The organisation
CELA is the peak body for Australia's early childhood education sector, supporting more than 1,800 member organisations employing over 27,000 educators nationally. As a member based not for profit, CELA provides advocacy, expert advice, resources, consultancy, training and events to strengthen community managed, government and small provider early childhood education and care services.
Based in Sydney CBD, CELA is committed to strengthening workforce capability, supporting quality practice and influencing positive outcomes for children, families and communities through collaboration, innovation and sector leadership.

The opportunity
Reporting to the CEO and leading a team of experienced Professional Learning and Consultancy specialists, the Program Manager will provide strategic and operational leadership across CELA's professional learning portfolio, ensuring members receive contemporary, high-quality learning and consultancy that responds to the evolving needs of the sector.
In this role you will:

Lead and develop a high performing team, fostering collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.
Oversee the design, delivery and evaluation of professional learning and consultancy programs that strengthen leadership capability across the sector.
Translate strategy into effective operational delivery by embedding systems, processes and governance that support a large and dynamic national program.
Build trusted relationships with members and sector stakeholders while representing CELA as a respected leader in workforce capability and professional learning.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a collaborative leader who enjoys developing people, improving systems and creating meaningful impact across the early childhood education sector.

About you

Demonstrated experience leading professional, education, learning and development or advisory teams.
Experience designing, delivering and evaluating learning, capability or workforce development programs.
Strong program and project management skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities.
An authentic people leader who builds accountability, develops capability and leads through collaboration.
Highly developed communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
Experience within early childhood education, education, membership organisations or the broader social purpose sector will be highly regarded.

What’s on Offer

Lead professional learning across Australia's leading ECEC peak body.
Influence workforce capability and quality outcomes across the sector.
Join a purpose driven organisation with a strong values-based culture.
Opportunity to shape strategy while leading a capable and committed team.
Hybrid working environment based in Sydney CBD.

How to Apply
For a confidential discussion or role related questions, please contact Lincoln Gould of The Orchard Talent Group on 02 9157 6231 or email lincoln@orchardtalent.com.au.

To apply, please submit your current CV via the link. Please note applicants must have a legal right to work in Australia.

Applications close Wednesday 12th August 2026.

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.