Employment Opportunities

Gowrie SA is a community-based organisation leading the development of innovative and responsive services for children and families. Founded on a rich history of children’s rights to quality education and care, our programs today are focused on a vision that holds the rights, wellbeing and learning of children, families and educators at its heart.

We offer unique, relationship based programs which allow time for each child and their family to develop rich connections with their primary educators. Within our infant-toddler (0-3 years) and kindergarten (3-5 years) program, educators use these connections to enrich learning experiences that stimulate children’s curiosity, wonder and learning. Our spacious natural gardens support all children to explore their world freely and feel accepted and respected culturally, intellectually, emotionally and physically.

Gowrie SA focuses on community, social justice and the capacities of each child to inform their programs.

We are committed to our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). The rights, wellbeing and learning of children, families and educators are at the heart of our vision for early childhood. Gowrie SA prioritises cultural learning and reconciliation in our community with the belief that children’s voices will shape future generations. As part of Gowrie SA’s Reconciliation Action Plan, we warmly encourage Aboriginal and Zenadth Kes (formerly known as Torres Strait Islander) peoples to apply. Applications from Kaurna people will be highly regarded and prioritised.

We also encourage culturally diverse applicants and those from diverse backgrounds.

We offer fully funded leadership and professional learning opportunities, both internally and externally, to support our educators in their ongoing learning, which assists professional growth and career development. We offer additional leave, above Award salaries, a professional career path and a supportive working environment. We have lovely modern facilities which are fit for purpose, and our programs are located in an area rich with trees and plants.

Gowrie SA is committed to the principles of equal opportunity and diversity; with all employment decisions being based on an applicant’s ability to undertake their desired role. Considerations are made to ensure employees succeed in fulfilling their position requirements.

Gowrie SA is committed to creating a child safe environment where all children feel valued and safe. We have zero tolerance for child abuse. Our robust human resources, recruitment and vetting practices are strictly adhered to during the application and interviewing process. Applicants should be aware that we carry out DHS Working with Children Checks and reference checks (as we see fit), as well as careful examination of employment history, to ensure that we are recruiting the right people for our organisation. All staff are aware of Child Safe practices and alert leaders if they have any concerns.

Executive

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) full time

Are you passionate about children's rights, advocacy, and leadership?
Are you seeking a workplace that invests in your professional learning and development and allows space for growth, innovation and creative thinking?

The Gowrie SA Board is seeking a full-time CEO.

Gowrie SA is seeking expressions of interest for a dynamic Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead an integrated organisation of multi-disciplinary professionals; offering services in early childhood education and care, professional learning and development to the sector, parent programs and inclusion services. The appointee will lead the organisation, taking ultimate responsibility for the development and provision of services that support the wellbeing and learning of children, families and educators.

The appointee will work closely with and report to the Board of Gowrie SA. As CEO of Gowrie SA, the successful candidate will have an Australian four year early childhood degree qualification, and proven experience in operational excellence and grants application and management. The key performance indicators of the role include:

Leadership

Provide strategic direction to staff and the organization, creating a shared purpose that builds and strengthens a continuous improvement culture, develops ‘people capability’ and maintains Gowrie SA’s leadership position across the sector.
Provide and model distributed leadership throughout the organisation, including leading and supporting the implementation of the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and professional learning and development that underpin social justice initiatives and advocacy for children and their families.
Support site leaders through mentoring to maintain and improve the high standard of education and care provided to children, both internally and externally.
Manage and review current systems, funding contracts, and the overall performance in all programs, and make recommendations for service improvement and reporting.

Strategic Planning and Innovation

In partnership with the Board, drive the strategic direction of the organisation.
In collaboration with the Board and Senior Leaders, initiate and manage regular processes to ensure the strategic plan is implemented and continues to achieve the organisation’s vision and objectives.
Monitor and respond to opportunities for advocacy.
Apply for tenders, creating innovative models of delivery, in identified areas of growth for the organisation.
Maintain and extend staff knowledge of contemporary theories of early childhood development and practice, conduct and apply research, and plan to ensure continuous improvement across programs.
Ensure that culturally and linguistically responsive pedagogies and Kaurna language and protocols learning continues to be a priority for children, families, educators and the community.

