Catholic Early Learning and Care (CELC) is an operating agency of the Diocese of Cairns. The agency was established in 2013 as a separate operating unit to consolidate childcare operations within the Cairns Diocese. Services provided include long day care (LDC); kindergarten; and outside school hours care (OSHC). Prior to consolidation, all childcare services within the Cairns Diocese operated under the realm of Catholic Education.
The agency operates in a highly regulated environment. Childcare services are approved and regulated under the National Quality Framework (NQF) and National Quality Standards (NQS). A national body, the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) guides the implementation of the NQF and promotes consistency across all states and territories.
The regulatory authority in Queensland is the Queensland Government Office of Early Childhood Education and Care (OECEC). The NQF and NQS are enlivened by the Education and Care Services National Law Act (2010) and the Education and Care Services National Regulations.
The annual turnover of CELC in recent years has been in the order of $7 – $8 million and the agency employs approximately 200 staff in 11 OSHC services, 2 LDC’s and 2 Kindergartens.
The agency operates under a separate Australian Business Number and is required to provide annual audited financial and activity reporting to the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission (ACNC).
Further Information
Additional information can be viewed by visiting the Catholic Early Learning and Care website located at https://www.ccelc.catholic.org.au/
Position Overview
Position Title: Executive Director
Reports to: Moderator of the Curia
Position Purpose
The Executive Director – Catholic Early Learning and Care (ED-CELC) role is a key leadership role responsible and accountable for the overall leadership, direction and performance of the CELC Agency. This includes responsibility for the development and growth of childcare operations catering for up to 1,300 places and employing approx. 200 staff.
The ED-CELC will:
- ensure CELC has effective risk management in place, delivers exceptional child care services that achieve policy objectives, efficiencies and standardisation of practices across the CELC Agency.
- align the Values and Mission of this Agency with those of the Catholic Diocese of Cairns and ensure the reputation of CELC is always held in high regard.
- play a key role in setting, implementing and monitoring Diocesan wide strategic goals and objectives through participation in the Diocesan Executive Leadership Team, chaired by the Moderator of the Curia; and is required to keep the Bishop and his Diocesan Finance Council abreast of all key issues and opportunities affecting the Agency.
A detailed Position Description will be provided at a later stage of this process.
Measures of Success
Annual performance measures will be agreed between The Executive Director and the Moderator of the Curia. These agreed performance measures will be reviewed on an annual basis.
Key Relationships
Reporting to the Moderator of the Curia and an Advisory Board this position also forms part of the Catholic Diocese of Cairns Executive team who provide advice and support to the Bishop of Cairns and who formulate the organisation’s strategic and operational direction.
The position leads a team of approx. 200 staff. An Organisation Chart will be provided at a later stage of this process.
Reason for Vacancy
This is a newly created role.
Location and Travel
The CELC Office is 130 Lake Street, Cairns. The nature of this leadership role will require travel throughout the Diocese of Cairns.
Conditions of Employment
- The remuneration package will be discussed as we progress through the process.
- A three-year contract with annual review.
- The Working with Children (Risk Management & Screening) Act 2000 requires the preferred applicant to be subject to the Queensland Working with Children Check (also referred to as the Blue Card system) as part of the employment screening process. Further information can be obtained at the following internet address: bluecard.qld.gov.au
- Reasonable relocation assistance (if required) will be negotiated with the successful applicant.
- Applicants will require a current “C” Class Drivers Licence to fulfil the requirements of the role.
Selection Criteria
We invite expressions of interest from people who align with the following:
- Senior management experience, preferably in not-for-profit or values-based settings.
- Experience in managing sizable, diverse teams.
- Capacity to contribute at both the strategic and operational levels.
- Business acumen and financial skills combined with an understanding of governance and risk management.
- Strong communication, relational and negotiation skills with an ability to build and strengthen relationships with stakeholders.
- Tertiary business qualifications.
- A willingness to embrace the Catholic ethos and support the mission of the Catholic Church.
Are You Interested in this Opportunity?
If you are interested in this role, simply complete the ‘Express Your Interest’ panel on this page; or email jobs@traksearch.com quoting ref number TS1431. Whichever you choose, please provide a brief resume and contact telephone number (mobile preferred).
If you are NOT interested in this role but would like to be advised of future leadership positions, click here to register for our job alerts.
Questions can be directed to either (a) Director John Chesher (0417 068 220) or (b) email to jobs@traksearch.com.
The timeline and details for this project are outlined below. All emails and applications are acknowledged within 48 hours.
The Selection Process
Key dates as follows:
Date of project launch/advertising | Thurs. 11th June |
Latest anticipated date for applications | Mon. 29th June |
Review meeting & short listing | Week commencing Mon 6 July |
Anticipated date for client interviews | Week of Monday 13th or 20th July |
Final references; academic documents obtained | Following client interviews |
Follow up meeting/discussion | Likely within 7 days of client interviews |
Trak Search has been instructed to provide a process that is welcoming for people interested in this role. Significant aspects include:
- Throughout the process, Trak Search is available for your confidential enquiries. They will also provide a range of additional information to allow you to explore how this opportunity aligns with your expectations and interests.
- Closing is 5.00pm (AEST) on the date shown above. However, a late application could be accepted, providing it does not adversely impact other applications or the employers schedule.
- We expect to contact one work-related referee prior to shortlisting, with additional references completed later in the process.
- All information provided to Trak Search will be made available prior to shortlisting, in confidence, to the Moderator of the Curia or his nominee unless you instruct Trak Search otherwise.
- If you would like a more comprehensive understanding of the Trak Search process, click here to access the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.
You are also encouraged to view our Collection Statement which provides details on the manner in which we collect and use information obtained from you during your engagement with Trak Search.