Centre Director

More Than a Role - A Community to Belong To.…

• Competitive package of $120,000 + Super + Bonus!
• Relocation Support, including initial accommodation to help you settle in!
• 5 weeks’ Annual Leave, Phone and Laptop included
• Work where your leadership is seen and valued, not lost in a large system
• Supported, sustainable leadership structure, so you’re not carrying the role alone
• Live and work on Norfolk Island, where community connection comes naturally

Our Story: Built by Community, Led with Purpose

Founded by local mothers in the 1970s, Banyan Park Early Learning Centre was established to support families at a time when no formal childcare services existed on Norfolk Island. What began as a grassroots community initiative has grown alongside the island itself, evolving to meet changing needs while remaining firmly grounded in its original purpose — supporting children, families, and the wider community.

Banyan Park’s culture is built on relationships, care, and shared responsibility. As a community-based, not-for-profit service, people are genuinely known here — educators, children, and families alike. The centre values collaboration, mentoring, and respect, with a strong belief that investing in people creates better outcomes for everyone. There is a clear commitment to strengthening leadership, rebuilding consistency, and fostering a positive, supportive workplace where educators feel valued, motivated, and proud of the role they play.

Today, Banyan Park operates from a modern, architect-designed facility opened in 2020 with support from a Building Better Regions Fund grant. Welcoming approximately 55 children aged 0–5 years across four rooms, the centre provides a nurturing, play-based learning environment supported by a dedicated team of around 15 passionate educators. As Norfolk Island’s only early childhood education and care service, Banyan Park plays a vital role in daily community life and family success.

For more information, please visit our website: https://www.banyanparkni.com/

The Leadership Opportunity

Banyan Park Early Learning Centre is seeking a full-time Centre Director based on Norfolk Island.

Reporting to the Business Manager and supported by a structured governance model, this role offers experienced leadership support and clear decision-making pathways. The Director works collaboratively with the Business Manager, who manages committee engagement, allowing you to focus on educational leadership, people leadership, and centre operations.

Success in this role will come from being a visible and highly relational leader. You will spend meaningful time connecting with educators, understanding their individual strengths, challenges, and working styles, and adapting your approach to bring the team forward together. While Banyan Park operates within the same regulatory and quality frameworks as other Australian early learning services, leading effectively on Norfolk Island requires the ability to apply your experience in a way that works for this unique, close-knit community.

The centre is set in a stunning location with ocean views and outlooks to surrounding satellite islands, offering a workplace environment that reflects both the natural beauty of the island and the importance of the service to the community.

More specifically, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Leading the service through accreditation requirements under the National Quality Framework (NQF) and National Quality Standard (NQS), supported by existing systems, external mentoring, and ongoing compliance oversight
• Championing continuous improvement through well-implemented policies, procedures, and quality practices
• Providing educational and pedagogical leadership that supports high-quality, play-based learning experiences
• Leading, mentoring, onboarding, and managing educators to build a committed, accountable, and supported team culture
• Actively developing staff capability through coaching, encouragement, and professional growth pathways
• Building strong, trusted relationships with families and the wider community
• Managing day-to-day centre operations and stepping into hands-on roles as required to ensure consistent service delivery
• Working effectively in a small, close-knit service where flexibility, adaptability, and visibility are essential

About You and Your Leadership Experience

To qualify, you will need an ACECQA-recognised teaching qualification and/or a Diploma (or higher), along with 3+ years of leadership experience within an early childhood education and care setting. This role is suited to an experienced leader who is confident operating independently, mentoring others, and setting clear expectations.

Additionally, the following skills and background will be highly valued:

• Centre Director or equivalent senior leadership experience in an early childhood setting
• Strong working knowledge of the National Quality Framework (NQF) and National Quality Standard (NQS)
• Experience contributing to accreditation preparation and continuous improvement processes
• Proven people leadership capability, including mentoring, coaching, and managing performance
• Confidence having constructive and, at times, challenging conversations with staff
• Comfort working in a remote or isolated environment with limited external resources
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• A practical, hands-on leadership style, including the willingness to step onto the floor when needed

As our ideal candidate, you will be empathetic, adaptable, resilient, and community-minded. You will appreciate the importance of local culture and pace and understand that effective leadership is not one-size-fits-all. You will take the time to understand the people you lead, build trust through regular connection, and adapt your approach while maintaining clear expectations and accountability.

You will also be comfortable leaning into challenges when they arise. When priorities compete or circumstances change, you will remain connected with your team, communicate clearly, seek support where appropriate, and keep people informed.

This role is best suited to a leader who can bring their skills and experience to Norfolk Island while adapting how they lead to the people and community around them.

Your Reward and Support Package

In return for your leadership and commitment, you will receive a competitive remuneration package of $120,000 + Super + Bonus along with a range of benefits including:

• Flexible Relocation Support, negotiable based on individual circumstances
• Supportive leadership structure with a dedicated Business Manager and engaged Management Committee
• Initial Accommodation Support as part of relocation assistance (subject to individual needs)
• Five weeks’ Annual Leave
• Laptop and mobile phone provided
• A unique island lifestyle with a strong community connection
• The opportunity to make a visible, lasting impact in Norfolk Island’s only early learning service

Lead the Next Chapter at Banyan Park

If you share our values and have the experience and leadership capability to guide Banyan Park through its next chapter, we invite you to APPLY TODAY!