Strategy & Innovation Specialist

Strategy & Innovation Specialist

Niagara Falls Public Library

Full-time, Permanent (1 position available)

The Niagara Falls Public Library is seeking a Full-Time Strategy & Innovation Specialist to support the planning, implementation, and evaluation of services and strategic initiatives across the organization.

As a part of the Strategy, Innovation, and Communications department, the Strategy & Innovation Specialist fosters system-wide collaboration, organizational and operational efficiency, and evidence-based decision making. This role also helps to foster a responsive, forward-looking workplace culture centred around exceptional and impactful customer experiences.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy and Planning

• Supports the development and implementation of strategic priorities and tools, including annual work plans.
• Supports the planning, monitoring, and reporting of strategic initiatives and cross-functional projects. 
• Supports the coordination and tracking of service delivery priorities, initiatives, and operational plans. 
• Participates in the budget process by providing data, analysis, and operational insights to support strategic resource decisions.
• Monitors assigned budgets throughout the year.

Project Coordination

• Supports the coordination and implementation of strategic initiatives and cross-functional projects.
• Tracks project timelines, milestones, deliverables, and action items to support successful implementation and completion.
• Supports project documentation, reporting, and communication with internal stakeholders.
• Facilitates collaboration among departments to advance organizational priorities.

Statistics and Reporting

• Leads the collection and maintenance of system statistics.
• Prepares reports as required, including quarterly and annual reports to the Library Board.
• Ensures the effective operation and utilization of data feedback loops, including the data dashboard, to inform evidence-based decision making.
• Maintains organizational performance data and dashboards to support reporting, planning, and evidence-based decision making.

Evaluation

• Prepares and coordinates the deployment of surveys and other evaluation tools.
• Supports evaluation planning and survey design.
• Supports data analysis and data-based storytelling.
• Analyzes customer feedback, service data, and organizational insights to identify trends and opportunities for improvement. 

Continuous Improvement

• Identifies opportunities to collaboratively improve organizational practices and processes to meet evolving community demands.
• Proactively identifies service and operational challenges and opportunities and develops recommendations to improve services, processes, and organizational effectiveness. 
• Supports the implementation of service improvements arising from organizational insights, evaluation findings, and strategic priorities, and contributes to effective change management. 
• Supports the monitoring and documentation of improvement initiatives.
• Monitors and interprets operational and service trends, including those from other organizations, and identifies opportunities for adaptation and improvement.
• Stays up-to-date on professional and community knowledge, in order to enhance services.

Internal Communications

• Collaborates with the Communications team to develop and maintain efficient and effective internal communication flows.
• Acts as the liaison between management and staff through regular communication channels to relay policy, procedural and organizational updates, keeping everyone well-informed and maintaining system-wide consistency.
• Supports communication and collaboration across departments to support the successful implementation of strategic initiatives and organizational priorities. 

Leadership

• Collaborates with management and staff teams to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of system-wide library services, in order to fulfill the Library's strategic objectives.
• Provides project leadership, facilitation  and guidance to cross-functional team members as required
• Serves as a Person In Charge (PIC) as required.

Training and Support

• Supports the development and delivery of training, tools, resources, and guidance related to strategic initiatives, organizational processes, service improvements, and new systems.
• Supports staff understanding and adoption of organizational priorities, processes, and continuous improvement initiatives. 
• Shares accountability for ensuring a safe and respectful workplace.
• Other duties consistent with job responsibilities.

Skills, Knowledge & Training: 

• Post-secondary diploma in Library and Information Technician program or a combination of post-secondary education and relevant experience.
• A social science research background or experience in organizational development in the non-profit sector would be considered strong assets.
• Minimum of 3 years experience in a supervisory or managerial role with direct reports.
• 5 years' relevant experience in a customer service setting.
• Valid G-class License and access to a vehicle.
• Demonstrated expertise in applying supervisory principles to foster a high-performing work environment while optimizing resources and workflows through effective scheduling and planning.
• Demonstrated expertise in applying performance and behavioural management principles to foster a high-performing work environment.
• Demonstrated expertise with scheduling platforms and scheduling principles in order to optimize resources and workflows.
• Demonstrated ability to train and supervise staff in service excellence.
• Demonstrated familiarity with current technology.
• Key Competencies:
  • Superior communications
  • Commitment to outstanding customer service
  • Systems thinking
  • Data analysis
  • Planning and organization
  • Problem-solving/decision-making
  • Continuous learning
  • Innovativeness/Change management
  • Superior interpersonal skills
  • Leadership focus
  • Supervisory effectiveness
  • Technology - Level Three 

Workplace Environment:

The NFPL strives to be a workplace which fosters respect for all customers and co-workers, and requires employee commitment to the following:

• Adherence to the legal requirements of all levels of government, e.g. Health and Safety, Human Rights, Harassment, Freedom of Information and Privacy.
• Adherence to the policies and procedures of the Library which implement these requirements.
• Building and nurturing positive relationships among and with customers and colleagues.
• Culture of teamwork, collaboration and respectful feedback. 

Additional Details:

Position Type:

Permanent, Full-time

Wage:

$35.11-$41.07

Work Hours: 

35 hours per week (includes days, evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays).

Start Date:

September 2026

How to Apply:

Email your cover letter and resume detailing your qualifications to hr@nflibrary.ca. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Applications will be accepted until 4:30 PM, September 01, 2026.

Applicants must be eligible to work in Canada.

While we appreciate all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Niagara Falls Public Library is committed to providing accommodations in all aspects of the recruitment and hiring process under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

The Niagara Falls Public Library does not employ Artificial Intelligence (AI) as part of its recruitment process.