The organisation
CatholicCare Wollongong is a not-for-profit social services organisation committed to supporting children, families and communities across the Diocese of Wollongong for over 40 years. Through a broad range of community and family services, the organisation is focused on delivering meaningful outcomes through compassionate, person-centred support.
This opportunity sits within CatholicCare’s growing early education and care portfolio and offers the chance to lead a brand-new Early Learning Centre in Campbelltown. Co-located alongside CatholicCare social services and St John’s Catholic Primary School, the centre will form part of an integrated community hub designed to strengthen support and connection for children and families.

The opportunity
This is a unique leadership opportunity for an experienced early childhood professional to establish and lead a new service from inception through to opening and beyond.
Commencing prior to the centre opening, the Director will play a key role in all aspects of service establishment including regulatory readiness, operational setup, recruitment, educational planning and embedding a positive, values-driven culture.
Reporting to the Team Leader – Early Childhood Education & Care, the Centre Director will:

Lead the establishment and day-to-day operations of the early learning centre
Ensure compliance with the National Quality Framework (NQF), National Quality Standards and relevant legislation
Build, mentor and develop a high-performing team of educators and teachers
Drive high-quality educational practice aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)
Foster a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment for children, families and staff
Lead continuous improvement, reflective practice and quality outcomes across the service
Build strong partnerships with families, CatholicCare services, local schools and the broader community
Oversee centre operations including staffing, budgeting, reporting and service performance
Maintain a visible and engaged leadership presence within the centre

About you
You are a collaborative and motivated leader who is passionate about early childhood education and creating high-quality and safe learning environments. You bring a balance of operational capability, educational and people leadership, with the ability to establish strong relationships and lead through growth and dynamic sector changes.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

Proven leadership experience within early childhood education and care
Strong understanding of the NQF, EYLF and regulatory requirements
Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills
A proactive, values-led and hands-on leadership style
Bachelor or postgraduate qualification in Early Childhood Education (ACECQA approved)
Tertiary qualifications will need to have NESA accreditation (provisional or working towards full accreditation)

What’s on Offer

$114,600 base salary (includes Director’s Allowance) + 15% Worker Retention Payment + superannuation
Up to $18,550 tax-free salary packaging
15 days personal leave and additional leave over Christmas
Paid parental leave
Long Service Leave after 7 years of service
Ongoing professional development and study leave opportunities
Fitness Passport and Employee Assistance Program

How to Apply
For a confidential discussion or role related questions, please contact Ali of The Orchard Talent Group at alison@orchardtalent.com.au. To apply please submit your current CV and a brief cover letter via the link. Please note applicants must have a legal right to work in Australia.

The Orchard Talent Group acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, traditions, culture and hopes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.