Early Years Operations, Compliance & Growth Manager

Summary:

This newly created, significant role will consolidate and enhance existing early childhood education and care (ECEC) programs into a cohesive and holistic entity. The position is responsible for strategic and operational management, relationship building, governance, and ensuring regulatory compliance across multiple ECEC services, including preschools and Early Learning Centres (ELCs).

Working closely with senior leadership, educators, parents, and stakeholders within the community, this role will drive innovation and growth in early years education within the organisation and play a key part in the expansion of the Early Years provision.

Responsibilities:

Program Consolidation & Development

• Integrate existing ECEC programs into a unified structure.
• Develop strategies to build new business capacity and identify gaps.
• Introduce innovative approaches aligned with community needs.
• Set up a new entity to manage financial and human resources.
• Develop comprehensive strategic plans for the provision and expansion of Catholic Early Years.
• Analyse and map pathways for transitioning Catholic Early Years from the current state to its preferred future state.

Management & Market Research

• Oversee Early Learning Centres (ELCs) associated with approximately 100 educational institutions.
• Drive and manage change during ELC expansion projects.
• Conduct market research to pinpoint new opportunities, possible risks, and current trends in the ECEC sector.
• Cultivate and utilise strategic alliances both internally and externally to broaden the impact of Catholic Early Years.
• Apply business intelligence, market insights, and competitor analysis to strategically transform Catholic Early Years education from its present operations to its future goals.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements (EYLF, NQS, ACECQA). ● Coordinate governance and quality assurance.
• Work with the team to ensure regulatory compliance is met.
• Affirm the quality of programs.

Relationship Management & Collaboration

• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders.
• Co-ordinate with third-party preschool providers.
• Oversee and coordinate the operational management of Catholic Early Years programs and services to ensure whole-of-system coherence and consistency.

Strategic & Operational Management

• Operate strategically and operationally, planning for both present and future needs. ● Proactively respond to changing environments.
• Manage submissions for integrated hubs, addressing any emerging challenges.

Required Skills & Experience:

Education & Experience

• Proven experience in successful development and management of ECEC programs. ● Demonstrated outcomes in relevant areas.
• Sophisticated skillset in ECEC management.
• Strong strategic planning and management skills.
• Proven ability to develop and sustain partnerships with key stakeholders. ● Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.

Behavioral Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking: Develops and implements long-term strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Leadership: Leads, inspires, and influences diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with senior leadership, educators, parents, and external agencies through strong interpersonal skills.
• Analytical Skills: Analyses issues and interprets data to inform decision-making.
• Communication: Engages various stakeholders using excellent verbal and written communication skills.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in education, business administration, or a related field.
• Additional Information:

Reporting to the Director of School Quality and Performance, this organization has a 10-15 year track record of success. The strategic landscape has been significantly reshaped by the introduction of 3-year-old preschool programs. Although some services are governed by external bodies, they function as integral parts of this organization's wider network of interconnected entities.

For a confidential conversation please call Melanie Mckeown on 0386307400 or email [email protected]