At Young Academics, children’s safety and wellbeing sit at the heart of everything we do. We’re seeking an experienced Child Safety Officer to play a critical leadership role in shaping and strengthening child safe practice across our network of 50+ early learning centres. This is a rare opportunity to combine strategic influence with hands-on impact, working closely with the Head of Operations while remaining highly engaged with Centre Managers and educators across the business.

About the Role

As Child Safety Officer, you will:

• Lead and champion a proactive Child Safe culture across our Centre network

• Partner with senior leaders to drive the organisation’s child safety strategy

• Mentor and support Centre Managers to embed best-practice child safe behaviours

• Provide expert guidance on Child Safe Standards, Mandatory Reporting and the NSW Reportable Conduct Scheme

• Design and deliver child safety training for leaders and educators

• Support the organisation’s response to child safety matters and regulatory requirements

• Act as a trusted liaison with external regulators and key stakeholders

This role is both strategic and practical — ideal for a child safety professional who enjoys influencing at senior levels while staying connected to frontline practice.

About You

You are a credible, values-driven leader with:

• Strong knowledge of the National Quality Framework, Child Safe Standards and relevant legislation

• Experience mentoring leaders and driving cultural change across multiple sites

• Excellent communication skills and sound professional judgement

• A proactive, prevention-focused approach to risk and continuous improvement

• Confidence operating in a complex, fast-paced environment

Qualifications & Requirements

• Early Childhood qualification (ACECQA approved) – desirable

• Accredited Child Protection Training

• Valid NSW Working with Children Check

• NSW Driver’s Licence, own vehicle and willingness to travel to centre network

• Experience in regulatory, government, law enforcement, or child protection environments – highly regarded

Why Join Young Academics?

• Make a genuine impact on child safety and wellbeing at scale

• Work in a senior, trusted advisory role with real influence

• Be part of a values-driven organisation committed to best practice

• Enjoy a collaborative, supportive leadership environment

If you are passionate about child safety and ready to influence practice at both a strategic and operational level, we’d love to hear from you.