Reporting to

Chair, Novanet Board of Directors

Updated

July 2026

Novanet Inc. is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking leader, for a two-year limited term, (a one-year secondment may also be considered) to oversee the continued functions of Novanet as it examines its current operational requirements and charts a renewed path into the future.

Organizational Structure

The Novanet Manager reports directly to the Chair of Novanet and takes direction from the Novanet Board of Directors.

Company Description

Novanet is a consortium of academic libraries in Atlantic Canada that collaborate to provide shared library systems, services, and expertise in support of teaching, learning, and research across its member institutions.

Core Activities

Maintaining the library management system and associated software

Developing innovative approaches to resource sharing

Facilitating knowledge sharing and professional development among member libraries

Responsibilities include

Delivering secure, reliable, accessible, sustainable and responsive shared library technologies and services

Providing leadership to the Board on emerging technologies, innovative solutions and systems planning

Effective project management of approved projects and operational plans

Maintaining effective relationships with Novanet member libraries, managing office staff and the daily operations of the Novanet library services platform (LSP) and all other related technology systems;

Serving in an advocacy role and promoting Novanet

Maintaining effective partnerships and assuming responsibilities as assigned relating to activities between Novanet and the Council of Atlantic Academic Libraries - Conseil des bibliothèques postsecondaires de l'Atlantique (CAAL-CBPA), as well as other consortia, partners, and contractors

Specific Duties

Liaison and Support for Board and Committees

Develops and recommends policies and procedures for Board approval

Communicates and implements policies and procedures under the direction of the Board

Ensures effective and timely communication with the Board, Committees and all Novanet Library staff

Ensures that Committees, Working Groups and Task Forces are structured and composed in a way that supports effective management of the shared library services platform and collaboration among member libraries

Provides the necessary liaison, direction, and staff support to Committees, Task Force, and Working Group Chairs, to enable them to perform their functions

Provides recommendations and leadership for activities and strategic initiatives, including monitoring and evaluation, in alignment with Novanet's mission and goals

Produces an annual report with oversight from the Chair of the Board

Organizes Board and Board Executive meetings, prepares the Board meeting package and acts as Recording Secretary

Identifies and organizes training opportunities for Committees

Budget Management





Oversees and carries out budgetary and financial reporting responsibilities as required by the Board.

Under the direction of the Chair of the Board, negotiates and executes contracts and commitments pertaining to all Novanet technology systems on behalf of the Board

Under the direction of the Chair of the Board, and working with the Treasurer, manages the Novanet operating and capital budget expenditures

Under the direction of the Chair of the Board, has signing authority up to $3,000

Actively participates in the budget-setting process

Library Technology, Shared Services and Service Management

Responsible for the efficient and effective operations of all Novanet technology systems, including the Library services platform and additional enhancements (3 rd party and other)

Directs and assesses system support for LSP users

Oversees Novanets service management and support infrastructure including the Novanet support portal ticketing system

Ensures the LSP system is configured and responsive to meet the needs of its users and recommends system enhancements as required

Advises the Board on new functionality and its benefit to member institutions

Organizes demos and meetings with vendors as required

Supports and leads Novanet technical and office staff as needed

Ensures that accessibility, privacy and user experience are considered in the development and evaluation of Novanet systems, policies and shared services

Reporting

Provides regular written reports to the Novanet Board of Directors as a standing item for Board meetings and ad hoc as required

Produce and publish the Novanet Annual Report annually at the end of August with oversight from the Chair of the Board

Uses analytics and stakeholder feedback to evaluate Novanet services, identify emerging needs and inform recommendations to the Board

Internal and External Relations

Coordinates activities of the Novanet Consortium

Serves as ex-officio member of all Novanet working groups and functional groups and ensures reporting responsibilities to the Board are carried out

Coordinates activities of functional groups through consultation with the Board and Novanet committees

Liaises with Board members, Novanet Library staff, external agencies, vendors and other stakeholders.

Strategic planning, coordination and liaison with CAAL-CBPA and other consortia, as required.

Attends meetings of external organizations, as required

Serves on committees of external organizations, as required

Organizes annual Novanet Day

Ensures that institutional knowledge is documented and accessible to support consistent service, staff transitions,



succession planning and organizational continuity

Promotes peer learning and the sharing of expertise, workflows and effective practices among member institutions

Human Resource Management

Supervises and conducts regularly scheduled performance reviews of all Novanet technical and office staff reporting to the Novanet Manager.

Reviews and recommends staffing complement requirements.

In consultation with the Board, hires staff.

Provides supervision and organizes training and development requirements for Novanet staff and staff in member libraries in relation to their work with the consortium.

Provides administrative coordination for the recruitment and onboarding of Novanet Live Help staff, including distributing job postings, collecting and organizing applications, and coordinating candidate interviews with the Live Help Coordinators

Occupational Experience

Strong demonstrated experience with Library Services Platforms and Discovery Services, ideally Alma and Primo

Strong demonstrated experience with project management

Demonstrated professionalism, diplomacy and ability to maintain confidentiality

Experience with facilitation and training, in-person and online

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

Present and speak persuasively to large and diverse audiences

Exceptional interpersonal skills; a positive client services perspective

Analytical, organizational, problem-solving and leadership skills

Ability to maintain effective working relationships with Novanet Office staff, Board members, Novanet Library staff, vendors, and internal/external partners

Ability to prioritize and multitask in a fast-paced environment

Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

Knowledgement management, documentation and succession planning

Assessment, analytics and data-informed decision-making

Qualifications

MLS, undergraduate degree in related discipline or other appropriate combination of formal post-secondary educational training

Formal training and/or experience in related information science technologies

Minimum three years of experience with library systems in academic, consortia library settings, or equivalent

High level of interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a cooperative setting

Management, project management, contract management, organizational, planning, and budgeting skills

Salary Range

$80,000 – $100,000 (commensurate with qualifications and experience)

Novanet is committed to fostering a collegial culture grounded in diversity and inclusiveness. Novanet encourages applications from Indigenous persons (especially Mi'kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians) and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, and persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQ+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community.

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📌 Novanet Manager (Halifax Regional Municipality)
🏢 Novanet Library Consortium
📍 Halifax Regional Municipality