District Manager

Halifax Public Libraries invites applications for the full-time, permanent position of District Manager for the Basin District.

Halifax Public Libraries is an inclusive employer committed to employment equity and building a diverse workforce. We encourage all qualified persons to apply and self-identify. We will accommodate applicants’ needs under the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process. If you require an accommodation, we will confidentially address your needs. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direction of the Senior District Manager of the Basin District, the District Manager works collaboratively to ensure community’s needs are reflected in the services and programming provided, and a culture of innovation and care exists across the Basin District. They collaborate on the development of service, programming and community engagement priorities for the entire region.

While the District Manager will support service across all four branches of the district, their office will be located at the Sackville Public Library. On a weekly basis, they may be required to travel to the other Basin District Library locations.

Service Excellence:

• Responsible for service excellence for the Basin District branches
• Provides direction to develop and deliver branch services
• Identifies and executes plans to improve service delivery
• Manages and resolves complex service issues
• Manages relationships with key contacts and community partners
• In collaboration with other Managers, develops and leads regional branch service initiatives and sets branch service direction for the organization
• Responsible for one or more regional portfolios that support service excellence and innovation

District Programming:

• Works with the community to identify needs, gathering and analyzing information
• Collaborates with teams and departments to develop programs in response to community needs
• Manages program development, implementation and evaluation across the district
• Builds a strong team environment, working closely with the Senior District Manager who sets the overall direction, District Branch Services Leads and Specialists
• Develops strategic programming partnerships and builds networks with relevant local organizations

Staffing Excellence: 

• Supports District and system-wide collaboration by communicating the Library’s strategy, priorities and objectives, service model, and core values to all Basin District staff
• Hires, develops, and coaches Leads and Specialists, including 1-4 direct reports
• Collaborates with the Senior District Manager and Human Resources team to resolve complex HR issues, develop learning and development plans and initiatives, and support the wellness, health and safety of staff
• Upholds a respectful workplace where diversity is valued and where individuals are treated with dignity and respect

Assessment and Evaluation:

• Identifies issues, solves problems, and designs and implements effective processes throughout the District and on system-wide teams
• Makes informed decisions and measures achievements by analyzing data and information

Accountability

• Holds self and teams accountable to work well together and achieve results
• Supports the Senior District Manager in overseeing the district budgets
• Develops grant applications, monitors grant funds and prepares reports
• Supports and shows leadership by working to health and safety standards, following health and safety policies and procedures and encouraging colleagues to work to the same standards by reporting incidents, hazardous conditions and improvement possibilities

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Graduate Degree in Library Science, Information or another Human Services Field plus two (2) years of related experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience

Specific Knowledge & Technical Experience Required:

• Excellent communication and facilitation skills. Able to read and write in English
• Demonstrated conflict resolution and customer service skills
• Strong team and project leadership skills
• Experience in program planning and delivery
• Experience in community engagement
• Demonstrated leadership experience and ability to provide instruction, coaching, training and performance management
• Proficient computer knowledge and skills

TRAVEL
The job requires travel between our various library branches and community sites within the Halifax Regional Municipality. A driver’s license and/or access to reliable transportation is necessary.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Serving with Care
• Respect for Diversity, Welcome and Value Inclusion
• Learning and Growth Mindset
• Communication
• Resilience

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

• Strategic thinking
• Resource Management
• Leading and Developing Others
• Accountability

Screening of candidates will begin on December 9, 2025; however, the posting will stay open until the position has been filled. We thank you for your interest in employment with Halifax Public Libraries, however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.