Assistant Chief Librarian ~ Closed
Powell River Public Library
Sharing a Lifetime of Connection and Curiosity
The Powell River Public Library (PRPL) is pleased to announce they are searching for a skilled Assistant Chief Librarian to join their dedicated team.
Join the team in the new library, a facility that has fast become one of the most popular public spaces in the community. PRPL serves the 20,000 residents of the City of Powell River, the qathet Regional District and the Tla’amin Nation.
Powell River
The Sunshine Coast of BC, long touted as a 180 KM stretch of paradise, gains its rich heritage from the original inhabitants – the Coast Salish people. It is a contemporary hub that balances abundant, natural beauty and a surplus of adventure with growing industry sectors in technology, retail and tourism. Located just a 90-minute ferry away from Vancouver Island, within the traditional territory of the Tla'amin First Nation, Powell River, offers a mix of urban and rural living in a naturally beautiful setting.
Assistant Chief Librarian
The Assistant Chief Librarian is a management position playing a key leadership role in the delivery of library services. They are responsible for maintaining dynamic collections and overseeing the delivery of programming that develops literacy skills, inspires creativity and encourages life-long learning. This position is active in the community and works to create meaningful connections to the library.
Core Responsibilities:
Accomplish goals for service and program delivery through planning, direction and supervision of the programming staff;
Collection development including all functions of selection, acquisition and assessment of print and digital collections. Includes negotiating contracts with vendors and managing budgets;
As a part of the leadership team, collaborate on long-term planning, provide input on policies and procedures, administrative tasks as required;
Represent the Library at community events, on committees and in ongoing partnerships;
Promotion of Library programs and services to the public, including overseeing website, social media and advertising;
Train staff as needed, specific responsibility for health and safety, participates in hiring process as required;
Manage other ongoing projects as required and perform all the duties of the Chief Librarian in their absence.
You have two years of progressive experience in a library setting plus two years of supervisory experience in a unionized setting. You have a master’s degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution or combination of relevant education and experience. This role requires a leader with a demonstrated ability to direct and motivate your team as well as:
Demonstrated ability to collaborate with staff and external partners;
Excellent communication, conflict resolution and public relations skills to deal tactfully with the public and staff;
Knowledge of current trends and best practices in collection development and library services;
A high level of flexibility, self-motivation and ingenuity;
The ability to manage a variety of projects at once;
Enthusiasm, sense of humour, ability to work well with colleagues and the public and strong service ethic;
Knowledge of computer software and hardware applicable to the job (Microsoft Office, Outlook, Adobe, WordPress, SD Symphony)
A clear criminal record check is also required.
If you possess a strong patron focus, a passion for providing library service to marginalized/underserved communities, and the ability to confidently lead, motivate and provide direction to staff, we’d like to hear from you! This is a fantastic opportunity to serve the population, be engaged in meaningful work, earn competitive compensation and live in a spectacular community with abundant natural beauty, outdoor activities, and community services.
If this sounds like the position for you, please send a résumé and covering letter outlining why you are interested in this position to the Chief Librarian, Rebecca Burbank at rburbank@prpl.ca.
Praxis Recruitment is a Recruitment Firm located on the Sunshine Coast (the traditional and unceded homelands of the shíshálh and Skwxwú7mesh Nations) in beautiful British Columbia. We provide exceptional customer service and operate with the highest level of respect to our clients and applicants.
