Chief Librarian - Burnaby Public Library

Harbour West Consulting; Burnaby; On-site; CAD 211,000 - 235,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading public library organization in Burnaby is seeking a Chief Librarian to lead and deliver library services. The ideal candidate will have a master’s degree in library studies and significant senior management experience. Responsibilities include advising the Board and ensuring services meet community needs. A commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion is essential. The role offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

Benefits

26 annually paid Regular Days Off

Comprehensive benefits

Municipal Pension Plan

Monthly special benefit of $1,041

Qualifications

• Significant experience in senior management in a unionized environment.
• Ability to undergo a Vulnerable Sector Police Check.

Responsibilities

• Lead, plan, and deliver library services meeting community needs.
• Advise the Board in developing and implementing strategies.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Inclusive leadership

Strategic planning

Commitment to equity and inclusion

Education

Master's degree in library and information studies

Job description

Overview

Burnaby Public Library (BPL) is located on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) Peoples. Burnaby’s first library was founded in 1927, and BPL has been a municipal library since 1956. Today, governed by the Burnaby Public Library Board, the BPL system provides a broad selection of stories, ideas, and information across four branches (Bob Prittie Metrotown Branch, McGill Branch, Temporary Cameron Branch, and the Tommy Douglas Library) serving over 1.5 million visitors annually.

BPL creates inclusive spaces where people can gather, learn and play, with a vision of a caring, curious, and connected community. The four library branches offer books, magazines, DVDs, audiobooks, and other materials in a dozen languages, and digital services such as free e-books and audiobooks, independent films and music, online magazines and newspapers. Innovative programming for children, teens, and adults provides opportunities for more people in the community to interact with ideas and with each other and seeks to excite and engage people’s curiosity and imagination.

About the Role

Reporting to the Board, the Chief Librarian is accountable for the provision of library service in Burnaby. The Chief Librarian is responsible for leading, planning, and delivering library services that meet the needs of the community within the vision, mission, values, goals, and policies established by the Board. The Chief Librarian acts as a key advisor to the Board in developing and implementing strategies.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience in a senior management position in a unionized environment. The position requires an inclusive, collaborative, and strategic leader who understands the role of public libraries in building resilient, inclusive, and engaged communities. The role requires a master’s degree in library and information studies, excellent interpersonal communication, and a demonstrated commitment to library values and the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility. The position requires the ability to undergo a Vulnerable Sector Police Check.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $211,411–$234,926, supplemented by a competitive total compensation package administered by the City of Burnaby, including the Municipal Pension Plan and comprehensive benefits. Highlights include 26 annually paid Regular Days Off in addition to annual vacation leave, a monthly special benefit of $1,041, and generous short-, medium-, and long-term disability coverage.

Contact Details

Should you be interested in learning more about this unique opportunity with Burnaby Public Library, please contact Harbour West Consulting at 604-998-4032 or forward your resume, a letter of introduction, and the names and contact information for three references, in confidence, to [e-mail].