Stakeholder Engagement and Satisfaction

Employ a strategic and systematic approach to building and sustaining relationships with key stakeholders to support strategic alliances and maintain professional and responsive relationships with all funding bodies.
Demonstrate exceptional relationship management skills and be contextually informed and savvy to ensure the reputation and sector position of Gowrie SA is maintained.
Work with leaders to strengthen internal and external feedback and program satisfaction through responsive and relational program delivery.

Organisational and Financial Performance

Ensure the Children’s Program is resourced and informed by the best available evidence relevant to the setting and its community on how children learn and develop, and the practices in early childhood education and care that provide each child the opportunity to reach their potential in partnership with families.
Ensure that the children’s program is of the highest standard to maintain the organisation’s quality ratings, reputation, and sector observation and demonstration status.
Evaluate programs based on performance, ensuring activities and reporting are compliant in accordance with contractual arrangements made with government or external bodies.
Provide regular reports to support the Board in the strategic governance of the organisation.
Routinely assess risk management and mitigation strategies implemented across the organisation.
Ensure that Gowrie SA’s marketing, communication and engagement plans support the strategic direction of the organisation.
Maintain Gowrie SA’s ongoing RTO registration.
Ensure the overall compliance and financial performance of the organisation by monitoring the productivity of each program in accordance with allocated budgets.
Review financial systems, reports and performance in order to support the current and future sustainability of Gowrie SA.

Gowrie SA invites all candidates, who are interested and who meet the key selection criteria, to submit an application.

The annual salary range is $168,000 - $178,000 plus 12% superannuation and will be negotiated depending upon experience, skills and qualifications.

Gowrie SA warmly encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and diverse applicants to apply.

A J&P will be sent on request. Please email a covering letter addressing the job and person specification (J&P), resume and two current professional referees, to the HR Officer recruit@gowriesa.org.au.

Applications close 17 October, 2025.

To be successful in this role, you must:

hold an early childhood degree
be able to demonstrate experience in leadership in early childhood
have experience in educational leadership
be able to demonstrate strong knowledge of contemporary early childhood practices and pedagogy
demonstrate a systems approach to leadership and improving practices and outcomes
work collaboratively with the Gowrie SA Board and Program Leaders to maintain high-quality program delivery
hold a cleared Working with Children Check and National Police Check

Your passion for Reconciliation, sustainability, and the rights of children will be highly regarded.

If this position sounds like the opportunity, you’ve been waiting for, or if you want to be considered for future roles, send in your application to us - recruit@gowriesa.org.au

Children's Programs

Children's Program Team Leader (Full time)

Are you passionate about pedagogy and curriculum in an integrated infant-toddler and/or kindergarten setting?
Do you value the professional benefits of working in a culturally diverse and inclusive environment?
Are you seeking a workplace that values you through above award salaries and conditions and supportive conditions?
Are you seeking a workplace that invests in your professional learning and development and allows space for growth, innovation and creative thinking?

Gowrie SA is seeking an experienced Team Leader to fill a full-time position. This position is being offered initially as a 12-month contract, with the potential of an ongoing position for the right person.

To be successful in this role, you must:

Have the relevant qualifications (minimum Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care)
be able to demonstrate experience in educating in early childhood
have experience in educational leadership
be able to demonstrate a strong knowledge of the NQF and EYLF
be able to demonstrate strong knowledge of contemporary early childhood practices and pedagogy
have a systematic approach to improving practice and outcomes
understand the importance of working collaboratively with the Director to maintain high-quality programs

Your passion for Reconciliation, sustainability, natural learning environments and the rights of children, will be highly regarded.

If this position sounds like the opportunity, you’ve been waiting for, or if you want to be considered for future roles, send in your application to us - recruit@gowriesa.org.au

For more information, please view the job and person description.

Children's Services Employee (Multiple positions available - Part time & Full time)

Are you passionate about pedagogy and curriculum in an integrated infant-toddler and/or kindergarten setting?
Do you value the professional benefits of critical reflection and working in a culturally diverse and inclusive environment?

We currently have exciting part time/full time opportunities for exceptional Diploma qualified Educators, who have a strong focus on children’s learning and wellbeing to join our Children’s Program team at Thebarton and at Underdale.

These positions will be contracted for a 12-month period initially, with a strong likelihood of an ongoing position for the right person.

To be successful in these roles, you must have the relevant qualifications and a sound knowledge of the National Quality Standard and Regulations. Your knowledge or interest in primary caregiving and relationship-based practice, will be an advantage.

