Director - Friends' Early Learning

Join Our Community at The Friends' School - Hobart

The Friends' School, Hobart, is a leading Independent School in Tasmania offering a globally focused, high-quality education from Early Learning to Year 12. Guided by the Quaker values of Integrity, Simplicity, Equality, and Peace, we foster an inclusive, supportive and welcoming environment where students and staff alike can thrive.

At Friends', we believe in lifelong learning - not just for our students, but for our staff as well. A career with us means becoming part of a dynamic community that values collaboration, personal growth and meaningful contributions. Whether in the classroom or beyond, our team plays a vital role in shaping the future through education, innovation and care.

If you're looking for a workplace that inspires, challenges, and supports you, we invite you to explore the opportunities at The Friends' School. Here, your work matters - not just to our students, but to the wider community and the world.

Why Work at The Friends' School?

At The Friends' School, we value our staff as much as our students. As part of our team, you'll enjoy a supportive and inclusive workplace with a strong focus on wellbeing, professional growth, and work-life balance. We offer:

Wellbeing – Free Employee Assistance Program, annual flu vaccinations and wellbeing initiatives. No cost use of Friends Health & Fitness (conditions apply).

Financial & Leave Benefits – Salaries are exclusive of super. Staff discounts on school fees. Paid parental leave, priority childcare access.

Professional & Community Engagement – Induction programs, social events and opportunities to contribute to outreach programs like Relay for Life, Loui's Van and Red Cross Blood Donation.

More information on our community can be found on our Friends' School website.

Join us and be part of a school that truly values its people.

About the Role

The Friends' School is seeking an experienced and dynamic Director – Friends' Early Learning to lead and manage the operations and educational programs of our Early Learning Service. This is a unique opportunity for a passionate leader to oversee the delivery of high-quality early childhood education and Outside School Hours Care (OSHC), ensuring compliance with the National Quality Framework, the National Quality Standard, and the School's Purpose & Concerns.

The Director will lead a talented team of educators, providing strategic guidance, coaching, and mentorship to support professional development, maintain regulatory compliance, and foster a culture of excellence. This role requires strong operational, financial, and community engagement skills to ensure a safe, innovative, and inclusive learning environment for children and families.

This is a permanent, full-time position (38 hours per week plus a 30-minute unpaid break each day).

Key Focus Areas

• Lead the day-to-day operations of Friends' Early Learning, including OSHC, and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Undertake the role of Nominated Supervisor, overseeing all aspects of the National Quality Framework (NQF), Assessment and Ratings, and Approved Learning Frameworks.
• Provide strong leadership and mentorship to the Early Learning and OSHC team, including staff supervision, recruitment, onboarding, and professional development.
• Collaborate with the Head of Primary School and Financial Services team to manage budgets, monitor expenses, and ensure effective financial planning.
• Maintain a child-safe environment, championing safeguarding policies and mandatory reporting, and promoting a culture where children, families, and staff feel comfortable raising concerns.
• Oversee enrolments, centre tours, orientation, and management of waiting lists, casual bookings, and utilisation rates.
• Support the implementation of a robust Quality Improvement Plan and lead initiatives to ensure ongoing service development.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with families, children, and the wider school community.
• Attend and contribute to Early Learning and Whole School meetings and lead relevant staff meetings and community events.
• Ensure compliance with workplace health and safety requirements and maintain safe, fit-for-purpose physical environments.

A full outline of responsibilities is provided in the Position Description.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor in Early Childhood Education or equivalent with relevant experience.
• Current Tasmanian Working with Vulnerable People Registration (employment category) and a recent National Police Check (less than six months old).
• Demonstrated experience as a Centre Director or equivalent leadership role in early childhood education.
• Strong understanding of the National Quality Framework, including the National Quality Standard, regulations, laws, and approved learning frameworks.
• Proven experience managing staff, leading change, and developing a positive organisational culture.
• Financial management experience within an Early Learning or educational setting.
• Ability to work safely in an Early Learning Centre environment and be fit to undertake the inherent requirements of the position.
• Commitment to the Purpose & Concerns and ethos of The Friends' School, including cultural leadership aligned with the School's values.

How to Apply

• A cover letter outlining your interest in and suitability for the role, addressing the selection criteria items 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 11.
• An updated resume detailing your relevant qualifications and experience.

Click the Apply button to begin your recruitment journey with us