Are you passionate about supporting children to thrive in high-quality early learning environments? This brand-new, government-owned childcare and kindergarten centre at Numurkah Primary School, located in Numurkah, 225kms north of Melbourne CBD, offers an exceptional opportunity to make a lasting impact in your career.
Opening its doors in 2026, the purpose-built 102-place centre provides childcare and kindergarten for three and four-year-olds, with plans to expand to pre-prep. The centre operates Monday to Friday, 7 am to 6 pm, providing options for both full-time and part-time employment.

Start asap or in January 2026. There is a incentive of up to $10k available to assist with relocation.

As the Centre Director you will provide leadership and management regarding all aspects of operation of the Early Learning Victoria centre, in line with regulations and organisational policies and procedures. The Centre Director will perform the role of Nominated Supervisor.

Your key responsibilities will be to;

• Work closely and collaboratively with Early Learning Victoria central office to prepare the centre for opening in 2025 and establish excellence in early learning and care.
• Plan and oversee the delivery of high-quality, sustainable, compliant and safe early learning and care services and programs.
• Manage all aspects of staffing, including recruitment, rostering, performance, professional development and mentoring, safety and wellbeing and promoting a positive team culture that values diversity and innovation.
• Engage with staff on all aspects of operations, fostering a collaborative centre dynamic that encourages communication and shared problem-solving.
• Exemplify and embody the Early Learning Victoria philosophy and values.
• Establish and maintain relationships with a range of stakeholders including community groups, neighbouring early learning services and local councils.
• Create a positive and welcoming experience for families.
• Manage all financial, administrative and other operations of the centre
• Develop and implement strategies to maximise enrolments and occupancy.
• Ensure all legislative requirements, policies and procedures are met and maintained.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated management and leadership experience in early childhood education and care and extensive understanding of the regulations, NQS/EYLF and Child Safe Standards.

Your in-depth expertise and ability to recruit, lead and guide teaching teams will be key in establishing a solid foundation for creating a supportive and enriching work environment.

Strong financial management, effective communication and relationship-building skills with staff, children, families and communities and experience working with vulnerable children and families as well as a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care are essential. Bachelor of Education/Teaching (Early Childhood) would be highly regarded.

This Centre Director role will be located at one of the first four centres opening as part of the Victorian Governments Best Start, Best Life reforms, which will see 50 government-owned and operated early learning centres by 2032. The centres will offer childcare, three and four-year-old kindergarten and pre-prep.

The centres will provide high-quality, accessible and inclusive early childhood education and care that is child centred, focused on learning through play and in nature, with strong connections to local communities.

Early Learning Victoria’s central office is in the Victorian Department of Education. The central team is leading the roll-out of the 50 centres and will support and oversee centre operations once they open.

Staff in the Early Learning Victoria centres will be part of a new Victorian government-employed early childhood workforce. ELV is committed to creating a supportive and enriching work environment for employees, offering a range of benefits and opportunities for professional growth and development.

No sponsorship available. You must have full working rights to be eligible for this role.

The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Ready to join a rewarding team and make a difference in early childhood education? Apply now!

Leah Kossmann
Recruitment Consultant
[email protected]