Expressions of Interest

Early Childhood Engagement Officer

NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Inc.

The NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Inc. (NSW AECG) is looking for a highly motivated well organised person to join our Secretariat team.

The NSW AECG Inc. is a non-profit Aboriginal community-controlled organisation that provides advice on all matters relevant to education and training, with the mandate that this advice represents the Aboriginal community viewpoint. The NSW AECG promotes respect, empowerment and self-determination and believes the process of collaborative consultation is integral to equal partnership and is fundamental to the achievement of equality. The NSW AECG advocates cultural affirmation, integrity, and the pursuit of equality to ensure that the unique and diverse identity of Aboriginal students is recognised and valued.

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Position Description:

The Early Childhood Community Engagement Officer (ECCEO) roles support the NSW AECG Secretariat to action NSW Aboriginal community objectives that support families to access culturally safe Early Childhood Education (ECE) centres. The ECCEOs will support the NSW AECG’s Local and Regional Network to address matters of importance regarding the ECE sector. The role will be focussed on the ECE sector within their allocated regions. Within this location, the ECCEO will also work directly with families, Early Childhood Centres, and relevant stakeholder organisations to support collaboration, engagement, and outcomes within the ECE sector.

Success in these roles will result in strengthening the Early Childhood Education sector and, in turn, improve education outcomes for NSW Aboriginal communities. The position reports directly to NSW AECG Lead Early Childhood Education Officer.

Locations:

Multiple opportunities are available with flexible locations

Contract and Salary:

This new role will be full time – 35 hours per week. A two-year contract will be offered to the successful candidate, with the possibility of an extension. Salary range is between $70,000 to $90,000 per annum based on demonstrated and proven experience. Excludes superannuation and other eligible allowances.

Please forward a cover letter and expression of interest which addresses all the essential position criteria outlined on page two, along with your resume to:

Bella Gordon, Lead Early Childhood Education Officer - NSW AECG Inc. 37 Cavendish Street, Stanmore NSW 2048

Position Criteria (Essential):

  • Aboriginality (identified position under Section 14 (d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977)

  • Relevant Early Childhood Qualifications

  • Knowledge of NSW AECG and its purpose, governance structures, and core objectives

  • Knowledge of issues impacting the quality of ECE for Aboriginal communities

  • Demonstrated time management and organisational skills

  • Experience working closely with Aboriginal communities and ability to maintain community connections and partnerships

  • NSW Driver's Licence and willingness to travel within NSW and interstate if required

  • Current NSW Working with Children Check clearance and National Criminal History Check or willingness to obtain

  • Experience within the Early Childhood Sector; including demonstrated understanding of EYLF, NQF, ACECQA guidelines, and QARS

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, building relationships with stakeholders

  • Proficient literacy and IT skills for written reports, including familiarity with Microsoft Teams

  • Commitment to ongoing professional development and remaining up to date on relevant research and policies in early learning and community engagement.

Position Criteria (Desired):

  • Active involvement in the local AECG network

Key Responsibilities/Accountabilities:

  • Engage with early education services, including private, community, department, and playgroups, to promote and support cultural capacity, knowledge, and inclusion

  • Develop partnerships with Aboriginal Education Officers in preschools to enhance cultural understanding and inclusivity within these settings

  • Enhance community service knowledge by identifying and promoting available referral pathways and programs that benefit Aboriginal children and families in early learning

  • Establish connections between relevant stakeholders to build collaboration

  • Participate in and/or facilitate professional learning opportunities, such as Connecting to Country programs, to continually enhance knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture and history

  • Support and connect early education services to local Language and Culture Nests

  • Facilitate connections between early education services and local AECG networks, ensuring ongoing collaboration and support within the Aboriginal community

  • Deliver professional learning sessions to early education services, focusing on cultural awareness, inclusivity, and best practices for supporting Aboriginal children and families

  • Provide relevant support to Aboriginal families navigating the early education system, including enrolment and transition to school

  • The position reports directly to the NSW AECG’s Lead, Early Childhood.