Your passion for Reconciliation, sustainability, natural learning environments and the rights of children, will be highly regarded.

The rights, wellbeing and learning of children, families and educators are at the heart of our vision for early childhood. Gowrie SA prioritises cultural learning and reconciliation in our community with the belief that children’s voices will shape future generations. As part of Gowrie SA’s Reconciliation Action Plan, we warmly encourage Aboriginal and Zenadth Kes peoples to apply. Applications from Kaurna people will be highly regarded and prioritised.

If these positions sound like the opportunity, you’ve been waiting for, don’t delay applying. We are looking for the successful applicants to commence as soon as possible.

For more information view the job and person description.

To make the right move for your career, please email your cover letter, resume and work-related referees to recruit@gowriesa.org.au. We strongly encourage you to use your cover letter to support your application for the role.

Children's Program Administration Officer (Part time)

Do you enjoy supporting teams by providing exceptional administrative, reception and account keeping services?
Do you value the professional benefits of critical reflection and working in a culturally diverse and inclusive environment?

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a part time Administration Officer to support a team of Teachers and Educators, who have a strong focus on children’s learning and wellbeing.

The Administration Officer (Children’s Programs) will report to and is accountable to the Director – Children’s Program (Thebarton) and the Director – Children’s Program (Underdale) for the provision of administrative, reception and account keeping services for Gowrie SA.

This position is being offered as a part-time opportunity, working across 5 days a week approximately 20 hours a week (1 to 5 pm shifts and will be contracted for a 12-month period initially, with a strong likelihood of an ongoing position for the right person.

To be successful in this role, you must have proven experience in a Reception/Administrative role previously, and have a sound working knowledge of the MS Office packages and the ability to problem solve occasional IT issues. Your knowledge of SPIKE software, the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) and/or experience working in a not-for-profit/community based environment or early years’ services, will give you a strong advantage.

Your passion for Reconciliation, sustainability and the rights of children, will be highly regarded.

Gowrie SA warmly encourages Aboriginal and Zenadth Kes people to apply. We also encourage culturally diverse applicants and those from diverse backgrounds.

If this position sound like the opportunity you’ve been waiting for, don’t delay applying. We are looking for our successful applicant to commence as soon as possible.

Casual Relief Educators

Gowrie SA is seeking qualified and unqualified educators for casual relief work across all age groups.

Your responsibilities may include:

engaging in children’s play and learning
developing play environments under the direction of regular educators
engaging in children’s routines
maintaining a clean and hygienic environment
engagement in children’s meal times

If you are interested in joining our relief educator team, please send your resume (with your availability noted), certified copies of qualifications, RRHAN training certificate and your current not-prohibited Working With Children Check to recruit@gowriesa.org.au Or call on 8352 5144 for further information.

Children’s Services Employee (PT / Casual Educator) - Kindy Care

Gowrie SA is proud to be partnering with the South Australian Department for Education in a trial of Kindy Care commenced in Term 1, 2025, offering extended hours to children on days they attend a full day of preschool. Working with small group sizes of mainly 4-year-old children, the program will have a relaxation and wellbeing focus. Hours of work will be from 7 - 9 am and 2.45 - 6 pm.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of innovating a new service type for South Australian families. The programs will need two educators per site and be delivered on Department for Education Preschool site at:

Fairview Park
Clarence Park
Magill

Offering Before Kindy Care (in limited sites) and After Kindy Care, hours of work will be perfect for those currently working during the day, or who are studying.

Gowrie SA is seeking experienced Diploma educators to fill these part-time/ casual positions.

These positions will be contracted for a 6-month period initially, (with the possibility of extension for a further 6 months) with above award salary rates.

To be successful in either role, you must have the relevant qualifications and a sound knowledge of the National Quality Standard and Regulations. Your knowledge or interest in primary caregiving and relationship-based practice, will be an advantage.

Your passion for Reconciliation, sustainability, natural learning environments and the rights of children, will be highly regarded.

Gowrie SA warmly encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply. We also encourage culturally diverse applicants and those from diverse backgrounds.

If you are looking to work with an employer who has a long history of commitment to quality early childhood programs, make the right move for your career and email your cover letter, resume and work-related references to recruit@gowriesa.org.au. We encourage you to use your cover letter to support your application for the role.

