- Trusted and respected not-for-profit leader in early childhood education and care
- Professional, high-performing, skills-based Board
- Expertise/skills required: HR/IR, child safety, First Nations
The Position
Guided by a bold vision of fostering lifelong learning, ECMS provides high-quality early learning and care for Victoria’s children, families, and communities. Following a period of strategic renewal, the organisation now stands on a foundation of operational excellence, financial strength and enhanced reputation. The path ahead is bright with emerging opportunities and potential for further impact.
The high performing, skills-based Board is planning for succession and renewal, and seek to appoint three new Board Directors, each with specific skills and expertise as outlined below.
- HR/IR – experienced in aligning workforce strategy with business goals; experienced leading cultural transformation and change management; deep understanding of employment law, union negotiations, and enterprise bargaining; ability to advise on workforce-related actions; is across current trends in talent attraction and retention, AI and automation’s impact on workforce planning, and DEI.
- Child safety – experienced in developing and overseeing child safety frameworks, policies, and investigations; familiar with child protection laws, mandatory reporting obligations, and regulatory compliance; may offer a trauma-informed perspective, recognising the impact of trauma and how to create safe environments; ideally has awareness of diverse backgrounds, including First Nations children and communities.
- First Nations – deep understanding of the historical and contemporary issues of First Nations Victorians; demonstrated commitment to improving social outcomes and delivery of social services to First Nations families.
As a Board Director of ECMS you are required to have strong governance experience, financial acumen and the ability to work collaboratively and constructively as part of a high-performing Board. These Board Director positions are remunerated and candidates are expected to have governance qualifications, from AICD or GIA or equivalent, with prior Board experience in highly regulated environments desirable. A commitment to child safety, ethical decision-making and the ability to bring an independent, strategic perspective to Board deliberations are essential.
Directors are appointed to the ECMS Board for a three-year term, with eligibility for reappointment, and are expected to actively contribute to Board and Committee meetings, strategy days and site visits.
The Organisation
Early Childhood Management Services Ltd (ECMS) has been a trusted provider of early childhood education and care for over 25 years. With a team of more than 1100 staff, ECMS operates 75 services across Greater Melbourne, all of which meet or exceed the National Quality Standard. As a child safe organisation, ECMS is committed to fostering lifelong learning and creating environments where children are safe, supported, and empowered to thrive.
To apply – click ‘Apply Now’, using reference ECMdir0925, addressing your cover letter and resume to Deborah Komesaroff, Partner or Andrew Broadbent, Talent Consultant, of Future Leadership™, or call 1300 347 437 for further information.
