Industrial Officer – Early Childhood Education and Care

Independent Education Union of Australia – NSW/ACT Branch

Are you passionate about social justice, gender equity and workers’ rights? The IEU is seeking to appoint an Industrial Officer to play a key role in improving the pay and conditions of Early Childhood Education and Care workers (ECEC). The critical work performed by ECEC teachers and educators has long been undervalued. Addressing the undervaluation of the work is critical not just for ECEC teachers and educators but for young children, their families, our communities and for the economy.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

This is a contract position starting 27 January 2027 to 31 December 2027. You will be part of a dedicated and supportive team, working as part of a large industrial team. Your work will be focused on maximising the number of employees and ECEC services that access Commonwealth funded wage rises, a Worker Retention Payment (WRP), for ECEC employees.

Comprehensive training will be provided on all aspects of the role.

The role will involve working from our Ultimo office.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

- Work with IEU campaign and education officials, attend stakeholder meetings, develop educational resources, support reporting obligations and engage with members and prospective members.
- Provide industrial advice on the interaction between the WRP, gender undervaluation increases, annual wage reviews and other sector developments.




- Prepare and file Fair Work Commission documentation to support services joining the Early Childhood Education and Care Multi-Employer Agreement (ECEC MEA).
- Provide advice on WRP compliance, including minimum contribution requirements, wage obligations, classification issues, payslip reviews and calculation of underpayments.
- Draft and review translations of ECEC classifications into awards, enterprise agreements, individual flexibility arrangements and associated wage schedules.
- Assist ECEC services to establish and maintain compliant workplace instruments so they can access Commonwealth-funded Worker Retention Payment (WRP) wage increases.

ABOUT YOU

Ideal candidates will have the following attributes:

- Relevant tertiary qualifications, preferably legal or industrial relations qualifications and or experience as an industrial relations practitioner
- A solid knowledge of the Australian industrial relations workplace
- Can work effectively as a member of a team, whilst also having an ability to work independently, to manage workloads, prioritise tasks and meet deadlines.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Attention to detail and the ability to review and assess technical documents.
- Is able to engage with a wide variety of stakeholders, including ECEC staff, services and other stakeholders.
- Has a demonstrated commitment to the principles of the trade union movement.

SALARY

Salary will be commensurate with skills and experience, on a range starting from $96,556 to over $140,000. Applicants from teaching backgrounds will find the salary structure comparable with promotional positions in schools.

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📌 Industrial Officer – Early Childhood Education and Care (Sydney)
🏢 Unions NSW Job Board
📍 Sydney