Head of Quality and Compliance

Posted: 13/03/2026

Closing Date: 12/04/2026

Job Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Newcastle West

Job Category: Education, Childcare & Training

St Nicholas, an agency of the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, is seeking an experienced Head of Quality & Compliance to provide strategic leadership across our Early Education and Out of School Hours Care (OOSH) services.

This is a senior leadership opportunity to drive organisation-wide quality frameworks, strengthen regulatory compliance and champion a strong child-safe culture across our services. Reporting to the Director – St Nicholas, you will play a critical role in ensuring our services deliver exceptional education and care outcomes for children, families and communities.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Head of Quality & Compliance provides strategic leadership to ensure all St Nicholas services operate within a strong governance, quality and compliance framework.

You will lead the development and implementation of policies, systems and processes that support regulatory compliance, risk management and continuous improvement across Early Education and OOSH services. Acting as the Person with Management or Control (PMC), you will ensure the Approved Provider meets obligations under the National Quality Framework and other relevant legislation.

Working closely with the Director, Head of Early Education and Head of OOSH, you will provide expert advice on regulatory matters, quality improvement strategies and emerging sector risks while supporting the ongoing growth and sustainability of St Nicholas services.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead organisation-wide quality, compliance and child safety frameworks
• Ensure services operate in line with the National Quality Standard and relevant legislation
• Provide strategic advice on regulatory compliance, risk management and governance
• Lead the development of policies, procedures and safeguarding practices
• Use incident and compliance data to drive continuous improvement across services
• Partner with leaders and stakeholders to strengthen quality outcomes and best practice

This role plays a key part in embedding a culture of child safety, quality practice and accountability across the organisation.

EXPERIENCE/CRITERIA

To be successful in this role, you will be a strategic leader with deep sector knowledge and a passion for strengthening quality outcomes in early childhood education.

Essential

• Tertiary qualifications in Early Childhood Education (Birth–12 years)
• Current Working With Children Check (WWCC)
• Current Class C Driver’s Licence with willingness to travel
• National Criminal History Check clearance

Desirable

• Qualifications and/or experience in quality, compliance or governance
• Postgraduate qualification in Leadership or Management

Skills and Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a senior leadership role within an early childhood organisation
• Expert knowledge of the National Quality Framework, Assessment & Rating process and relevant sector legislation
• Strong understanding of child protection legislation, Family Assistance Law and regulatory compliance requirements
• Experience managing reporting obligations, governance requirements and regulatory deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to lead quality improvement initiatives and drive compliance outcomes
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to influence leaders and support services to achieve best practice
• Proven ability to implement organisation-wide frameworks and best practice standards using subject matter expertise.
  

To apply for this role, please submit an online application including:

• Cover Letter (maximum 2 pages) - Please address the selection criteria, along with the key knowledge and experience outlined in the role description. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the position and how you are well-suited to succeed in it.

• Resume - Ensure your resume clearly outlines your competence in the focus areas detailed in the role description. Highlight how your skills, experience, and professional background align with the role and support your success.
  Applications close 11:59pm, Friday 27 March 2026.
  

• For any questions, please contact:
  Angela Bryant – Employee Relations & Talent Manager
  T: 02 4979 1145
  E: [email protected]
  
  Jodie Miller - Talent Partner
  T: 02 4979 1368
  E: [email protected]

  Additional Information

  The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable persons and preventing those in our care from suffering abuse or neglect. It is committed to implementing and maintaining compliance with the NSW Child Safe Standards and the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards and takes a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of children or vulnerable persons.

  All who work in the name of the Diocese must comply with the Diocesan Safeguarding Framework Policy and act in accordance with the Diocese’s Code of Conduct which includes the Diocese’s Safeguarding Commitment Statement. Employees are required to undergo a National Police Check and retain a valid NSW Working with Children Check where necessary, in accordance with legislation.

  St Nicholas promotes the safety and wellbeing of children from culturally or linguistically diverse backgrounds and encourages applications from people from culturally or linguistically diverse background.

  St Nicholas promotes the safety and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.