Director of Early Learning: Canterbury College (QLD)

Located in Waterford, Queensland, Canterbury College is a dynamic, independent, co-educational Anglican school with a reputation for academic excellence, pastoral care and innovation, within a caring, values-driven community. Founded in 1987 and set on a spacious campus south of Brisbane, Canterbury College educates students from Pre-Kindy to Year 12. The Early Learning Centre (ELC) provides a play-based, child-centred entry point into school and plays a critical role in shaping children’s love of learning, curiosity, sense of self, and connection to community.

Closing date February 8, 2026
Location Level 1, Queens Rd, Melbourne VIC, Australia
Type Full-Time
Status Permanent
Contact Tracey Hickey
0402 157 556
tracey.hickey@hutton.education

About this job

The Director of Early Learning reports to the Head of Junior School and is a member of the Senior Leadership Team. The ELC works in alignment with the Junior School, allowing for continuity of practice, shared language and smooth transitions into Prep. The Director provides educational, operational and strategic leadership of the ELC and Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) to deliver an exceptional early years program, while leading a committed team of educators and contributing to the future development of an additional centre. With a deep understanding of child development and the regulatory landscape, the Director will ensure excellence in compliance, staffing, financial management, and curriculum delivery in a culture of care and high expectations.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:

  • A commitment to the Anglican ethos and Canterbury College vision, mission and values, nurturing a culture of care and inclusion.
  • Expertise in leading high-quality early childhood programs grounded in contemporary curriculum and developmentally appropriate pedagogy.
  • Proven ability to strategically plan for future growth and drive continuous improvement and innovation in early childhood education and wellbeing.
  • Capacity to develop staff through coaching, professional learning, feedback, and reflective practice.
  • Operational skills in managing staffing, budgets, enrolments, compliance and daily centre operations across ELC and OSHC services.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills build positive relationships with families, staff and the wider school community.

Offered as a full-time position with generous salary and leave, applicants must have the right to work in Australia and hold relevant tertiary teaching qualifications with Early Childhood training essential.

Canterbury College has zero tolerance for child abuse and is committed to providing a child safe environment where children and young people are safe and feel safe, as outlined in the Child Protection Policy.

Hutton Consulting Australia is partnering with Canterbury College in the search and selection process for this position. For a confidential discussion regarding the application process and to receive the Candidate Information Pack, please contact Tracey Hickey on 0402 157 556 or tracey.hickey@hutton.education

Applications close 5:00pm on Sunday 8 February 2026.

Please ONLY APPLY directly via Hutton Consulting Australia’s website at: https://hutton.education/opportunities/