21 Aug
|
Cochrane Public Library
|
Edmonton
21 Aug
Cochrane Public Library
Edmonton
Assistant Director to bridge the Library’s organizational vision and day-to-day operationsby leading and supporting staff, improving processes, and strengthening systems. Reporting to and working in close partnership with the Library Director, this leadershiprole supports the effective operation and ongoing development of the Library and the implementation of its Strategic Plan and Plan of Service.
The Assistant
Director translatesorganizational priorities into effective action while fostering innovation and community engagement.
The Assistant
Director assumes full responsibility and authority for Libraryoperations in the absence of the Library Director. The ideal candidate brings a passion for connecting people, processes, and strategicpriorities through collaborative problem-solving, operational excellence, and continuous improvement. They demonstrate sound judgment, initiative, adaptability, and the abilityto navigate complex or unexpected situations with professionalism and confidence.
As a member of the Library’s Leadership Team, the Assistant Director contributes toorganizational strategy and decision-making, engages with the public and community partners, and directly supervises the Technical Services, Shelving, and Circulation (TSC)teams. Strong, collaborative communication is essential to building effective relationships and advancing shared priorities across the organization. On-the-job training and opportunities for professional growth will be provided; however,candidates should demonstrate a solid foundation of technical skills and possess the required combination of skills, education, and experience.
A friendly demeanor, positive attitude, and willingness to take initiative are essential, asyou represent CPL within our community and contribute to a fun, collaborative, and respectful workplace. We work as a team and practice our shared workplace values in allinteractions with the public and with each other. If you would like to work with us and think you are a good fit for this position, we wouldlove to hear from you!
What we offer
- Compensation: starting at $80,536 per year, based on qualifications andexperience - Insurance, Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance, and more!
- Pension plan - Paid vacation and sick time Major Duties & Responsibilities:
- Provide leadership to unionized staff and working with the Leadership team inoverall personnel administration - Assist the Library Director with the planning, implementation, monitoring andevaluation of Library services and collections - Implement the Library’s communication strategies, including social media andother promotions - Research and advise on latest developments and best practice in the deliveryof Library services, policy issues and customer concerns - Act as a strong and positive advocate for the Library and its services, and fosterrelationships within the community - Demonstrate vision, innovation, creativity,
and being a champion for changewhen such is in the best interests of meeting the Library’s mission and Plan ofService - Assist with the professional management of all services the Library provides - Schedule all staff, as well as supervise and coordinate the work of the TSCstaff while providing ongoing support through mentoring, coaching, and training - Assist the Library Director and Human Resources in the recruitment and ongoingevaluation of TSC staff; overseeing annual review process for all unionized staffunder their supervision - Inform the Library Director and Human Resources of any significant personnelissues that require further investigation or potential disciplinary action - Ensure that all unionized staff receive ongoing training in all aspects of libraryservice that are relevant to their role, either by personally facilitating in-houseor arranging for training from other staff or third parties - Participate in Joint Health & Safety Committee meetings in the Library Director’sabsence - Have a working knowledge and familiarity with the current Collective Agreementfor unionized staff as it relates to their various duties and be comfortableaddressing questions from staff or directing staff to the agreement as necessary - Recruit, schedule and supervise volunteers in accordance with the CollectiveAgreement Budget:
- Work closely with the Leadership Team to monitor the union staff operatingbudget and using this budget as a tool in contributing to staffing and schedulingdecisions - Assist the Library Director in fund development initiatives, including but notlimited to, fundraising, grants, donor solicitation, and corporate sponsorships - Act as an advocate and/or liaison with community partners and local businesses - Collaborate with the Program and Engagement Manager and Outreach Services - Manager on outreach initiatives, including the development, scheduling, anddelivery of off-site programs, using the Strategic Plan and Plan of Service as aguide - Research and write grant applications to support outreach and service delivery - Evaluate the success of all outreach initiatives using outcome-basedassessment and utilize evaluation results to support further recommendations Collection Development - Assist the Library Director in the development and maintenance of the collection,using evidence-based assessment strategies to meet community needs Advocacy, Public Relations, and Communications:
- Implement the Library’s communication strategies, including the developmentand oversight of social media and other promotions - Actively participating in library associations and allied organizations - Stay current regarding library services, trends, changes, and issues - Maintain positive relationships and working collaboratively with Towndepartments, library organizations and community groups and organizations - Plan, develop, and implement active public relations aimed at themedia, elected officials,
and the community at large - Represent the Library at community functions/meetings and speaking beforecommunity, civic, and other groups regarding the objectives and activities ofthe Library, presenting a positive and skilled image of the organization Education and Experience Required:
- Master’s degree from an American Library Association accredited program inlibrary and information studies or recognized equivalent (MLIS, MIS, or MLS) - Minimum 2 years of public library experience working as a Librarian in asupervisory role Abilities & Skills Required for Success:
- Demonstrated ability to plan, implement and manage organizational change andgrowth - Well-developed verbal communication and interpersonal skills to fostercollaboration and partnerships with staff, patrons and community stakeholders - Adaptability in a dynamic and changing environment with a strong desire tolearn - Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team setting as well as independentlywith minimal supervision - Proven ability to provide leadership to library staff in a supervisory role andaddress challenging or unexpected situations in a professional and appropriatemanner - Self-motivated, with strong attention to detail and the abilityto manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing to ensure all relateddeadlines are met - Understanding of basic strategic and financial planning/budgeting as it relates tolibraries - Experienced in performing research and report writing - Technological proficiency including in the use of Microsoft Office Suite andonline resources Additional Requirements:
- Valid driver’s licence and must be able to use own personal vehicle inperformance of duties; ability to satisfy insurance requirements.
- Driver’s Abstract - Fluency in verbal and written English - Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check from the Police Service Physical Demands & Working Conditions:
- Lifting and pushing up to 30 lbs of library materials - Ability to squat, kneel, bend, raise arms above shoulders, read small print - Repetitive hand movement for extended periods of time - Standing for extended periods of time - Concentrated sensory attention is required to ensure accuracy - Works at off-site locations, independently, as required Schedule: This is a full-time position with 40 hours per week and will include day,evening, and weekend shifts to accommodate Library events and programs, andcommunity events.
Start Date: To be determined Closing Date: This posting will remain open until 5:00pm on August 28, 2026.
Cochrane Public
Library (CPL) supports and endorses the Canadian Federation of LibraryAssociations’ Statement on Intellectual Freedom and Libraries, including that libraries have a core responsibility to support, defend and promote the universal principles of intellectual freedom andprivacy. CPL believes equity, diversity, and inclusion strengthen the community and enhance excellence,innovation, and creativity. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and sense of community.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.
📌 Assistant Director (Competition #FTE 26-21) (Edmonton)
🏢 Cochrane Public Library
📍 Edmonton