At Hawthorn Early Years (HEY) we teach children to love learning so they never stop growing

Hawthorn Early Years (HEY) is a 155-place, not-for-profit, community-based early childhood service offering long day care and kindergarten programs. Located within the Boroondara – Hawthorn Community Precinct, HEY has strong ties to the local community and provides education and care for up to 155 children each day.

Recognised as a sector leader, HEY consistently exceeds the National Quality Standard through a deep commitment to quality, professionalism, and innovation. Our child-centred, play-based curriculum supports lifelong learning and is guided by strong partnerships with families, educators, and the broader community. We are proud of our inclusive practices, celebrating diversity and respecting the original custodians of the land on which we learn and play.

HEY is supported by a robust leadership and management team—including a Centre Manager, two Educational Leaders, a Business Manager, and three administrative staff—ensuring smooth daily operations. This structure enables our Head of Early Years to focus on strategic leadership and continuous improvement, reinforcing our commitment to delivering the highest standards of early childhood education and care.

Position Overview

We are seeking a dynamic Head of Early Years to steer our sector-leading early years program and service. This role is pivotal in enhancing the experiences of children, families, staff, board members, and the community. Our values — trust, communication, respect, teamwork and wellbeing, are integral, and we desire a leader who embodies these principles. Reporting to the Board of Governance, your responsibilities will include:

• Providing strategic leadership for HEY to deliver exceptional standards of early childhood care and education
• Overseeing effective operations in collaboration with the Centre Manage
• Ensuring financial sustainability alongside the Business Manager
• Meeting all safety and compliance policy obligations
• Foster a positive working environment for staff including ongoing professional development and growth
• Encourage innovation and continuous improvement to achieve the best outcomes for HEY children
• Maintain strong, respectful relationships with families by leading a warm and welcoming centre culture
• Deliver and develop our tri-annual strategic plan though engagement with stakeholders
• Collaborate with and provide regular reporting to the board

The Ideal Candidate

We seek a candidate with extensive experience in managing early childhood education services and driving sector-leading educational and care programs. You will champion HEY’s culture of evidence-based, best practice and advocate for our community and philosophy.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• Over five years leadership experience in early childhood education and care
• Certifications including WWCC/VIT, police check, and first aid
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• In-depth knowledge of NQS and VEYLDF
• Proven strategic and innovative leadership abilities
• Strong understanding of regulatory compliance in the sector
• Demonstrated knowledge of finance and risk management functions

Preferred Skills

• Experience managing a large not for profit integrated service
• Background in a leadership team structure

Benefits

• Members of the Multi-Employer Agreement and therefore access to the Workers Retention Payment
• Professional and supportive board
• 5 Weeks Annual Leave
• Subsided uniform
• Full induction, training and development provided
• Highly committed staff with excellent retention and culture
• Excellent team conditions including above ratio in all classroom and generous planning for classrooms and individuals
• Generous budgets
• High level of professional development available
• Above-award remuneration with access to an employee assistance program
• 2 weeks Christmas closure
• 2 child free professional development days per year
• Child free set up and pack up days
• Paid First Aid
• Established management and administrative team of six full-time equivalent staff

Hawthorn Early Years has zero tolerance for child abuse and any harm resulting from discrimination based on disability, race, ethnicity, religion, sex, intersex status, gender identity or sexual orientation.

We are committed to the cultural safety, participation and empowerment of all children including those of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and those with a disability.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and may be interviewed prior to closing date.

For a confidential discussion about the role or to request the position description, please contact Carolyn Smart at [email protected] using the subject line: Head of Early Years enquiry via EthicalJobs.

For more information about the service visit our website.

A position description is attached.