Program Leader - Early Years Hubs

Shape Educational excellence. Grow future leaders. Help create a workplace where educators, children and families thrive.

About the role

We're looking for a people-focused leader who is passionate about supporting educators, building strong relationships and creating a positive team culture.

As a member of the Early Years Hubs Leadership Team, you will provide day-to-day leadership, support and guidance across both our Long Day Care and Funded Kindergarten programs. You will work alongside Teachers, Room Leaders, Educators and Casual Educators to strengthen practice, build team capability and foster a positive, collaborative culture while delivering high-quality, evidence-based early childhood programs.This is a role where relationships matter. We are seeking someone who combines strong early childhood knowledge with exceptional interpersonal skills.

You will be approachable, collaborative and confident in supporting others to achieve their best. Your ability to build trust, communicate effectively and bring people together will be just as important as your operational and educational expertise.

Working closely with leaders, educators, children, families and co-located services, including Maternal and Child Health, Playgroups and Allied Health professionals, you'll contribute to a connected and responsive service that places children and families at the centre of everything we do.

Key responsibilities include

- Providing educational leadership and support to Room Leaders and Educators.
- Coaching and mentoring staff to strengthen practice and achieve high-quality outcomes for children and families.
- Fostering a positive, inclusive and collaborative team culture.
- Supporting continuous improvement, reflection and skilled inquiry across the service.
- Maintaining compliance with relevant legislation, regulations and quality frameworks.
- Building strong partnerships with children, families and community stakeholders.
- Supporting integrated service delivery across the Early Years Hub model.
- Acting as the Responsible Person in day-to-day charge when required.

Council’s Children and Family Centres provide a home for co-located services to the community including Long Day Care, Kindergarten, Maternal Child Health services and playgroups. Information and a virtual tour of our services can be found at Knox Children and Family Centres - Wantirna South and Bayswater | Knox This is a Band 5 classified, permanent full-time role based at Knox Children and Families Centre located in Wantirna South. Remuneration will be $83,593.07 to $97,258.47 (depending on experience) plus superannuation in accordance with the Superannuation Guarantee.

Why you'll love this opportunity

This is more than a leadership role. It is an opportunity to influence practice,



support the growth of others and make a meaningful impact within a service that values collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.

In a sector where opportunities to step into leadership can be limited, this role offers the chance to expand your leadership capability, contribute to strategic service delivery and work alongside experienced professionals who are committed to excellence in early childhood education.

Whether you're an experienced Program Leader seeking a new challenge or an emerging leader ready to take the next step in your career, you'll be supported to grow and develop through:

- Opportunities to strengthen your leadership, coaching and mentoring skills.
- Exposure to an integrated and innovative Early Years service model.
- Collaboration with a diverse range of professionals and specialist services.
- Professional learning and career development opportunities.
- The ability to influence educational quality and team culture.
- A supportive leadership environment that values new ideas and continuous improvement.
- Meaningful work that positively impacts children, families and the Knox community.

What you will bring to this role The key selection criteria for this role are:
- Diploma qualification in Early Childhood Education and Care. Bachelor qualifications will be highly regarded.
- Demonstrated experience within early childhood education and care services.
- Experience leading, mentoring, coaching or supporting educators and teams.
- Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build genuine relationships with children, families, colleagues and stakeholders.
- High levels of emotional intelligence and the ability to support others to achieve success.
- Strong understanding of the National Quality Framework, relevant legislation, regulations and Child Safe Standards.
- Demonstrated ability to foster collaboration, inclusion and positive team culture.
- Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
- Well-developed computer skills, including Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel.
- Commitment to child safety and wellbeing.

The successful applicant will also hold:
- Current First Aid, CPR, Anaphylaxis and Asthma Management qualifications.
- Current Mandatory Reporting certification.
- Current Working with Children Check.

How to apply Please submit your application, including your resume and cover letter, online via the Apply button by 11.55 pm on 16 November 2026.





All applications must be made via the online portal. Applications sent directly to the hiring manager will not be considered.

For further information on this role, please contact Rebecca Matthews, Coordinator of Early Years Hubs at [email protected] or 03 9298 7329

A link to the position description can be found in the job listing on our Knox City Council Jobs and Careers page.

Please note: Candidates may be shortlisted as applications are received and this role may close before the advertised closing date.

Why work at Knox?

Discover your future at Knox City Council, where you will deliver meaningful impact, find great opportunities and work with committed people to shape our community.

As an employee of Knox, you can enjoy:

- Accrued or rostered days off available for full-time roles, depending on operational requirements.
- Broad range of leave options including 18 weeks' primary and 5 weeks' secondary parental leave.
- Salary sacrifice option for Council-owned childcare fees.
- Opportunities to take on temporary roles or work in different teams to build skills and broaden experience.
- Support towards further study and professional development.
- 50% off Knox Leisureworks memberships.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- An inclusive workplace culture that values wellbeing, learning, collaboration and growth.

To find out more about the benefits of working at Knox City Council, visit knox.vic.gov.au/why-work-knox Inherent requirements To view the inherent requirements for this position please see

- Childcare Kindergarten staff - Inherent Requirements Table

Our commitments Knox City Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to providing a workplace that embraces diversity and inclusion. We are committed to a positive, barrier-free recruitment process. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application.

Knox City Council has zero tolerance for child abuse and all forms of harm to children. All children and young people who access our services, programs, events and facilities have the right to feel safe and be safe. This includes spaces owned or managed by Council. We take the wellbeing and safety of children and young people in our care seriously. We maintain a child safe organisation by embedding the protection of children into everyday thinking and practice.

All Knox City

Council employees, contractors and volunteers are responsible for ensuring children and young people are valued, heard and protected from abuse.

Knox City Council acknowledges our offices are located on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong people of the Kulin Nation.

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📌 Program Leader - Early Years Hub (Melbourne)
🏢 Knox City Council
📍 Melbourne