Kindergarten Programs Advisor

If you’re passionate about leading high‑quality kindergarten programs, building capability across multi‑site teams, and fostering safe, inclusive learning environments — this could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

We’re looking for a Kindergarten Programs Advisor (KPA) to join the Meli Kindergartens Leadership Team. In this critical role, you’ll provide strategic oversight and operational leadership across multiple kindergartens, driving educational excellence, ensuring regulatory compliance, and delivering robust support to teachers, educators, families and children.

You’ll lead remotely and on site — using strong digital communication, structured coaching, and targeted professional development — to build consistency and lift quality across services.

About the Role

As a Kindergarten Programs Advisor, you will:

• Provide leadership across multiple kindergarten sites, ensuring high‑quality programs, regulatory compliance, and alignment with learning frameworks and Meli policies.
• Support and develop teachers and educators through coaching, performance management, recruitment, onboarding, and regular service visits that strengthen capability and build cohesive teams.
• Lead risk, safety and compliance practices, including service audits, incident reporting, assessment & rating readiness, and oversight of risk assessments and service governance.
• Drive operational excellence, overseeing staffing models, guiding complex family and team matters, and providing interim on‑site leadership when required to maintain service continuity.

Position Details

• Full time, ongoing position
• Position based out of Poa Banyul Community Hub with travel to various Meli Kindergartens
• 1 FTE working 38 hours per week
• We recognise the expertise you bring to your role. This position is paid in line with the VECTEA 2020 agreement 
• Company vehicle provided
• To view the position description of this role, please head to our Meli Careers webpage: https://meli.currentjobs.co/job/kindergarten-programs-advisor/meli-kindergartens/1449

Why Work with Us?

A Team That Shares your Purpose

At Meli Kindergartens, you’ll join a team that values collaboration, creativity, and care. You’ll contribute to outcomes that matter, be supported by a workplace culture that values your voice and have opportunities for ongoing professional growth.

More than a Workplace

Being part of Meli means your impact reaches beyond the preschool walls. You’re not just supporting children - you’re contributing to stronger families and more connected communities. Through our integrated network of community services, your work is part of something bigger, helping to create lasting change across the region. 

Space to Grow, Support to Lead

At Meli, professional development is more than a checkbox—it’s a core part of how we support our team.

We host two annual events: one that brings together the wider Meli community, and another dedicated to our early years team. These are great opportunities to connect, share ideas, and be inspired by peers and leaders across the sector.

With a network of 32 kindergartens and preschools, you’ll have the chance to explore different teaching styles and settings, building a career that’s rich in experience and growth.

What We're Looking For

We value individuals who bring dedication, empathy, and expertise to their roles. To succeed in this position, you will have:

• Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (or equivalent as approved by ACECQA and suitable pursuant to the Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010 and the Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011.)
• Current Early Childhood Teacher registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT).
• Extensive knowledge of the National Education and Care Services Act and Regulations 2011 and the Victorian Early Years Learning Framework and ECEC National Quality Framework and Standards. 
• Demonstrated experience in a leadership position in a large, complex Early Childhood setting.
• Proven leadership in managing teams with varied backgrounds and skill sets, fostering inclusivity and collaboration.
• Demonstrated skill in problem-solving, crisis management and ability to navigate challenging situations.

Ready to Make a Difference?

We’re excited to hear from you! Please submit your application, including a resume and addressing the key selection criteria in the application form. Applications close 11:59pm Wednesday 19 August 2026.

For more information about the position please contact Michelle Muraca, Manager Kindergarten Educational Outcomes on 04•• ••• 832 or our recruitment team via: ••••@meli.org.au.

Take the Next Step

Join us and become part of a team that celebrates diversity, supports growth, and puts children at the heart of everything we do.

Apply now and start your journey with Meli.