About the role

Playhouse Parent and Childcare Centre is seeking an experienced and dedicated Director to lead our community-based service on the UQ St Lucia campus. Established in 1975, Playhouse is a respected, quality-focused provider catering to 106 long day care/Kindergarten children and up to 60 school-aged children in OSHC. Operating from a state-of-the-art facility backing onto the UQ sports ovals, we offer unique nature playgrounds, sensory gardens, and a custom Yarning Circle that serve as vital 'third teaching spaces'.

As the Director, you will lead a large, long-serving, and exceptionally stable team of nearly 50 multicultural educators in an above-ratio centre with minimal staff turnover, all championing high-quality early learning frameworks. Backed by an on-site commercial kitchen and an administrative support team, you will oversee the daily pedagogical, financial, and regulatory operations of the service while maintaining our proud history of high-quality community care.

Key responsibilities

- Manage day-to-day operations across Long Day Care, Kindergarten, and OSHC programs.

- Ensure compliance with Education and Care Services National Law, NQF guidelines, and NQS benchmarks.

- Lead, mentor, and support a large multicultural team of educators to deliver EYLF educational programs.

- Cultivate collaborative relationships with children, families, educators, and the broader UQ community.

- Oversee enrolments, center occupancy, operational budgets, and administrative requirements.

- Drive strategic recruitment, staff inductions, performance workflows, and continuous career development.

- Lead Quality Improvement Plans (QIP) and manage rigorous preparation for Assessment & Rating evaluations.

- Maintain a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and child-focused learning environment.

Essential Requirements





- Approved Early Childhood qualification as recognised by ACECQA.

- Minimum of 2 years of proven leadership experience in an Early Childhood setting.

- Current Queensland Blue Card (Working with Children Check).

- Current First Aid, CPR, Asthma, and Anaphylaxis Management certifications.

- Strong operational understanding of the NQF, NQS, and EYLF frameworks.

- Excellent communication, organizational, and team leadership skills.

- Comprehensive knowledge of child safety and mandatory Queensland child protection guidelines.

- Australian work authorisation required at the time of application.

Advantageous Criteria:

- Experience acting as a Nominated Supervisor and/or Approved Provider representative.

- Previous experience as a Director in Early Childhood preferred.

- Proven experience managing multi-age service operations, rosters, and budgets.

- Knowledge of Queensland early childhood legislation, state funding, and Kindy schemes.

- Bachelor degree in Early Childhood Education preferred.

What we offer

- Competitive salary package earning over $47 per hour (commensurate with experience).

- Clear pathways for leadership progression and funded professional learning opportunities.

- A supportive, highly stable community workplace culture with exceptionally low staff turnover.

- The opportunity to lead a premium, state-of-the-art campus service.

Apply now

If you are an experienced early childhood professional with strong leadership skills and a passion for childcare excellence, we encourage you to submit your application. Please include your resume, cover letter and details of two professional referees. For further information about this opportunity, please contact Playhouse Childcare Centre.

Child Safety Commitment

We are committed to safeguarding children. Successful applicants must undergo rigorous background checks and maintain all mandatory Queensland clearances.

Applications close: 18th of August 2026

📌 Centre Director (Saint Lucia)
🏢 Playhouse Childcare Centre
📍 Saint Lucia