Director - Early Childhood Service, Puckapunyal

About the role

One Tree Puckapunyal is looking for a Director to lead its service that supports Defence children and families. The service offers a welcoming place where children can feel safe, build friendships and grow in confidence, and the Director helps families feel heard, children feel valued and educators feel supported. The position is permanent and full-time.

Key responsibilities

• Guide the day-to-day operation of the service, combining quality education and care with a supported team and strong family relationships.
• Be a visible, approachable leader who listens, gives clear direction and helps educators build their confidence, from mentoring a Room Leader to welcoming a new family.
• Oversee staffing, rosters, budgets and service administration with the leadership team.
• Keep children's safety, wellbeing and learning central to decisions, guide continuous improvement and support inclusive practice.
• Help the team meet the National Quality Framework and service requirements.
• Work with Defence and local community contacts to build relationships that respond to families' needs.

Required profile

• Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care or a relevant higher qualification.
• Experience leading an early childhood service, or substantial leadership experience and readiness to step into a Director role.
• Ability to mentor educators, support Room Leaders and build a positive team culture.
• Strong understanding of the Early Years Learning Framework, National Quality Standard and National Quality Framework.
• Commitment to child safety, inclusive practice and continuous improvement.
• Clear communication and the ability to build trust with families and colleagues.
• Understanding of, or willingness to learn about, the experiences of Defence families.
• Current Working with Children Check and Police Clearance.

What we offer

• Salary of $49.54 - $50.48 depending on experience.
• Worker Retention Payment, additional pay on top of the base rate.
• Guidance from experienced regional managers and the wider One Tree team.
• Professional development through training, mentoring and support.
• Career progression within One Tree's national network of services.

To apply, send a cover letter and an updated resume by the closing date of 27 November 2026.