Early Leaning Centre - Assistant Director (Shellharbour)

**Early Learning Centre
- Assistant Director (Maternity Leave Position)**

**About the Role**

At CatholicCare Wollongong’s Early Learning Centre in Shellharbour, you’ll be part of a purpose-driven team making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated **Assistant Director** to join our Shellharbour Early Learning Centre on a **12-month maternity leave contract commencing in June**. This is a unique opportunity to step into a key leadership role within a supportive and values-driven service, contributing to high-quality early childhood education and care.

We are committed to creating a supportive, inclusive workplace where educators and leaders feel valued and empowered to deliver high-quality early learning. Guided by our values of dignity, integrity, compassion, excellence, and solidarity, this role offers a meaningful opportunity to strengthen outcomes for children, families, and educators while gaining valuable leadership experience.

We provide services supporting people across all life stages, including early childhood education, out of school hours care, age and disability support, foster care, school counselling, and parenting programs across the Illawarra, Shoalhaven, Southern Highlands, and Macarthur regions.

We offer genuine career pathways and professional development opportunities for our employees. While we are a Catholic organisation, you do not need to be Catholic to join our team—just a passion for supporting people and making a difference in the community.

**Position**: Assistant Director
- Early Learning Centre (Maternity Leave Cover) **Location**:Shellharbour **Hours**:Full-time, 38 hours per week (Monday to Friday) **Duration**:12-month Maximum Term Contract (commencing June 2026) **Pay rate**:$28.02-$52.61 p/h (ECT L1-L5), +15% WRP + Educational Leader Allowance (commensurate with quals & experience)

**Perks with Purpose, Because You Matter**

When you join us, you’re not just taking on a role — you’re becoming part of an organisation that genuinely values its people. In return for the important work you do, you’ll enjoy a range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing and work life balance, including:

- Increase your take home pay through tax savings up to $18,550 p.a.
- Salary packaging for rent, meal and entertainment expenses
- Access to Fitness Passport for gyms and health facilities
- Annual Leave Loading
- Career development, training opportunities and study leave options
- Refer a Friend Program
- Free and confidential counselling through our Employee Assistance Program

**What You Bring to the Role**
- A Degree in Early Childhood Education (as listed by ACECQA) and NESA
- provisional or full accreditation
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in an early childhood education and care setting
- Strong knowledge of the National Quality Framework, National Quality Standard, and Early Years Learning Framework
- Demonstrated ability to support leadership in service operations, compliance, and quality improvement
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build strong relationships with children, families, and staff
- Proven ability to support and mentor educators and contribute to a positive team culture
- Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities
- Child-safe mindset with a strong understanding of child protection requirements
- Current First Aid, Asthma & Anaphylaxis qualifications (or willingness to obtain)
- Current NSW Working with Children Check
- Completion of accredited Child Protection training (or willingness to complete prior to commencement)

Click**here**for the Position Description.

**For further information contact**: Tania Veleski
- 1800967894.

**Close Date**:31 May 2026

CatholicCare is strongly committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people and to the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations. Applicants are thoroughly screened prior to employment. Apply on Kit Job: kitjobau.com/job/3rhydx