St. Albert Public Library - Chief Executive Officer

St. Albert Public Library

The Role – Chief Executive Officer

Reporting to the Library Board, the CEO provides overall leadership, responsible for the operational and financial management of the Library, including planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of all Library programs and services. Advances the Library’s strategic direction in a manner that reflects the Library’s mission, vision and values. Secretary and advisor to the Board. Primary representative to the community, media and all levels of government, including the City.

Key Accountabilities

Board Support

• Develops and recommends strategic directions, plans, goals and policies to the Board.
• Supports the Board in strategic planning that ensures the ongoing delivery of high-quality library programs and services.
• Accountable for the implementation of Board policies.
• Reports regularly to the Board on operations, policy and service issues, fiscal challenges.
• Functions as Executive Secretary to the Board to support efficient and effective Board functions.

Leadership

• Provides overall leadership, responsible for the operational and financial management of the Library, including planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of all Library programs and services.
• Provides vision and guidance to library staff, Board members and the community.
• Leads and empowers employees in delivering effective, high-quality library services.
• Leads in implementing Board policies and advising the Board on professional, technical and fiscal issues.
• Champions intellectual freedom and safeguards free access to information.

Administration

• Plans, organizes and directs the operation of the Library to ensure a high level of service that meets the community’s needs.
• Responsible for ensuring that the Library is staffed with skilled and appropriately trained staff.
• Leads supervisors and their staff through supervision, support and mentoring to achieve annual goals.
• Reviews and makes decisions about policy and program recommendations by staff.
• Accountable for the development and coordination of the Library’s fundraising efforts.
• Coordinates the preparation of grant proposals and funding applications to support programs and services.

Fiscal Management

• Prepares an annual operating budget for review and decision by the Board and presentation to Council.
• Accountable for financial management and stewardship of all Library revenues and expenditures in accordance with the approved annual budget (approx. $4.5 million in 2021).
• Develops and maintains sound financial management and an information system that provides the Board with reliable, timely information for decision-making.
• Promotes and justifies the Library’s financial needs to funding authorities.
• Develops strategies to ensure budget resources are used to achieve strategic goals.

Community Relations

• Liaises with government, including the City, the Friends of the Library, other libraries and library organizations.
• Cultivates a strong working relationship with council and administration.
• Builds community support for the library. Interprets Library programs, services and needs to the community.
• Develops and encourages strategic partnerships with community organizations.
• Represents the Library at national and provincial conferences and on provincial committees and associations.
• Leads public participation and consultation to ensure open communication with the community.
• Accountable for compliance with all legislative requirements for grants, services, projects, and charitable status.

The Person

The ideal candidate is a passionate advocate for the role of libraries in making communities better, a believer in the power of the written word and an enthusiastic people person.

The candidate will hold an ALA-accredited Master of Library and Information Science degree and possess a minimum of ten years of professional library experience, including at least five years in a management capacity. Additional education or training in management and financial administration would be a considerable asset. The successful candidate will demonstrate a sound knowledge of library automated systems and electronic resources, along with a proven ability to plan, implement, and manage organizational change. Strong skills in strategic and financial planning, facilitation, and mediation are essential, as is the ability to interpret and apply relevant legislation and regulations with confidence and accuracy.

Competencies and Personal Characteristics

Communication: Demonstrates excellent writing, listening, and verbal skills, ensuring clear, respectful, and effective interactions with a wide range of audiences. Communicates in a transparent and professional manner that fosters trust and collaboration.

Relationship Building: Possesses strong skills in developing and maintaining effective partnerships with community organizations, municipal stakeholders, board members, and staff. Builds relationships rooted in respect, mutual benefit, and a shared commitment to community service.

Collaboration: Exhibits well-developed communication and interpersonal skills to support a collaborative working environment. Encourages teamwork and values diverse perspectives to drive innovative, community-focused outcomes.

Negotiation and Conflict Management: Brings strong negotiation skills, diplomacy, and conflict resolution abilities to address differing viewpoints and find common ground. Applies tact and discretion to resolve issues while protecting organizational integrity and advancing library objectives.

Strategic Leadership: Provides visionary and strategic leadership, with the capacity to plan, implement, and manage organizational change effectively. Aligns resources, people, and priorities to achieve long-term goals while remaining responsive to community needs and requirements.

Financial and Legislative Acumen: Demonstrates knowledge of financial planning, budgetary processes, and public-sector legislation and regulations. Applies this understanding to ensure compliance and to safeguard the library’s long-term sustainability.

Technical Proficiency: Possesses sound knowledge of library automated systems and electronic resources, with the ability to evaluate and adopt emerging technologies to enhance service delivery.