As the Director of Libraries & CEO of Saskatoon Public Library (SPL), you’ll lead one of Saskatoon’s most cherished community organizations. Since 1913, SPL’s mandate has been to inspire lifelong learning and support the development of literacy skills by sharing collections, spaces, programs, and services. SPL aspires to be an organization that reflects the community it serves and to be a welcoming place for everyone who calls Saskatoon home.
Reporting to the Board of Trustees, as Director of Libraries & CEO, you’ll provide strategic leadership, assume operational responsibility for allocating resources, ensure the effective delivery of library services through community connections, engagement and inclusivity, and to achieving its goals outlined in the Strategic Plan.
As a key community leader, you are accountable for engaging with diverse stakeholders and cultivating relationships, partnerships, and collaborations to enhance SPL’s role in the community. You’ll understand the challenges and opportunities facing an urban library in a complex, diverse, and ever-changing environment. You’ll advocate for truth and reconciliation, diversity and inclusion, and intellectual and expressive freedom.
The Director of Libraries & CEO will lead SPL’s talented workforce of more than 300 employees across nine locations. SPL has a modern organizational structure and operates within a Community-Inspired Service Philosophy. Your role will be to create a supportive workplace culture that encourages trust, positivity, creativity, learning, and continuous improvement. You’ll also be responsible for preparing for our biggest operational change yet: opening the new central library. You will champion the project, navigate it through construction, execute the operational transition, inspire community giving, and welcome the Saskatoon community to their new library.
The successful candidate:
- Holds a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree from an ALA-accredited institution.
- Has significant experience in senior management roles within public libraries or similar organizations, ideally within a unionized, multi-location organization.
- Has a proven track record in effective governance, financial management, fundraising, operations management, change management, and labour relations.
- Demonstrates an innovative mindset, outstanding leadership, and communication skills.
- Has strong interpersonal, project & time management, business acumen, communication and problem solving skills.
- Shows deep commitment to community engagement and partnership building.
About Saskatoon
Saskatoon, located on Treaty 6 territory and the homeland of the Métis, is a flourishing and culturally vibrant community of nearly 300,000 people along the beautiful South Saskatchewan River. Ranked 17th in The New York Time’s inaugural 52 Places to Visit feature, the city features 60 km of riverside trails, a world-class arts scene, and renowned culinary destinations.
Join us in leading the Saskatoon Public Library into its next chapter. Apply today and help shape the future of our community.
