Head Of Early Learning Services

Uniting NSW ACT
Head of Early Learning Services
Based Sydney

At Uniting, we believe in taking real steps to make the world a better place. We work to disrupt entrenched disadvantage to create a better future for more people, communities and regions in need. As one of the largest not-for-profit organisations in Australia, we provide services across NSW and the ACT in the areas of aged care, retirement and independent living, Early Learning, family and youth services, foster care, mental health, disability, homelessness, chaplaincy, and community services. With a staff of 11,000, we actively champion social justice and advocacy issues that impact the people we serve and the community at large.

We celebrate diversity and welcome all people regardless of disability, lifestyle choices, ethnicity, faith, sexual orientation or gender identity.

Early Learning Services (ELS) is a core division within our Uniting Communities portfolio. ELS operate 50 services across NSW and ACT comprising: Long Day Care; Preschool; Before and After School Care; Vacation Care and Occasional Care. With a team of 800, ELS has earned a reputation for providing the highest levels of services, reflected in outstanding National Quality Standard results, including one centre achieving the “Excellent” rating.

We are now seeking an outstanding individual to build on the success of the team and lead the portfolio on its next stage. As a key member of the Uniting Communities leadership team, the Head of ELS will:

• Drive the organisational strategy and business planning across the ELS portfolio;
• Provide inspirational leadership to the distributed ELS teams, implement the strategic priorities for the portfolio and manage the resources, budget, and activities to achieve these;
• Lead the delivery of world class, culturally and developmentally appropriate care and services;
• Drive the growth of the ELS division, identifying opportunities to broaden the portfolio and implement innovative early intervention programs and services;
• Promote a positive workplace culture that drives quality outcomes and delivers services in accordance with the National Quality Framework and its standards;
• Ensure that the voice of children is at the centre of all our decisions;
• Forge partnerships with government and other stakeholders;
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, accountability and service excellence, sharing best practice and contributing to the broader organisational goals.

To succeed in this role, you will be a senior leader with a track record of success gained in a similar or adjacent setting to ELS. You will be an inspirational leader who is resilient and able to engage those around them. Deep financial skills, strong commercial acumen and rigorous governance capabilities are essential, as are outstanding communication and stakeholder skills. Experience of government funding channels, policy reform and advocacy is desirable.

Key to your success will be your ability to lead a growing team and portfolio in this highly dynamic sector, ensuring the highest levels of client service are provided within a demanding financial, regulatory and commercial landscape.

This represents a wonderful opportunity for a commercially astute leader to join Uniting at one of the most exciting times in our history, shaping the future of our organisation and the clients we serve.

To download a copy of the Candidate Information Pack which includes details about the organisation, and how to apply, please visit https://www.derwentsearch.com.au/job-results#OurOpportunities and select the role title. Please contact Rob Macmillan, Partner Health at Derwent Search or Ellie Morris at **************@derwentsearch.com.au if you require further information.

Applications close: Sunday 26th May.