_{21st January, 2026}

A childcare centre in one of the largest communities on the Cape York peninsula is seeking a dedicated Early Childhood Director to lead its team. This is a unique opportunity to grow your leadership skills within a not-for-profit organisation, while living and working in a culturally rich setting.
 
You'll inspire, mentor, and support a team of educators to deliver high-quality early childhood education in an Aboriginal community setting. You'll be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the centre and creating a warm, inclusive, and engaging environment for children and their families while making a meaningful impact. The centre's educational approach integrates rich elements from Reggio Emilia, Steiner, and other evidence-based learning philosophies that give children the best opportunities for lifelong learning. This is a service committed to quality, cultural respect, and community connection.
 
The region offers incredible cultural, environmental, and community-based experiences, with expansive wetlands, creeks, lagoons, and bushland teeming with native birdlife and wildlife. Fishing (and sometimes mud crabbing) in local waterholes and creeks are deeply rooted in community life, providing both food and connection to country. During the dry season (May-October), there are opportunities for 4WD adventures across the landscape. The wet season (November-April) brings dramatic changes and can limit road access, but also showcases the raw beauty of the region.
 
This is a full-time, permanent position with an immediate start. There can be some flexibility in the start date for the right candidate.
 
The Perks!
The centre will provide the following benefits:

• $115,936.21 - $119,981.47 (inclusive of all allowances/loadings & Worker Retention Payment
• Furnished shared house available
• 4 weeks annual leave plus 2 weeks off over the festive season
• 1 flight per quarter (after probation) from community to Cairns and return
• Sign on bonus of $5,000 and a retention bonus of $5,000 after 12 months
• Relocation allowance up to $3000
• Subsidised childcare
• Uniforms provided
• Career advancement
• Rewards after every year, including extra annual leave, and more
• Online inductions, PD sessions, mentoring & coaching
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program for you and your immediate family

All incentives to be finalised with employer.
 
Footprint Placements will provide benefits to assist you in your transition to remote life, including:

• Trauma Responsive Practice in Education course with the Australian Childhood Foundation.
• Cultural Competency course with Stronger Smarter Institute (one term+ contracts).
• First aid certification (6 month+ contracts).

What You Need to Succeed!

• Diploma in early childhood/ACECQA approved equivalent
• Current National Police Clearance and WA Working With Children Card or ability to obtain
• Preferably 2 years experience in a managerial role or extensive 2IC experience.
• CPR and First Aid certificates, or willingness to obtain
• Organisational skills including general organising, planning, time management, scheduling, coordinating resources and meeting deadlines
• Interpersonal and communication skills
• Understanding and commitment to comply with the organisation's code of ethics, vision (spirit), policies and procedures and to support the organisations culture
• Experience in building successful relationships with staff, families and community
• Experience in achieving excellence at management level in an early education and care setting
• Manage staff including staff performance, recruitment and performance appraisals
• A commitment to continuous improvement and efficiencies in service delivery
• Knowledge of relevant state and commonwealth laws and regulations

How to Apply! Interested? We would love you to provide a CV with a LinkedIn profile (if you possess) and apply via our website, www.footprintplacements.com.au. Do you have a question? Email hello@footprintplacements.com.au. Looking forward to receiving your resume!
 
Candidates must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or permanent resident of Australia, or hold a valid visa with permission to work.

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