Job Description

The Role

Kooinda is looking for a passionate and collaborative Director to lead our well-established team. This is a fantastic opportunity to bring your own leadership style and ideas while working alongside experienced educators who are passionate about delivering high-quality early childhood education.

You’ll lead, mentor and support your team while continuing to build on a strong culture of reflective practice, innovative pedagogy and continuous improvement.

This is a non-teaching, permanent full-time position, working Monday to Friday, 8 hours per day, with some great benefits including:

- Generous Director’s allowance
- A paid rostered day off every month
- 5 additional personal leave days
- 20% employee discount on the CCS Gap Fee at KU services
- Extensive professional learning, coaching and leadership support

The Service

Kooinda Workbase Child Care Centre is a welcoming, purpose-built 56-place long day care service, nestled within the leafy grounds of the University of Newcastle campus at Callaghan.

Meaning “a happy place” in Awabakal, Kooinda has a strong sense of community and an experienced, dedicated team, with many educators having been with KU for between 5 and 20 years.

Children enjoy a large natural outdoor environment with cubbies, climbing equipment and mud kitchens, with nature, sustainability and creativity embedded throughout the program.

For our team, Kooinda offers a supportive and collaborative environment where educators are encouraged to bring their own strengths, interests and ideas to their practice.

Working at KU





KU has been proudly recognised as an Employer of Choice for 10 consecutive years. This recognition reflects a workplace culture where people are supported to thrive, innovate and build meaningful, long-term careers through investment in their future.

Along with coaching and mentoring from experienced colleagues and a well-resourced, environmentally responsible workplace, KU offers a great range of employee benefits, including:

- Generous annual pay increases
- 12 rostered days off per year, in addition to annual leave
- 5 additional personal leave days for service-based staff
- Generous Director’s allowance
- 20% employee discount on the CCS Gap Fee within a KU service
- Up to 15 weeks of KU paid parental leave
- ECT Accreditation Mentoring and Support
- Salary packaging options
- KU Plus, with discounts and cashback from over 400 retailers
- Blue Light Card discounts
- Access to our Health & Wellbeing portal
- FREE professional learning through KU’s Learning Hub
- An inclusive culture with a shared vision

What you’ll bring

We’re looking for someone who is passionate about quality early childhood education, building strong relationships and creating an environment where both children and educators can thrive.





You’ll also need:

- An ACECQA recognised Early Childhood Teaching degree
- Previous Director experience
- Current NSW Working with Children Check
- NESA Teacher Accreditation
- Current First Aid, CPR, Asthma and Anaphylaxis qualifications
- Completed Child Protection Training and a robust understanding of child safe practices
- Knowledge of the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations
- Working knowledge of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)
- Australian working rights

Ready to take the next step?

If you’re ready to lead, inspire and make a positive impact at Kooinda, we’d love to hear from you.

Please submit your CV and Cover Letter via the APPLY NOW button.

Want to have a confidential conversation about the role first?
Contact Sarah, HR Partner on 02 9268 3959 or [email protected]. Please note applications are not accepted via email.

KU Child Safe Statement of Commitment

KU Children’s Services is a child safe organisation committed to protecting children from harm and abuse. The safety, rights and best interests of children are paramount and inform all aspects of our decision-making. Our longstanding commitment to child safety and wellbeing is demonstrated by our zero tolerance for child abuse, a strong culture of reporting concerns, and respect for children’s voices and participation. We embed the Child Safe Standards in everyday practice, comply with child safe legislation, and foster a culture in which children are safe, valued and heard.

📌 Director | Kooinda Child Care Centre (Callaghan)
🏢 Ku Children'S Services
📍 Callaghan