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General Manager - Australian Child Care Alliance - Queensland

About Australian Child Care Alliance Queensland (ACA QLD)

ACA QLD is the peak not-for-profit body representing more than 900 Approved Providers across the state. From our Springwood office we champion quality, affordability and long-term viability for children, families and early learning services. We also operate the College for Australian Early Childhood Educators (CAECE), a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) dedicated to growing the next generation of educators.

The opportunity

Reporting to, and working in partnership with, a passionate volunteer Management Committee, the General Manager will:

  • Deliver high-value member services – listen to our Approved Providers, anticipate needs, and provide timely guidance, resources and forums that help their businesses thrive.
  • Lead sector advocacy – support the Board to craft and execute evidence-based advocacy at local, state, and federal levels, securing sustainable policy and funding outcomes for ECEC.
  • Steer CAECE (our RTO) – ensure compliant, high-quality, future-focused training that meets workforce demand.
  • Oversee projects & tenders – manage multiple state / federal contracts from bid to delivery, on time and on budget.
  • Strengthen relationships – be our trusted voice with government, regulators, media, and key stakeholders.
  • Inspire our people – coach a small, committed team and embed a collaborative, purpose-led culture.
  • Safeguard governance & risk – own budgets, compliance, reporting, and continuous improvement.

About you

You are a strategic, hands-on leader who thrives in a member-based, mission-driven environment and can juggle advocacy, commercial acumen, and operational detail, while working collaboratively with the management committee.

Essential attributes

  • Senior leadership success (GM/CEO/Director) in NFP, association, peak body, or similar context.
  • Demonstrated ability to deliver value-adding member programs or services.
  • Proven experience shaping and implementing advocacy or policy initiatives with government.
  • Track record managing complex projects, contracts, budgets, and tenders.
  • Strength in governance, budgeting, and risk management.
  • Outstanding relationship-building, influencing and communication skills, including experience partnering with a volunteer board.
  • Inspiring people manager who uplifts teams and lives the organisation’s values.

Desirable

  • Knowledge of the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and/or early childhood education and care (ECEC) sectors.
  • Familiarity with state/federal grant acquittal and reporting requirements.

Why join us?

  • Purpose with impact – directly support providers and influence policy that shapes outcomes for thousands of children.
  • Collaborative culture – partner with a supportive volunteer Board and passionate staff.
  • Flexibility – family-friendly hours, hybrid options and salary-packaging benefits.
  • Autonomy – freedom to innovate and drive initiatives that strengthen the sector.

Ready to make a real difference?

Click Apply with your résumé and cover letter addressing:

  1. How you have delivered meaningful value to members or stakeholders.
  2. A recent example of leading successful advocacy or a complex government tender.
  3. Your vision for strengthening the viability of Queensland’s ECEC services.

Confidential enquiries are welcome. Contact Majella Fitzsimmons (President) acaqldpresident@childcarealliance.org.au


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