart can offer you:

Receive at least 7% above the award rate

Up to 80% discount off your childcare gap fees and up to 6 weeks paid parental leave

Fitness Passport - access to gyms and pools for you and your family at a heavily discounted price

Tax benefits through salary packaging

Paid professional development

Two wellbeing days included in your personal leave per year
Free annual flu shot (optional)

Option to purchase extra leave for even greater work life balance  
First Nations Support and Cultural Leave

Retail and childcare discounts on insurance, travel and technology

Uniform allowance and employee referral program

If you have previous experience as an Assistant Director or in a centre leadership position, or similar, then we'd love to talk to you about which of our amazing opportunities would be the best fit for you.

How to apply

Click 'Apply Now' and submit your application.

We review applications as they are submitted. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible for your best chance to progress to the next stage of the process.

Have a question? Contact Salena from our Talent Acquisition Team on or via email

At Goodstart we are deeply committed to Reconciliation and encourage Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people to apply.  For further information and support email

Supporting our people and protecting our children

We're an equal opportunity employer that is proud of our inclusive and diverse work environment. We know that Goodstarters from diverse cultures, backgrounds and experiences strengthen our teams and help us grow. We're also deeply committed to Reconciliation and creating an environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People feel a strong sense of belonging and connection.

Safety is our priority and we will take any action necessary to ensure that all children can feel safe and be safe, and are safeguarded from abuse, neglect and harm. As a Child Safe Organisation, all of our candidates must have or obtain a valid working with children check.

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