Assistant Director

Join our Exceeding-Rated Service | A Leadership Team with Heart, Soul & Purpose At Meraki Early Learning Centre, we lead with heart, creativity, and soul. Our vision comes to life each day through warmth, trust, and excellence. Creating an environment where children, families, and educators feel truly seen, heard, and valued. We are seeking a passionate, organised Assistant Director who embodies these values and is ready to make a meaningful impact within our community-focused, play-based learning environment. About Us Meraki Early Learning Centre Mooroolbark is a family owned, 104-place learning centre committed to delivering high quality care and education. Meraki is a place where children are empowered to be curious, confident, and authentically themselves. We prioritise safety, wellbeing, and children’s rights above all else, actively creating environments that protect children from harm while supporting their autonomy and independence. Children’s voices guide our daily practices, programs, and decisions, they are respected, celebrated, and central to everything we do. Families are welcomed as essential partners in their children’s learning journey. We honour their perspectives, value collaboration, and foster genuine relationships built on trust, communication, and shared decision-making. Our programs celebrate diversity, inclusion, and neurodiversity. We champion sustainability, meaningful community connections, and hands‑on learning using natural and recycled materials. Our educators are carefully chosen for their commitment to our philosophy and are supported to grow, reflect, and shine. The Opportunity We are searching for an Assistant Director who will work alongside our Centre Director to uphold our philosophy, lead with empathy, and ensure our service continues to be a true “home away from home” for children and families. Your Responsibilities Will Include Supporting the Centre Director with daily operations, compliance, and quality improvement Embedding our child-centred, rights-based philosophy into all aspects of the service Building warm, respectful relationships with children, families, educators, and the wider community Leading and mentoring educators, fostering reflective practice and professional growth Ensuring environments are safe, nurturing, inclusive, and rich in learning opportunities Collaborating with families through open communication, shared experiences, and genuine partnership Supporting community engagement, including our Community Outings Program Upholding Meraki’s commitment to sustainability and culturally responsive practice About You You are a natural leader with a warm presence and a passion for early childhood education. You excel in fast-paced environments and enjoy ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the centre. You believe in play-based learning, children’s rights, and the power of authentic relationships. You are committed to creating safe, inclusive, and inspiring spaces for all children. You will bring A Diploma or Bachelor in Early Childhood Education and Care Previous leadership or Assistant Director experience Strong understanding of the NQF, EYLF, and child‑safe standards Sound knowledge of the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations Excellent communication and relationship-building skills A reflective, collaborative approach to leadership A commitment to continuous improvement and best practice Current First Aid, CPR, Anaphylaxis and Asthma Management training Current Working with Children Check and Police Check Why Meraki? A values-driven centre with a genuinely warm, nurturing culture A leadership team that supports your ideas, growth, and wellbeing Opportunities for professional development and reflective practice A beautiful environment that encourages curiosity, belonging, and creativity The chance to make a meaningful difference in a centre where heart, soul, and purpose guide everything we do Apply Today If you’re ready to be part of a community where children’s voices are honoured, families are valued, and educators are celebrated, we would love to hear from you.Bring your heart and passion to Meraki, where Early Learning is filled with soul, purpose, and possibility. Your application will include the following questions: Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia? How many years' experience do you have as an Assistant Director? Have you completed a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care? Do you have experience in administration? Do you have experience working with children? Which of the following First Aid accreditations do you currently hold? Do you have a current Working With Children (WWC) Check? Do you have a current Australian driver's licence? #J-18808-Ljbffr