Strategic Communications and Outreach Librarian

Situated at the University of Victoria Libraries and Art Collections, on the territory of the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Xʷsepsəm/Esquimalt) Peoples on whose territory the university stands, and the Lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day, the Strategic Communications and Outreach Librarian (SCOL) provides strategic leadership and coordination for communications, relationship-building, and development initiatives across the University of Victoria Libraries and Art Collections.

Situated within the Office of the University Librarian, this position plays a central role in advancing ethical, community-centred approaches to knowledge dissemination, storytelling, and partnership development. This position reflects the Libraries’ commitment to rethinking traditional academic roles by integrating communications, development, and community engagement within a framework grounded in reciprocity, ethics, and social responsibility. The successful candidate will help shape how the Libraries and Art Collections connect with communities, mobilize knowledge, and sustain transformative initiatives.

Working collaboratively in a team-based approach across portfolios and employee groups, the SCOL leads the development and implementation of integrated communications strategies, cultivates relationships with donors and community partners (working closely with University Advancement Services), and supports initiatives that amplify the Libraries and Art Collection’s impact on student and faculty success and community engagement, in alignment with the Libraries’ strategic action plan.

This position reports to the University Librarian and works closely with library leadership and across the Libraries and Art Collections team, and with campus partners including development, communications, and community engagement units.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Communications and Storytelling

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy in collaboration with colleagues across the Libraries & Art Collections
• Work with unit leads to surface and communicate impact of work, in both internal and external communication venues
• Build broad organizational knowledge by cultivating relationships across library units, and partnering with colleagues from all employee groups to identify, understand, and effectively communicate their roles and impact to key audiences
• Participate in and/or lead storytelling initiatives, instruction, and projects that enhance the impact of library programs, collections, and partnerships; and those that help build transdisciplinary culture on campus through the Kula: Library Futures Academy
• Collaborate with campus partners to ensure alignment with institutional communications and branding

Development and Advancement

• Identify, cultivate, and steward donor relationships in collaboration with University Development, including the Libraries & Art Collections Development Officer
• Contribute to fundraising strategies, including grant development, sponsorships, and major gift initiatives, including those connected to the comprehensive campaign
• Develop compelling cases for support that articulate the Libraries’ role in research, teaching, and community engagement
• Leverage the depth and breadth of the Libraries’ collections, including rare and unique materials, digital collections, and art collections, to position our academic resources as a key differentiator for recruitment, advanced research, and institutional reputation

Community Engagement, Partnerships, and Organizational Collaboration

• Build and sustain relationships with community organizations, cultural institutions, and other stakeholders
• Support co-creation of programs and initiatives with partners, grounded in ethical and reciprocal practices
• Facilitate public programming, events, and outreach activities that extend the Libraries’ reach and impact
• Work across library portfolios to identify opportunities for coordinated communications and engagement
• Contribute to strategic planning, assessment, and reporting activities
• Establish strong working relationships with university development, communications, and community engagement colleagues across campus
• Participate in relevant committees and working groups within the Libraries and the University

Research, Scholarship, and Professional Activity

• Engage in research and professional practice, as required, related to communications, community engagement, collections, library futures, student and research success, etc.
• Advance libraries as catalysts for community-centred research and social impact; and as transdisciplinary activators of campus intellectual culture
• Contribute to national and international conversations on ethical knowledge mobilization and non-extractive engagement practices
• Participate in professional organizations and scholarly dissemination

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited school of library science, or a master’s or higher degree in another discipline with expertise and excellence in professional practice relevant to the position if the candidate agrees to complete an MLS from an accredited school of library science before the end of the probationary period (or the equivalent combination of education and experience in archival science in the case of an Archivist).
• Demonstrated experience in communications, public engagement, or development within a cultural, academic, or non-profit context
• Experience building and sustaining partnerships with diverse communities
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex ideas for varied audiences
• Strong knowledge and track record of equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonial approaches in libraries and cultural institutions

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with fundraising, donor relations, and grant writing
• Familiarity with marginalized and/or underrepresented communities, Indigenous knowledge systems, and ethical engagement practices, particularly in the Canadian context
• Experience working in or with academic libraries or post-secondary institutions
• Knowledge of digital communications tools, analytics, and content management systems
• Experience supporting initiatives related to critical data studies, digital scholarship, or AI in cultural institutions

About the University of Victoria

The University of Victoria is consistently ranked in the top tier of Canada’s research-intensive universities. Vital impact drives the UVic sense of purpose. As an internationally renowned teaching and research hub, we tackle essential issues that matter to people, places, and the planet. Situated in the Pacific Rim this extraordinary environment inspires us to defy boundaries, discover, and innovate in exciting ways. It is different here, naturally and by design. Our commitment to research-inspired dynamic learning and vital impact make this Canada’s most extraordinary environment for discovery and innovation. UVic is a signatory to the DORA declaration, which promotes responsible research assessment.

Salary and Benefits

The candidate's qualifications, experience and overall market demand will determine a candidate’s final salary offer. The salary for this position includes a competitive salary range of $104,000  - $128,000 at the Librarian II rank, and $115,000 - $143,000 at the Librarian III rank. UVic is committed to offering an equitable and competitive salary, inclusive of a generous benefits package, eligible leaves and pension plan.

Scholarly and Professional Activities

Participates in Libraries and university committees, councils, task forces, and teams as appropriate. Keeps up to date with developments in digital scholarship in the profession and related fields and on broader issues that affect the practice of librarianship. Participates in professional organizations as appropriate. Undertakes research and engages in scholarship as appropriate.

Standards of Performance & Additional Information

Faculty, librarians, and archivists at UVic are governed by the provisions of the Collective Agreement. Members are represented by the UVic Faculty Association. Standards of performance are assessed as set out in the Evaluation Policy for Librarians.  Please note that reference and background checks, including credential and degree verification, may be undertaken as part of this recruitment process.

Equity Statement

UVic is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion and human rights in our living, learning and work environments. In pursuit of our values, we seek members who are eager to actively participate in that shared responsibility. We actively encourage applications from members of historically and systemically marginalized groups. Read our full equity statement.Read our full equity statement here: www.uvic.ca/equitystatement.

The University acknowledges the potential impact that career interruptions can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement. We encourage applicants to explain in their application the impact that career interruptions have had on their record.

Persons with disabilities, who anticipate needing accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, may contact Faculty Relations and Academic Administration in the Office of the VP Academic and Provost at FRrecruit@uvic.ca. Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.