About Us:

At Firefly HR, we redefine what it means to find exceptional talent in the education and care profession. We work exclusively with a select group of exceptional clients and candidates, ensuring that only the best are connected with the highest quality opportunities - like this one.

Community Care Leader | ECE Director Opportunity | St Mary’s Area, Sydney

This role is for someone who knows that leadership in early education isn’t about sitting in the office or ticking compliance boxes.

It’s for someone who shows up - for the team, for the families, and for the children. Someone who listens, leads by doing, and works alongside the people around them.

This not-for-profit (NFP) service, run by a volunteer parent committee, is ready for its next chapter. The team is experienced and steady. The committee is respectful and involved in the right ways.

The opportunity? It’s big - and it’s real.

What makes this role different?

• You won’t be reporting to a head office.
• You won’t be expected to lead without support.
• You won’t be asked to do it all alone.

You’ll work directly with a volunteer Parent Committee (the Approved Provider) - they’re here to listen, problem solve, and support decisions that genuinely benefit the team, families and children.

In a community based service like this, you have influence.
Real input. Real autonomy. Local decision making.

If you’ve only worked in private or multi-site settings, this may be a new way of working - but it’s one where you can actually shape things, and see the impact of your leadership every day.

What you'll walk into:

• A longstanding, community based Early Learning service (long day care model).
• An experienced and committed educator team.
• Inclusion support already in place.
• A Parent Committee who value your experience and will back your decisions.
• Licenced for 60 children - not at full capacity, with room to grow.
• Dedicated standalone space with generous outdoor areas (no shared space).

Your role:

This is a Director level leadership role, but more than a title, it’s a chance to lead well.
You’ll:

• Be visible and available to the team and families - not in ratio, but present.
• Support and develop educators in real, practical ways.
• Work closely with the committee and team to lead and embed quality across practice, not just paperwork.
• Keep the service aligned with the NQF - with a practical understanding of how this plays out each day.
• Although not the Educational Leader, to still ensure growth through the EYLF v2.0, supporting critical reflection and planning.
• Guide team development and help each educator feel confident and clear in their role.
• Oversee daily operations - rosters, enrolments, compliance and admin.
• Bring your ideas and experience to strengthen systems, structure, and culture (that strategic vision you’ve been waiting to harness).
• Lead the next QIP cycle with purpose - not just as a compliance task, but a genuine tool for improvement.

What you'll bring:

• Previous experience as a Director / Manager or strong 2IC / Assistant Director / Manager level and a relevenat qualification (Diploma and above).
• Proven experience leading or supporting quality practice in line with the NQF.
• Elements of collaborative, servant, and transformational leadership – by being present, supportive and responsive. Someone calm, consistent and that people can rely on.
• Confidence in mentoring educators to reflect, grow and stay aligned with best practice
• A professional approach to documentation, critical reflection and ongoing improvement.
• Confidence in CCS, compliance, staffing and financials (or willingness to learn)
• Practical knowledge across systems like QikKids, Xero, PRODA etc.
• Confident managing team dynamics, including performance, communication, and expectations.
• A mindset of continuous improvement and and bringing others along with you.

Why you’ll want this job:

• $100K–$128K + super, depending on qualification and experience.
• Choose what works for you and the service, whether that looks like 4 or 5 days a week, RDO's, or something else? They are happy to hear and consider what that flexibility might be and make it happen.
• No head office, just people who care about doing the right thing.
• You’ll be listened to, backed, and given space to lead (no micromanaging).
• Ongoing support however you identify, that can be put into practice.
• Your knowledge will be valued, and your leadership will shape how the EYLF v2.0 and NQF come to life across the service.
• A role that reminds you why you started in this profession.

Child Safeguarding:

Looking for an individual that will understand, adhere to, and promote The National Principles for Child Safe Organisations (the Child Safe Standards). In your position, you will help to take action to promote child wellbeing and prevent harm to children and young people.

Child safeguarding methods for this position, could include, but are not limited to:

• A NSW Working With Children Check (WWCC) or willingness to obtain.
• Thorough screening.
• Reference checks.
• A national criminal history check.

Sound like a team you could grow with?

We’d love to share more.

Apply confidentially via the link or reach out to our team at Firefly HR [email protected].

You’ll be speaking with Barbi - a former Director of a NFP, community based service led by a parent committee. She knows what this work is like, what the challenges are, and how rewarding it can be when the right support is in place.

Not sure if it’s the right fit? That’s okay - reach out anyway. You’ll be listened to, not sold to.

Firefly HR – Made by Educators, for EducatorsWe know what it’s like to stand in your shoes - and we only work with services that value people, lead with purpose, and create space for meaningful practice.