This is an opportunity to lead Play Matters Quality & Practice team and the implementation of the FY 26/27 Quality Plan. This role is also responsible for leading delivery operations for key Inclusion programs PlayConnect+ and MyTime.

As a key leadership position at Play Matters, the Senior Program Manager Quality & Practice works alongside Service Delivery Managers and the General Manager Service Delivery to strategically lead the high-quality practice of Play Matters programs and service. This is a highly collaborative role with key responsibilities for leading continuous improvement and process improvements. 

Your New Role
Hybrid or remote full-time, fixed-term role for 76 hours per fortnight from November 2026 until May 2027 as a maternity leave backfill.

• Advocacy and Leadership: Advocate for Play Matters vision, mission, and strategy by providing leadership to direct reports and the external community/sector. Adopt a leadership style in alignment with PMA’s Leadership strategy and values.
• Operational Management: Oversee the program lifecycle, including development, implementation, and closure. Manage stakeholder expectations to ensure high-quality outcomes. Plan, direct, and coordinate regional projects and activities, ensuring all reporting obligations are met to a high standard.
• Continuous Improvement and Innovation: Lead the analysis and implementation of systems and processes for streamlined reporting and data collection. Develop program resources such as quality frameworks, program logics, and practice manuals in line with best practice and evidence-based practices.
• People Management: Inspire and manage team members, including recruitment, onboarding, training, and regular supervision to ensure compliance with program guidelines.
• Networking and Partnerships: Proactively engage with stakeholders, develop and maintain effective partnerships, and promote PMA within the local community.
• Compliance and Administration: Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, manage administrative tasks, and oversee the collection and maintenance of accurate data.
• Workplace Health & Safety (WH&S): Lead by example to contribute to a workplace environment and culture that adheres to WH&S legislation and advocate for child-safe practices and principles.
• Budget Management Support: Assist general managers with budget management of programs as delegated, including preparing budget submissions and ensuring financial compliance.
• Funding and Professional Development: Collaborate with the General Manager Service Delivery and other stakeholders to secure funding opportunities. Maintain professional knowledge through conferences, literature, and seminars.

Your Skills Profile

• Qualifications and Experience: Bachelor's or postgraduate degree in early childhood, community development, disability, family support, or related fields and/or experience working with families from diverse backgrounds, leading teams across multiple portfolios, and managing geographically dispersed teams.
• Operational Management: Proven experience in operational management, implementing strategic business plans, and developing programs, practice guides, and evaluations.
• Networking: Strong ability to network and build sustainable relationships within the sector.
• Compliance: Holds or is eligible to hold a valid Working with Children Check.

Our recruitment process for shortlisted candidates:

1. A telephone interview

2. A face-to-face interview and,

3. Two reference checks from previous managers (with one from your most recent manager). 

If you have any questions regarding this role, please email them to General Manager Service Delivery, Julia Oreopoulos joreopoulos@playmatters.org.au

Play Matters Australia is currently recruiting for a Early Childhood Practitioner to support the delivery of the Pathways to Early Learning and Development (PELD) program in partnership with Mercy Community Services.

This is a part-time, fixed-term role with 51 hours per fortnight from September 2026 to 31 December 2027. 

Your Key Duties

• Organise and plan activities to achieve program outcomes, ensuring alignment with early childhood frameworks and funder specifications.
• Create an inclusive and welcoming environment for families and children, enhancing participant engagement during sessions.
• Develop and delivers session material that is relevant to group needs and interests, moderating sessions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Communicate with parents about their children's specific needs within the program's scope, maintaining professional boundaries and directing families to appropriate resources as needed.
• Collaborates with partnering organisations and monitor program deliverables, including stakeholder engagement, time, and budget, to ensure alignment with program outcomes and continuous improvement.

Your Skills Profile

• Diploma in Early Childhood Education (minimum), with a preference for a degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
• Experience in group facilitation that requires the ability to model positive strength-based strategies
• Experience working with families from varying social and cultural backgrounds is desirable
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Holds or is eligible to hold a Working with Children Check

If you have any questions regarding this role, please reach out to Ainsley Walker (awalker@playmatters.rog.au) using the subject line: Early Childhood Practitioner enquiry.