Executive Director - Canadian Urban Libraries Council/Conseil des Bibliothèques Urbaines du Canada (CULC/CBUC)

JOB POSTING FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Title: Executive Director

Organization Name Canadian Urban Libraries Council/Conseil des Bibliothèques Urbaines du Canada (CULC/CBUC)

Industry Urban Public Libraries
Jurisdiction National
Location Remote within Canada
Organization Overview / Background Members of the Canadian Urban Libraries Council/Conseil des Bibliothèques Urbaines du Canada represent nearly 60 of the largest public library systems in Canada, along with Library and Archives Canada and Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Quebec. Formally incorporated in 2008, CULC/CBUC has worked to support its members in providing excellent library service in Canada’s urban areas for more than 25 years.

CULC/CBUC is committed to strengthening Canada’s vibrant communities by building the capacity urban libraries. Its members, represented by each library’s Chief Librarian/CEO, collectively service more than 8 million active users who annually visit 723 locations and virtual services. More than 77% of all Canadians are served by a CULC/CBUC member library.

CULC’s mission is to facilitate advocacy, collaboration, and research that
strengthens and promotes the value of Canada’s urban libraries. We envision a country where urban libraries are recognized as integral to a vibrant democracy, a strong economy, and thriving communities.

Our areas of concentration are research and knowledge transfer, advocacy and capacity building, and organizational resiliency. Our organization is likewise opportunity-driven—we seek out and are receptive to partnership opportunities that will advance the Canadian urban library experience.

Position / Responsibilities Working in close collaboration with the Board of Directors and the membership, the Executive Director is responsible for leading strategic and operational planning, organizational and financial management, program development, member services, advocacy, and external relationship building for CULC/CBUC.

The Executive Director oversees the operations and sustainability of CULC/CBUC, forging strong relationships with member libraries and relevant library partners, government, employees and contractual service providers, media, and the public. An Administrative Officer/Event Coordinator reports to this position.

The new Executive Director will have the opportunity to tell CULC/CBUC’s
story and to communicate the impact of urban public libraries with communities and individuals across Canada.

CULC/CBUC has an annual budget of approximately $400,000 and is governed by a five-member Board of Directors. Revenue sources include membership and program fees.

This position is fully remote, although some travel on a periodic
basis is required.

We seek an innovative, thoughtful, and visionary leader to succeed our current Executive Director who is retiring after a highly successful tenure.

Candidate Requirements The ideal candidate will have senior leadership experience of increasing responsibility in a not-for-profit environment, demonstrating capacities and skills relevant to the position, including:

• An understanding of the role of public libraries and a deep commitment to
• intellectual freedom.
o Direct leadership experience in libraries and/or related GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums) sectors is an asset.
• Knowledge and experience with board governance, government and media relations, organizational finances,
• Demonstrated experience in labour relations, public/private partnerships, and membership engagement.
• A collaborative and approachable leadership style with the ability to delegate, and a high degree of integrity.
• High level oral and written communication skills and the confidence to represent and champion CULC/CBUC to a variety of audiences and in multiple settings. Being fully bilingual is an asset.
• Demonstrated political acumen, tact, diplomacy, strategic thinking, and patience required to negotiate and manage change successfully.
• Strong technical skills. Experience working and leading in a virtual environment is an asset.
• A degree in Business Administration, Public Administration or Library Science.

To view the full Position Profile, including more information about CULC/CBUC, please visit Executive Director Posting

Salary Range $125,000- $150,000
Deadline for Applications Friday, October 16, 2026 @ 11:59PM
Start Date Negotiable, targeting on or before February 1, 2027.
Search & Application Process Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

If you wish to be considered for the role, please email your cover letter, resume and a list of three professional references to:
Margaret Genovese
Senior Partner
Genovese Vanderhoof & Associates
Toronto
gvamargaret@aol.com
Thank you once again for your interest.

The CULC/CBUC employment practices are consistent with all federal and provincial legislation. We take to promote equal opportunity in all aspects of employment for all qualified persons, regardless of their race, creed, color, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, or veteran status.
GENOVESE VANDERHOOF & ASSOCIATES
A Cultural Management Consulting Firm
1103-77 Carlton Street
Toronto, ON M5B 2J7