Assistant Director (Competition #FTE 26-21)

Cochrane Public Library (CPL) is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and solutions-oriented Assistant Director to bridge the Library’s organizational vision and day-to-day operations by leading and supporting staff, improving processes, and strengthening systems.

Reporting to and working in close partnership with the Library Director, this leadership role supports the effective operation and ongoing development of the Library and the implementation of its Strategic Plan and Plan of Service. The Assistant Director translates organizational priorities into effective action while fostering innovation and community engagement. The Assistant Director assumes full responsibility and authority for Library operations in the absence of the Library Director.

The ideal candidate brings a passion for connecting people, processes, and strategic priorities through collaborative problem-solving, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.  They demonstrate sound judgment, initiative, adaptability, and the ability to navigate complex or unexpected situations with professionalism and confidence.

As a member of the Library’s Leadership Team, the Assistant Director contributes to organizational strategy and decision-making, engages with the public and community partners, and directly supervises the Technical Services, Shelving, and Circulation (TSC) teams. Strong, collaborative communication is essential to building effective relationships and advancing shared priorities across the organization.

On-the-job training and opportunities for professional growth will be provided; however, candidates should demonstrate a solid foundation of technical skills and possess the required combination of skills, education, and experience.

A friendly demeanor, positive attitude, and willingness to take initiative are essential, as you represent CPL within our community and contribute to a fun, collaborative, and respectful workplace. We work as a team and practice our shared workplace values in all interactions with the public and with each other.

If you would like to work with us and think you are a good fit for this position, we would love to hear from you!

What we offer:

• Compensation: starting at $80,536 per year, based on qualifications and experience
• A comprehensive group benefits plan including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance, and more!
• Pension plan
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Professional development opportunities

  Major Duties & Responsibilities: 

• Provide leadership to unionized staff and working with the Leadership team in overall personnel administration
• Assist the Library Director with the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of Library services and collections
• Implement the Library’s communication strategies, including social media and other promotions
• Research and advise on latest developments and best practice in the delivery of Library services, policy issues and customer concerns
• Act as a strong and positive advocate for the Library and its services, and foster relationships within the community
• Demonstrate vision, innovation, creativity, and being a champion for change when such is in the best interests of meeting the Library’s mission and Plan of Service
• Assist with the professional management of all services the Library provides

Personnel Administration:

• Schedule all staff, as well as supervise and coordinate the work of the TSC staff while providing ongoing support through mentoring, coaching, and training
• Assist the Library Director and Human Resources in the recruitment and ongoing evaluation of TSC staff; overseeing annual review process for all unionized staff under their supervision
• Inform the Library Director and Human Resources of any significant personnel issues that require further investigation or potential disciplinary action
• Ensure that all unionized staff receive ongoing training in all aspects of library service that are relevant to their role, either by personally facilitating in-house or arranging for training from other staff or third parties
• Participate in Joint Health & Safety Committee meetings in the Library Director’s absence
• Have a working knowledge and familiarity with the current Collective Agreement for unionized staff as it relates to their various duties and be comfortable addressing questions from staff or directing staff to the agreement as necessary
• Recruit, schedule and supervise volunteers in accordance with the Collective Agreement

Budget:

• Work closely with the Leadership Team to monitor the union staff operating budget and using this budget as a tool in contributing to staffing and scheduling decisions
• Assist the Library Director in fund development initiatives, including but not limited to, fundraising, grants, donor solicitation, and corporate sponsorships

Outreach:

• Act as an advocate and/or liaison with community partners and local businesses
• Collaborate with the Program and Engagement Manager and Outreach Services Manager on outreach initiatives, including the development, scheduling, and delivery of off-site programs, using the Strategic Planand Plan of Service as a guide
• Research and write grant applications to support outreach and service delivery
• Evaluate the success of all outreach initiatives using outcome-based assessment and utilize evaluation results to support further recommendations

Collection Development:

• Assist the Library Director in the development and maintenance of the collection, using evidence-based assessment strategies to meet community needs

Advocacy, Public Relations, and Communications: 

• Implement the Library’s communication strategies, including the development and oversight of social media and other promotions
• Actively participating in library associations and allied organizations
• Stay current regarding library services, trends, changes, and issues
• Maintain positive relationships and working collaboratively with Town departments, library organizations and community groups and organizations
• Plan, develop, and implement active public relations aimed at the media, elected officials, and the community at large
• Represent the Library at community functions/meetings and speaking before community, civic, and other groups regarding the objectives and activities of the Library, presenting a positive and professional image of the organization

Education and Experience Required:  

• Master’s degree from an American Library Association accredited program in library and information studies or recognized equivalent (MLIS, MIS, or MLS)
• Minimum 2 years of public library experience working as a Librarian in a supervisory role

Abilities & Skills Required for Success:

• Demonstrated ability to plan, implement and manage organizational change and growth
• Well-developed verbal communication and interpersonal skills to foster collaboration and partnerships with staff, patrons and community stakeholders
• Adaptability in a dynamic and changing environment with a strong desire to learn
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team setting as well as independently with minimal supervision
• Proven ability to provide leadership to library staff in a supervisory role and address challenging or unexpected situations in a professional and appropriate manner
• Self-motivated, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing to ensure all related deadlines are met
• Understanding of basic strategic and financial planning/budgeting as it relates to libraries
• Experienced in performing research and report writing
• Technological proficiency including in the use of Microsoft Office Suite and online resources

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver’s licence and must be able to use own personal vehicle in performance of duties; ability to satisfy insurance requirements.
• Driver’s Abstract
• Fluency in verbal and written English
• Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check from the Police Service

Physical Demands & Working Conditions:

• Lifting and pushing up to 30 lbs of library materials
• Ability to squat, kneel, bend, raise arms above shoulders, read small print
• Repetitive hand movement for extended periods of time
• Standing for extended periods of time
• Concentrated sensory attention is required to ensure accuracy
• Works at off-site locations, independently, as required

Schedule: This is a full-time position with 40 hours per week and will include day, evening, and weekend shifts to accommodate Library events and programs, and community events.

Start date: To be determined