Executive Director

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ASSOCIATION OF BC PUBLIC LIBRARY DIRECTORS

The Association of BC Public Library Directors (ABCPLD) is seeking a contractor to provide part-time Executive Director services. This role requires strong leadership instincts and is supported by established infrastructure, clear processes, and a contractor handling administrative and bookkeeping tasks. With a solid foundation already in place, there’s an opportunity to bring new ideas and direction to the work.

ABCPLD is an executive association of the library directors who lead public libraries across British Columbia. ABCPLD also provides organized representation to both provincial and federal governments on behalf of library administration, representing the shared interests of public libraries’ leaders. ABCPLD hosts virtual and in person events for library directors to connect, generate ideas, and collaborate with one another. ABCPLD also provides professional development sessions on topics of high interest to the membership, and is responsible for the annual Award of Excellence to recognize outstanding leadership in library advocacy, innovation and contribution to the library community.  

The Executive Director serves as the central point of contact for the organization and supports the purposes of the organization through planning, administration, communication, financial management and Board and community relations. The Executive Director works closely with the Board (made up of 3 BC library directors) and oversees at minimum 1 contracted role: a part time Bookkeeping and Administrative Assistant who works 5 hours a week. 

The Executive Director interacts with senior library executives, government representatives, elected officials, leadership of sector organizations and members of the library community, and adapts to a wide range of leadership styles and to diverse opinions, while moving the interests of public library directors forward.

This role is an exciting leadership position to strengthen sector relationships and support public library leadership across the province, contributing to not only strengthened public library service, but stronger, more resilient communities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Board Liaison:

• Serves as a central point of contact for the association and works with the Chair to assist in strategic planning, problem-solving, and completion of deliverables
• Manages and nurtures key relationships, including government representatives, partner organizations, and media
• Represents the organization at meetings with federal library partners including CFLA, provincial library partners including BCLA, BCLTA , BC Libraries Co-Op, and B.C. Library Federations throughout the year
• Plays a key role at the advocacy table with the BC Public Library Partners
• Plans, manages, and participates in external events such as UBCM

Communications:

• Deploys an effective and thorough communication strategy to deliver and receive information to and from member libraries
• Develops communication materials to advance public library interests to provincial and local audiences
• Develops and manages the ABCPLD communications plan; managing all external communications to government, stakeholders and the public
• Conducts research, prepares surveys and analyzes data for communications, strategic planning, project planning, financial planning and administrative project plans

Operations and Project Management:

• Applies superior project management skills to define initiatives with limited starting information, create a plan, and execute it
• Demonstrates solid business acumen and competency in identifying, synthesizing, and analyzing complex information to brief the board
• Drives the creation of necessary strategic materials
• Recognizes, anticipates, and resolves organizational, operational or process challenges
• Plans and manages ABCPLD business meetings and professional development sessions
• Facilitates informal meetings of the membership for information sharing purposes
• Actively listens to its members, identifying ways ABC can support their leadership through learning, connection and organized resources
• Coordinates professional development and guest speakers to attend member events

Financial Administration:

• Works with the Bookkeeper to ensure timely submission and management of Accounts payables and receivables
• Works with the Bookkeeper and Board Treasurer to develop annual budgets and reports

The Executive Director evolves the position to meet the ongoing and changing needs of the organization.

The Executive Director demonstrates:

• Leadership instincts to navigate change, problem solve, collaborate, and advance the organization;
• Strong communication skills, oral and written
• Proven diplomacy and consensus building skills
• Effective project management skills
• Evidence-based, analytical decision maker with research and evaluation skills
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of internal and external contacts
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and to exercise initiative
• Experience in website content management

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated leadership experience 
• A passion for public libraries
• Experience in the sector, or a commitment to learn, in order to effectively work with sector leadership and represent their interests
• Reside in British Columbia
• Public Library Director experience would be an asset
• Government relations experience and knowledge of provincial practices preferred
• Experience working with associations/non-profits beneficial

This contract  is part-time, approximately 14 hours a week with additional hours available based on project funding. 

This position is primarily a remote work position and applicants from across BC are encouraged to apply. Occasional travel within British Columbia at the organization’s expense may be required.

Current Annual Contract: $41,387 ($56.85/hour)