• Lead a thriving community-based early learning service where your leadership will shape the future
• $110,000-$120,000 + Super + Up to $10,000 Annual KPI Bonus + Relocation Assistance for the right candidate
• Step into a Centre Director opportunity with genuine autonomy, mentoring, and the chance to make a lasting impact

Why Join Tropics Early Learning?

For almost 40 years, Tropics Early Learning has been a trusted part of the Darwin community, delivering high-quality early childhood education in a warm, inclusive, and community-focused environment.

As a community-based, not-for-profit service, everything we do is centred around achieving the best outcomes for children, families, and our local community. We foster a culture of reflective practice, continuous improvement, and genuine collaboration, ensuring our educators are empowered to deliver exceptional learning experiences every day.

Unlike many corporate providers, you'll have the opportunity to genuinely shape the future of the service. With recent investments in our learning environments and further improvements planned, you'll play a key role in influencing the centre's ongoing growth and success.

Supported by an engaged Management Committee, an experienced Business Manager, Educational Leaders, and a team of long-standing educators, you'll join an organisation that values initiative, collaboration, and leadership that makes a real difference.

For more information, please visit our website

Lead the Future of Our Service

Tropics Early Learning is seeking a full-time Centre Director based in Darwin, NT.

Reporting to the Management Committee and working closely with our experienced Business Manager, you will lead the day-to-day operations of the service, ensuring high-quality education and care, regulatory compliance, team development, and continuous improvement.

Whether you're an experienced Centre Director or an ambitious Assistant Director, 2IC, or Educational Leader ready to take the next step, this role offers the support and autonomy to grow your leadership career.

More specifically, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Leading the day-to-day operations of the service
• Coaching, mentoring, and developing educators and emerging leaders
• Managing staffing, rosters, enrolments, operational budgets, and centre performance
• Maintaining compliance with the National Quality Framework, ACECQA requirements, and organisational policies
• Driving quality improvement initiatives and maintaining engaging, safe, and well-resourced learning environments
• Building positive relationships with families, the Management Committee, and the wider community
• Identifying opportunities to strengthen enrolments, improve operational performance, and support the centre's strategic direction
• Occasionally stepping into ratio to support the team when required

Could This Be You?

You will be the perfect fit if you hold at least a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (or an ACECQA-approved equivalent), and have leadership experience as an Assistant Director, 2IC, Educational Leader, or in a similar role.

Additionally, the following skills and experience will be highly regarded:

• Demonstrated knowledge of the National Quality Framework (NQF), EYLF, and relevant education and care legislation
• Strong people leadership skills with the ability to mentor, coach, and inspire teams
• Experience managing centre operations, staffing, enrolments, compliance, and resource planning
• Sound commercial awareness and an understanding of operational budgets and centre performance
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with confidence engaging families and stakeholders
• Current Working with Children Clearance (Ochre Card), or the ability to obtain prior to commencement
• Current First Aid, CPR, Asthma and Anaphylaxis qualifications relevant to Early Childhood Education and Care, or the ability to obtain within the required timeframe

As our ideal candidate, you're a proactive and authentic leader with a genuine passion for early childhood education. You communicate with confidence, build strong relationships, embrace continuous learning, and enjoy taking ownership while working collaboratively with your team.

Tropics Early Learning proudly celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to thrive.

What You'll Enjoy in Return

In return for your commitment to the team and community, you'll enjoy an attractive salary of $110,000 - $120,000 + Super (negotiable for the right candidate), as well as a range of benefits designed to help you thrive both professionally and personally, including:

• Up to $10,000 Annual KPI Bonus
• Relocation Assistance for eligible candidates
• Flexible Working Arrangements that support genuine work-life balance
• 50% Childcare Discount on out-of-pocket childcare fees (after CCS)
• Three additional paid Christmas shutdown days each year
• Ongoing mentoring from an experienced Business Manager
• Professional development and leadership growth opportunities
• Genuine autonomy to influence the future direction of the service
• A supportive Management Committee and long-standing leadership team
• The opportunity to enjoy Darwin's relaxed tropical lifestyle, vibrant multicultural community, and easy access to South-East Asia and some of Australia's most spectacular natural attractions

Ready to Make Your Mark?

If you're ready to take the next step in your leadership career and join a purpose-driven organisation where your ideas and leadership will make a genuine impact, we'd love to hear from you.

APPLY NOW and become part of a respected community-based service where you'll help shape the future of early childhood education while making a lasting difference for children, families, and your team.