Department for Education
Job reference: 851657
Location: 5007 - HINDMARSH
Job status: Long Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Why work with us

Every child and young person deserves a great education.

We have a strategy that aims to unlock every child’s potential now and into the future, one that in partnership with learners, students, parents and the wider South Australian community will build a world-leading public education system. One that is equitable and prioritises learning and wellbeing.

Together we will make our education system the best it can be.

When our children and young people thrive, so do our communities and our state.

About the role

The Executive Leader, Early Years is responsible for supporting the Director, Early Years Curriculum and Learning in planning, prioritising and implementing statewide early childhood curriculum advice and support for preschools and schools. 

Key functions include: 

• Leading and managing a highly skilled team with early years expertise who will provide curriculum and pedagogical support to preschools and schools to support the implementation of the Early Years Learning Framework and the Department’s Strategy for Public Education. 
• Partnering with directorates and collaborating with other divisions that have early childhood responsibilities to achieve coherent curriculum and pedagogical advice to early years educators.
• Plan and implement internal and external stakeholder engagement, collating and analysing perspectives to drive continuous improvement of the directorate’s work, including designing and contributing to program evaluations and reporting progress to executive leadership.

Qualifications

Essential: A tertiary qualification in early childhood education or equivalent experience

Desirable: Nil

Special conditions

The successful applicant is required to gain a Department for Human Services (DHS) working with children check (WWCC) prior to being employed which is required to be renewed every five years before expiry.

The incumbent will be required to undertake RRHAN –EC (Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect - Education Care) Facilitator Lead (Masterclass) extended course or the online (Fundamentals) course which will be required to be updated every three years. 

For all other Special Conditions please refer to the attached Position Description.

Remuneration

S121-6 $173,693 per annum (1.0 FTE) + superannuation (12%)

Enquiries

Enquiries can be directed to Kate Ryan, Director, Early Years Curriculum and Learning , via tel: 0419 722 172 or email: kate.ryan4@sa.gov.au

Application instructions

Applications should be made through the IWorkForSA website.

Applicants are required to submit a CV, the Application Cover Sheet, Employment Declaration, and a cover letter of no more than two pages addressing the key competencies in the attached position description.

People of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and/or those who have a disability are strongly encouraged to apply.

Additional note

This is a full-time contract role (1.0 FTE), offering an initial fixed-term contract until January 2029

This position operates under conditions similar to those of the Public Sector Act 2009 (PS Act).

Applications close: 29/07/2026 11:30 PM

Attachments:
- Application Cover Sheet - S121.pdf
- How to Apply S121.pdf
- S121 6 - Executive Leader Early Years - Position Description - June 2026.pdf
- VL233 Pre-employment declaration.pdf

Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.