Inclusion Agency

Inclusion Professional (PT) Findon

Gowrie SA has Australian Government funding to operate the state-wide Inclusion Agency in South Australia as part of the Inclusion Support Program (ISP). The Gowrie SA Inclusion Agency is looking for a committed new colleague, working Part-time, based at our Findon site. The Inclusion Professional will work with early education and care services to provide advice and assistance to build service capacity for the inclusion of children and offers support to specific children’s inclusion.

Job Tasks and Responsibilities

As a member of the Gowrie SA Inclusion Agency team you will work directly with services, stakeholders and other Inclusion Professionals to deliver inclusion support that is flexible and responsive to the needs of ELCC services, and educators across South Australian services.

Requirements/Selection Criteria
Qualifications (Essential):

Diploma of Children's Services or equivalent as a minimum; or
Qualifications in Early Childhood Teaching, or a related discipline in Allied Health or Disability are also considered

Experience (Desirable):

Experience in a context working with and promoting the inclusion of children
Experience working with or in the early learning sector and participating in reflective dialogue that examines the impact of early childhood practice
Experience in a leadership role mentoring Educators

Knowledge

Knowledge of current inclusion principles and practices
Knowledge of the National Quality Framework, National Quality Standard and the Learning Frameworks (EYLF & MTOP)
Knowledge of Workplace Health and Safety principles and practices
Knowledge of Discrimination Laws
Maintain a high level of understanding and knowledge of current evidence-based education and care practices, including current and emerging practices
Consistently demonstrate knowledge, understanding and practice of adult learning principles
Computer literacy, including knowledge of Microsoft Office and online systems such as Portals, Customer Relationship Management software and video conferencing

Other

The Inclusion Professional will be expected to spend significant amounts of time travelling within the metropolitan area and some rural services, working directly with services and facilitating staff meetings and Interest Hubs using principles of group learning.

The Inclusion Professional will have access to a laptop computer and a mobile phone will be provided for work purposes.

A current full driver’s license, will be required
A current DHS Working with Children Check, will be required
A current Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect (RRHAN) certificate

The job & person specification will need to be addressed in your application.

The rights, well-being and learning of children, families and educators are at the heart of our vision for early childhood. Gowrie SA prioritises cultural learning and reconciliation in our community with the belief that children’s voices will shape future generations. As part of Gowrie SA’s Reconciliation Action Plan, we warmly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply. Applications from Kaurna people will be highly regarded and prioritised.

What’s in it for you?

Gowrie SA offers above-award salaries, a bonus day’s leave (birthday leave) every year, 50/50 work-from-home/office flexibility and all professional learning fully funded by Gowrie SA.

Applications that do not meet minimum criteria will not be considered. Only successful applicants will be contacted to arrange an interview.

To apply, please email your cover letter (addressing the job and person specification), resume and 2 current work-related referees, to HR Officer at recruit@gowriesa.org.au.

Professional Learning

RTO Team Leader & Trainer/Assessor – Gowrie Training Centre (Part-Time)

Gowrie SA operates a small accredited Registered Training Organisation (RTO) in SA. Gowrie SA is seeking a passionate and experienced RTO Team Leader & Trainer/Assessor to lead the operations of the Gowrie Registered Training Organisation and facilitate a limited amount of training according to the Gowrie SA scope of registration.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a high-quality education and training in a not-for-profit organisation committed to inclusive early childhood education and professional learning.

Your passion for Reconciliation, sustainability and the rights of children, will be highly regarded.

The RTO Team Leader & Trainer/Assessor is responsible for ensuring the effective operation of Gowrie SA Training Centre in line with the Revised Standards for RTOs, policies and procedures.

Key responsibilities include:

Overseeing and implementing the delivery, assessment, and compliance of accredited training
Maintaining RTO registration and quality assurance
Supporting learners with responsive and inclusive support services
Developing promotional strategies and managing reporting and record-keeping
Contributing to the strategic direction and continuous improvement of the RTO
Maintaining safe working environment for all learners and facilitators.

Desirable attributes

Confident leadership qualities with a strong understanding of the VET sector and a commitment to learner equity and quality training outcomes.
Current Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE).
Relevant qualification in Children/s Services or Early Childhood Teaching.
Recent and relevant experience in quality assurance, compliance and RTO operations.

This position is offered as a part-time opportunity, working approximately 15 hours a week for an initial 12 month contract.

Gowrie SA warmly encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people from diverse backgrounds to apply.

For more information, please see the job and person specification.