Contract – estimated 6 months, full-time.
The Project
Do you want to be part of Canadian history? The Canadian Urban Libraries Council (CULC/CBUC) has developed a plan for providing equitable and accessible public library service for Canadians with print disabilities. CULC/CBUC’s plan will transition the alternate format collections and library services currently offered by the CNIB to a new, yet-to-be-named not-for-profit organization so they are delivered through local public libraries across Canada. The time is now and the opportunity to be at the centre of this important initiative is available for the right leader.
The new organization will be federally incorporated with a transitional board and a framework for governance and membership. CULC/CBUC needs an Executive to lead the project through the next phase where: detailed plans and actual operational issues are addressed, key partnership/service agreements are established, and responsibility for the service is transitioned from CNIB to the new organization. Some of the steps include:
- Naming the new organization with input from stakeholders
- Formalizing an interim governance board that would serve as a model for the actual board
- Establishing advisory committees (critical to addressing some of operational and partnership complexities)
- Working with financial models and funding bodies
- Reviewing assets and operations of existing players to recommend transfer where appropriate to the new organization
- Deploying an effective and thorough communication strategy to stakeholders, libraries, end-users, government
- Establishing procedures for items like in-kind contributions from libraries (service level agreements, etc.)
Position Summary
CULC/CBUC seeks a proven Executive to bring the new vision and organization to fruition. There is a road-map along with strong support among library leaders across Canada. The objective is to bring the new organization to operational readiness by April 1, 2014. Are you the person who can make this plan a reality?
Initially, this position will report to the Executive Director of CULC, Chair of CULC/CBUC, and the Chair of the CULC/CBUC Working Group. Once the new organization is established, the position will report to the interim Board of the new organization.
The position will be responsible for the overall strategic direction and implementation of the project. Candidates should possess a suite of senior leadership attributes, with demonstrated success in delivery of large organizational projects. Some of the most important attributes include:
- Strong communication skills, oral and written;
- Proven diplomacy and consensus building skills;
- A spirit of entrepreneurship and understanding of organizational development;
- Solid negotiation and partnership/service agreement experience;
- Proven project management skills; and
- Government Relations experience and knowledge of relevant legislation.
Familiarity with public library operations and services, and issues related to the provision of accessible services for people with print disabilities, is an asset.
Would you like to read more about the work, the plan and the road map? Visit Centre for Equitable Library Access
Submit résumé and cover letter by August 23, 2013 to:
Jefferson Gilbert, CAE, MBA
Executive Director, Canadian Urban Libraries Council
jgilbert@culc.ca
On behalf of the NewOrg
About CULC
CULC/CBUC strives to strengthen our vibrant urban communities through building the capacity of Canada’s urban libraries. Our members collectively provide public library service to more than 55% of Canada’s population from 640 physical locations and virtually. In 2012 member libraries were used by Canadians more than 325,000,000 times and expended in excess of $100,000,000 on all types of materials. Our members employ over 12,000 Canadians.