Early Years Manager (EYM)

Goodstart•San Francisco, CA

About The Position

The Early Years Manager oversees Goodstart’s Early Years Management program across Victoria and Tasmania, ensuring kindergartens and grant-funded programs operate effectively, comply with regulatory requirements, and deliver positive outcomes for children, families and communities. The role works closely with State Operations, government stakeholders and national teams to drive operational excellence, support strategic initiatives and strengthen Goodstart’s impact across the early learning sector. The position leads and develops funding, grants and school-readiness professionals; manages program operations, budgets and performance; and supports strong operational, pedagogical, governance, financial and compliance outcomes. It also contributes to strategic planning, continuous improvement, service improvement and national funding strategies, while identifying opportunities for innovation, growth and efficiency.

Requirements

Proven leadership experience within Early Childhood Education and Care or a comparable governance-focused environment.
Strong people leadership skills, including experience coaching, mentoring and developing teams.
Excellent stakeholder management skills and the ability to influence and collaborate across multiple levels.
Strong financial and commercial acumen, including budgeting, reporting and performance monitoring.
Experience navigating regulatory requirements and compliance frameworks.
Strategic thinking and the ability to translate strategy into operational delivery.
Outstanding communication, negotiation and relationship-building capabilities.
A continuous improvement mindset and passion for positive outcomes for children and families.
Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Business Administration or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
Demonstrated leadership experience in early childhood education, grants administration, governance or a related field.
Current Victorian Working with Children Check.
Current Victorian Driver’s Licence.
Willingness to obtain a Certificate of Completion for the National Child Safety Foundation Training, completed via the Geccko platform.

Responsibilities

Lead and develop a team of funding, grants and school-readiness professionals across Victoria and Tasmania.
Oversee day-to-day management of the Early Years Management program and associated grant-funded initiatives supporting quality improvement of Kindergarten Services.
Drive high-quality operational, pedagogical, governance, financial and compliance outcomes.
Partner with State Operations teams to ensure kindergarten programs meet funding requirements and regulatory obligations, including the National Quality Standards.
Manage budgets, monitor program performance, and deliver reporting and insights.
Build relationships with government departments, councils, service providers and sector stakeholders.
Contribute to strategic planning and continuous improvement initiatives to improve outcomes for children and families.
Support implementation of the Early Years Management Service Improvement Plan and national funding strategies.
Identify opportunities for innovation, growth and operational efficiency.

Benefits

Flexible work arrangements.
Salary packaging benefits through AccessPay (eligibility applies).
Discounted childcare of up to 15%.
Fitness Passport access to discounted gyms and pools for the employee and family.
Discounted health care and access to an employee wellbeing program with BUPA.
Discounts on travel, gym memberships, Apple and Dell products, and more.
Optional free annual flu shot.
Option to purchase extra leave.
First Nations Support and Cultural Leave.
Growth and development investment, including support, tools, training and experiences.