Centre Director in Beaconsfield

Fremantle Early Learning Centre (FELC) is a community-focused not-for-profit early learning service dedicated to supporting children and families across the wider Fremantle community. Governed by a dedicated parent committee and supported by a passionate staff team, we foster a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment where children, families and educators feel a genuine sense of belonging.

Our Philosophy: Grounded in the child-led, play-based Walker Learning Approach, Fremantle Early Learning Centre is enriched by inclusion and our diverse community. We emphasise adventure, creativity and inquiry through nature play.

The Role: We are seeking an experienced, empathetic and resilient Centre Director to lead FELC. You will balance day-to-day operations with governance and stakeholder engagement, bringing steadiness, clarity and calm. Your leadership will shape our culture by nurturing a positive, collaborative environment where educators feel safe to contribute, grow and do their best work, and where every child feels supported. You will also represent FELC with major stakeholders, including local and state government, advocating for our families and helping the centre remain a stable, trusted community hub. Success in this position will be demonstrated through measurable improvements in organisational performance, team stability and a deeply connected, confident FELC community alongside the continued delivery of high-quality education and care.

Key Accountabilities:

• Lead the centre’s operational, educational and cultural performance.
• Act as the Nominated Supervisor, ensuring compliance with the National Quality Framework and all regulatory obligations.
• Provide clear, accurate and timely reporting and advice to the Management Committee.
• Represent the centre with regulators, government bodies and key external stakeholders.
• Lead, support and retain a stable, high-performing team.

Core Leadership Capabilities:

• Demonstrated emotional intelligence: active listening, sound judgement, effective problem-solving and the ability to de-escalate conflict.
• Ability to build and maintain constructive, long-term relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including local and state government and relevant agencies.
• Demonstrated capability to harmonise differing perspectives and resolve complex challenges across staff, families and stakeholders.
• Ability to foster a strong sense of community and belonging, creating a genuine “home away from home” for children, families and staff.
• Calm, resilient and decisive leadership under pressure and during periods of change.
• Ability to bridge governance and operations by providing clear, practical advice and concise updates to the Management Committee.

Essential Requirements:

• Hold an approved Diploma or Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care (or higher) that meets ACECQA requirements for an approved provider.
• Significant experience in early childhood education, including demonstrated leadership experience within an approved service.
• Experience with leading and managing change.
• Meet the requirements to act as the Nominated Supervisor, including relevant experience in a leadership role within an approved early childhood service.
• Hold (or be willing to obtain) a current Working with Children Check and National Police Clearance.
• Hold (or be willing to obtain) a current First Aid, Anaphylaxis and Asthma Management qualification (as required under the Education and Care Services National Regulations).
• Demonstrate sound knowledge of the National Quality Framework, including the National Law and Regulations, and experience leading Quality Improvement Plans (QIP) and Assessment & Rating readiness.
• Proven commercial acumen with financial and operational performance management.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and reflective practice.

Desirable Experience:

• Experience working in a Not-For-Profit or community-based early childhood service.
• Experience operating within, or reporting to, a management committee or board governance structure.
• Community engagement.

How to Apply?

Please submit your CV and a cover letter (maximum 3 pages) to *********@freoearlylearningcentre.com.au. For questions about the role, please contact Jelena McWaters, Chairperson, FELC Management Committee via committee email.

We value authenticity above all. Your cover letter should help us understand how you lead. We invite you to:

• Use your own voice in the application. We want to hear your story and perspective of what draws you to community in your own words.
• Describe your leadership approach using real examples (for example, how you build trust and culture, create psychological safety, advocate for families, or lead calmly through complexity).
• If you wish, include a brief reflection or learning moment that captures who you are as a leader and what you believe makes a service thrive and how you balance.

Closing Date: Monday, 1 June 2026.