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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