Role: Assistant Director 

Location: Nightcliff, Darwin Region, Northern Territory 

Centre:  Goodstart Nightcliff

Employment Type:  Full Time / 38hrs per week

Pay:   $42.38 - $68.53

• Use your experience in early learning and work alongside our Centre Director to support our centre and team 

• Competitive pay at least 7% above award + a range of benefits including childcare discount + salary packaging available 

• Work for Australia’s largest early learning Not-for-Profit 

Are you an experienced early learning professional eager to advance your career, sharpen your leadership skills, and contribute to building a thriving business? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you! 

As the Assistant Director at Goodstart <centre name>, you'll leverage your expertise and leadership to inspire and motivate your centre team, driving continuous improvement across all areas of centre operations. Collaborate with our dedicated leadership team, forge respectful and reciprocal relationships with families, and actively engage with the local community networks. 

In this role, you will:  

• Support the Centre Director in the leadership of the team to provide high-quality early learning and care 

• Mentor and build capabilities within the centre team 

• Be responsible for the overall management of the centre in the Centre Director’s absence 

• Use and implement the Goodstart Practice Guide 

Join the Team at Goodstart Nightcliff!

• 🚀 Outstanding Quality Rating - Goodstart Nightcliff is currently meeting all requirements under the National Law and Regulations. All seven Quality Areas are embedded into our daily practice, with policies and procedures regularly reviewed to ensure compliance and continuous improvement. Our educators demonstrate strong knowledge in child safety, supervision, health and hygiene practices, and inclusive education. In addition to meeting the standards, the service demonstrates exceeding elements across several areas of the National Quality Standard.
• 🌟 Prime Location - Ideally positioned in the heart of Nightcliff, our centre offers exceptional convenience for families and professionals alike. We are located close to Woolworths and the Nightcliff Shopping Centre, making everyday errands quick and easy. The nearby Australia Post outlet also ensures postal and banking services are within easy reach.
• 🚶‍♀️ Easy Access - With bus stops located within walking distance, the centre offers excellent access to public transport, providing regular services connecting to the wider Darwin CBD and surrounding suburbs. Daily travel to schools, shopping centres and community facilities is convenient and efficient.
• 🚗 Free Onsite Parking - We offer free onsite parking for families, staff and visitors. Secure and easy access to dedicated parking ensures stress-free arrivals and departures at any time of day.
• 👩‍👩‍👧‍👧 Supportive & Fun Team - We are proud of our long-standing team of dedicated educators who bring stability, experience and continuity to the centre. Many team members have worked together for several years, building strong professional relationships and a shared commitment to high-quality practice aligned with the National Quality Standard.  Our team environment is supportive and collaborative — educators openly share ideas, mentor one another and engage in reflective discussions to continuously improve outcomes for children. Alongside professionalism, we embrace a positive, fun-loving atmosphere where laughter, creativity and enthusiasm are part of daily practice.
• 🏡 Our Centre - Goodstart Nightcliff is a 75-place centre with four rooms: Nursery 1, Nursery 2, Toddlers and Preschool. We embrace the philosophy that the environment is the third teacher, with thoughtfully designed spaces that inspire curiosity, independence and meaningful learning guided by the Early Years Learning Framework and aligned with the National Quality Standards. Our environments are intentionally arranged to be inviting, flexible and responsive to children’s interests. Children are active decision-makers within our setting — their voices are respected in planning experiences, setting up learning areas and contributing ideas during group discussions. By empowering children to make choices and express their opinions, we foster a strong sense of agency and belonging.
• 💖 Experienced Leadership - You will be supported by an experienced and dedicated leadership team that provides clear direction, stability and a shared vision for high-quality education and care. Our leadership team brings extensive knowledge of early childhood education, regulatory requirements and best practice. A key strength of our service is our long-standing team, with many educators having been with us for 10+ years — creating strong professional relationships and a cohesive team culture.
• 🌍 Our Culture - At Goodstart Nightcliff, we value and respect cultural diversity, recognising it as a strength that enriches our learning community. We celebrate the diverse backgrounds, languages, traditions and beliefs of our families through meaningful and respectful practices.  Cultural celebrations are embedded into our curriculum, providing children with opportunities to learn about different customs, food, music, clothing and stories from around the world. Families and educators are encouraged to share their cultural knowledge and experiences, strengthening partnerships and community connections.  Our centre proudly reflects a global mix of cultures, including New Zealand, India, Pakistan, China, Japan, Italy, South America, Sri Lanka, Greece, Nepal, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Australia and First Nations communities. Our diverse community speaks Spanish, Portuguese, Hindi, Tamil, Sinhala, Tagalog, Greek, Punjabi, Bengali, Yoruba, Vietnamese and more — creating a rich and vibrant learning environment where everyone is respected and valued.
• 🧸 Our Centre Vision - Our vision is to create a nurturing, inclusive and inspiring environment where every child feels safe, valued and empowered to reach their full potential — well prepared for lifelong learning and positive contributions to their community.
   

What Goodstart can offer you: 

• Receive at least 7% above the award rate 

• Up to 50% discount off your childcare gap fees and up to 6 weeks paid parental leave  

• Tax benefits through salary packaging  

• Fitness Passport - access to gyms and pools for you and your family at a heavily discounted price 

• Paid professional development 

• Two wellbeing days included in your personal leave per year  

• Free annual flu shot (optional) 

• Option to purchase extra leave for even greater work life balance   

• First Nations Support and Cultural Leave 

• Retail discounts on insurance, travel and technology 

• Uniform allowance and employee referral program 

If you have previous experience as an Assistant Director or in a centre leadership position, or similar, then we’d love to talk to you about which of our amazing opportunities would be the best fit for you. 

How to apply 

Click ‘Apply Now’ and submit your application. 

 
We review applications as they are submitted. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible for your best chance to progress to the next stage of the process.  

Have a question? Contact Chris on 1800 222 543 or via email cadams7@goodstart.org.au

At Goodstart we are deeply committed to Reconciliation and encourage Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people to apply.  For further information and support email deadlycareers@goodstart.org.au  

Supporting our people and protecting our children 

We’re an equal opportunity employer that is proud of our inclusive and diverse work environment. We know that Goodstarters from diverse cultures, backgrounds and experiences strengthen our teams and help us grow. We’re also deeply committed to Reconciliation and creating an environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People feel a strong sense of belonging and connection.  

Safety is our priority and we will take any action necessary to ensure that all children can feel safe and be safe, and are safeguarded from abuse, neglect and harm. As a Child Safe Organisation, all of our candidates must have or obtain a valid working with children check. 

YouTube video link: https://youtu.be/1fVHWhUYxoI 

Posting Notes: NIGHTCLIFF || NT || Australia (AU) || | || Diploma - Children's Services or equiv || Full-Time