CEO/Chief Librarian

JOB POSTING
CEO/CHIEF LIBRARIAN
St. Thomas Public Library
St. Thomas, Ontario

Our Library
St. Thomas Public Library is a fearlessly creative organization that is determined to surprise our community with new and interesting collections, programs, and services. We belong to the residents of St. Thomas and community connection is at the core of all that we do. In fact, “We Connect” is our mission statement and we strive to connect our users to resources, opportunities, and to one another. We aim not only to be a resource to those seeking to consume information, but also a host to those looking to create and share their own ideas and expressions. We benefit from the support of a forward-thinking Library Board and we are well positioned as a close partner with the broader strategic vision of the City of St. Thomas. It’s an exciting time for St. Thomas, as an updated economic report projects that the City’s population is projected to grow from 43,000 to about 80,000 by 2051.

St. Thomas Public Library is seeking an inspiring, passionate, forward thinking leader with demonstrated expertise in building strong teams, developing strategic partnerships, and providing exceptional public service.

Position Summary
Working in accordance with the directives of the St. Thomas Public Library Board, the CEO/Chief Librarian will provide strong leadership, strategy, and direction to a team of talented library professionals. This position will plan, organize, and direct all elements of St. Thomas Public Library operations to deliver on strategic objectives and organizational goals through innovative approaches and exceptional service to St. Thomas’ growing and diverse community.

Key Responsibilities
Strategy and Leadership
•Lead the development and implementation of strategic plans and ensure that work plans, programs, and services are aligned with organizational objectives and changes in legislation
•Act as a trusted advisor to the St. Thomas Public Library Board, providing advice, insight, and recommendations that support the effective management and growth of the organization, programs, and service excellence
•Direct the long-range planning processes for the library within the framework established by the Board and ensure ongoing assessment and analysis of St. Thomas Public Library operations and activities, supporting the evolving needs of the community, and promoting continuous improvement in the delivery of programs and services
•Leverage strong change leadership skills and champion innovative and creative library service excellence to provide inclusive and accessible spaces that best position St. Thomas Public Library as a vital community resource in a rapidly growing and diverse community
•Provide guidance, coaching, and leadership to staff, cultivating a positive organizational culture, effective employee/labour relations, and an environment of ongoing learning, safety, respect, and inclusivity

Operational Effectiveness
•Oversee all operational areas ensuring policies, processes, procedures, resources, services, and facilities are effectively managed and aligned to optimize the efficient delivery of business objectives
•Develop and oversee operating and capital budgets and be accountable for the effective fiscal management of the library within the established parameters
•Provide regular financial reporting to the Board ensuring accuracy, transparency, and timeliness of all financial accounting and reporting requirements
•Apprise the Board of trends and changes in the internal and external environment that may impact the library’s financial or service needs
•Proactively assess and pursue funding opportunities from a variety of sources to enhance service delivery and develop new programs
•Collaborate with the City of St. Thomas on various capital projects, including renovations, expansions, and new library facilities, in coordination with the Board, community stakeholders, or other project partners
•Attend Board meetings and present reports/recommendations pertaining to the operations of the library; perform Secretary/Treasurer role on the Board

Collaboration and Partnerships
•Develop and maintain key partnerships with a variety of stakeholders, community groups, organizations, and agencies
•Identify collaboration/partnership opportunities with the City of St. Thomas and maintain effective working relationships with the Board, City staff, Council, and other government agencies
•Participate in local, provincial, and national public library activities by representing St. Thomas Public Library and advancing the objectives and activities of the St. Thomas Public Library system

Education and Experience
•Master of Library Science from an American Library Association accredited institution
•10 years of relevant management experience, including at a senior level within a public library
•Creative and innovative with a growth-driven and solution-oriented mindset
•Able to demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and the maintenance of positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders
•Experience managing budgets, including effective financial control
•Experience in, or knowledge of, management and planning of facilities
•Demonstrated efforts in collaboration, strategic, and change leadership, inspiring others to strive for excellence and lead with respect, integrity, and fairness
•Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills; comfortable with managing media and public relations
•Ability to exercise political acuity
•Experience managing in a unionized environment an asset

The job description for this position may be found here: stthomaspubliclibrary.ca/career-opportunities

Salary and Benefits

Annual Salary Range: This position offers a salary range of $128,616 - $156,335 (2025) based on a 35-hour work week and includes a competitive benefit package.

The successful candidate will provide a satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Screen.