Early Years Manager

Lead culturally safe, high-quality early years education at Berrimba Njernda Aboriginal Corporation is seeking a dynamic Early Years Manager to lead the day-to-day operations and strategic direction of Berrimba Childcare Centre. This role oversees all Centre programs - including Long Day Care, School Holiday Program, Best Start, Bush Kinder (Wayipungitj), Berrimba Allied Health Support, and upcoming After-School Care - ensuring services are culturally safe, trauma-aware, high-quality and compliant with national standards. Reporting to the CEO, the Early Years Manager will lead and support a multidisciplinary workforce of educators, teachers, carers, and trainees, fostering a positive team culture while building strong relationships with families, Elders, and key stakeholders across the early childhood and community sectors. Please note, this is an Identified role open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants only. In this role, you will: Lead the operational and strategic management of Berrimba Childcare Centre and all associated programs (e.g., Long Day Care, Bush Kinder, Best Start) Ensure culturally safe, high-quality, trauma-aware early childhood service delivery in line with national regulations and accreditation standards Build and maintain a positive workplace culture that supports staff development, collaboration, and continuous improvement Oversee compliance, risk, quality improvement, incident management, governance systems, and reporting requirements Strengthen partnerships with families, Elders, early childhood networks, schools, VAEAI, LAECG, Koorie Education Roundtables, Parks Victoria, and community organisations About You: Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity is essential Tertiary qualifications in Early Childhood Education or a related field (or working towards) Strong experience managing an accredited childcare centre and leading multidisciplinary teams Deep understanding of Aboriginal culture, early childhood development, trauma-informed practice, and the challenges facing Aboriginal children and families Skilled in compliance, accreditation, budgeting, staff supervision, conflict resolution, and stakeholder engagement Selection Criteria EssentialQualifications Tertiary qualifications in Early Childhood Education or related discipline or working towards obtaining Food safety supervisor certificate First Aid Certificate Skills Demonstrated experience in managing a busy, accredited childcare centre. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding Aboriginal culture and challenges in delivering trauma informed care practices in an Aboriginal community-controlled childcare centre. Sound knowledge of early Childhood development, childcare standards and framework, provision of childcare services, and Children’s Services regulations. Demonstrated experience in managing diverse and multi-disciplinary workforce consisting of educators, teachers, carers, support, and admin staff. Good understanding of relevant funding, policies, regulations, and reforms in relation to childcare management. Excellent written, oral communication and conflict resolution skills, and ability to work collaboratively. Well-developed critical thinking skills. Working experience in budgeting, financial control, management reporting, and preparation and interpretation of statistical data reports. Demonstrated experience in managing accreditation, regulatory compliance and standards in Childcare Centre management. Experience 3 years of experience in a similar role Satisfactory evidence of: Pre-employment checks not limited to at least two professional referees Proof of identity and qualifications, National police check, Working with Children’s Check , full Victorian driver’s license Disclosure of any pre-existing illness/injury and vaccination status in line with Njernda’s current policy and procedure As applicable, eligibility to work in Australia, professional/regulatory licenses, registration and current good standing, and clearance on aged care banning orders Desirable: Experience in regional Australia. Please apply via Seek before December 26, 2025, supplying a resume, a cover letter addressing the Selection Criteria, and the details of at least two referees. Be careful - Don’t provide your bank or credit card details when applying for jobs. Don't transfer any money or complete suspicious online surveys. If you see something suspicious, report this job ad. #J-18808-Ljbffr