Head Librarian - Parental Leave Coverage

Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Isaac Waldman Jewish Public Library, located within the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver, seeks an experienced librarian or library technician to lead the library during a parental leave. The role combines front-line service, programming, administration and community engagement, with independence in day-to-day decisions.

Responsibilities include managing circulation, collection development, and staff supervision while coordinating events and fundraising activities to support

Qualifications

• MLS/MSLS or Library Technician diploma with relevant experience
• Experience with library operations, collections and patron services
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong organizational skills balancing patron service, programming and administration
• Experience supervising staff and volunteers
• Comfort with library systems and digital resources

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the Library and supervise staff and volunteers
• Oversee circulation, reference, collection development, acquisitions and donations
• Maintain library systems, records, statistics and reporting
• Manage budget and annual work plan in collaboration with Senior Director of Programs
• Plan and deliver engaging library and literacy programs
• Coordinate author talks, literary events and other educational and cultural programming
• Collaborate with other JCC departments and community partners
• Support fundraising initiatives and grant applications toward sustainability

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Independent working

Staff/volunteer supervision

Digital resources familiarity

Communication skills

Education

MLS / MSLS

Library Technician diploma

Tools

Library systems

Job description

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Isaac Waldman Jewish Public Library is seeking an experienced librarian or library technician to lead our small, welcoming community library during a parental leave.

Located within the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver, the Library is more than a place to borrow books: it is a community space where young children come for stories and programs, older adults receive personalized support, and patrons of all ages connect with Jewish literature, culture and ideas.

This is a hands‑on position combining library services, programming, administration and community engagement. The Acting Head Librarian is responsible for the day‑to‑day operation of the Library, supervises a Library Technician, Children's Librarian and volunteers, and works closely with colleagues throughout the JCC.

Because we are a small library, this role offers considerable independence and variety. On any given day, you might help a patron find a book, support an older adult using a digital resource, plan an early‑years program, supervise a volunteer, manage the collection, prepare a grant application or coordinate an upcoming author event.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Lead the day‑to‑day Library

• Ensure the smooth daily operation of the Library and provide welcoming, responsive service to patrons.
• Oversee circulation, reference services, collection development, acquisitions and book donations.
• Maintain library systems, records, statistics and reporting.
• Manage the Library's budget and annual work plan in collaboration with the Senior Director of Programs.
• Work independently and make day‑to‑day operational decisions.

Create programs and support our community

• Develop, coordinate and deliver engaging library and literacy programs.
• Maintain a strong focus on early childhood and family programming in collaboration with the Children's Librarian.
• Support older patrons, including those who may need additional help accessing information, digital resources or technology.
• Coordinate author talks, literary events and other educational and cultural programming.
• Create opportunities to highlight local writers and community voices.

Lead a small team

• Supervise and support the Library Technician and Children's Librarian.
• Recruit, coordinate, train and support library volunteers.
• Coordinate schedules, priorities and coverage.

Build connections

• Collaborate with other JCC departments on programs and community initiatives.
• Maintain relationships with libraries, Jewish community organizations and other community partners.
• Support outreach, marketing, communications and social media to increase awareness and use of the Library.

Support fundraising and sustainability

• Coordinate established fundraising initiatives, including the annual Telethon, Used Book Sale and tribute giving.
• Research funding opportunities and write grant applications, proposals and reports.
• Help maintain positive relationships with Library donors and supporters.

WHAT YOU BRING

We welcome applications from both librarians and experienced library technicians and recognize that strong candidates may bring different combinations of education and experience.

You will ideally bring:

• A Master's degree in Library and Information Studies/Science or a Library Technician diploma with relevant experience.
• Experience with library operations, collections and patron services.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a genuine enjoyment of working directly with people of different ages and backgrounds.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to balance patron service, programming and administrative responsibilities.
• Confidence working independently and taking ownership of day‑to‑day operations.
• Experience supervising staff and/or volunteers.
• Comfort with library systems, digital resources and technology.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

The following would be assets:

• Experience developing community, children's or early‑years programming.
• Experience working with and supporting older adults.
• Grant writing, fundraising or budget management experience.
• Knowledge of Jewish culture, customs and traditions.
• Hebrew language skills.

About the Isaac Waldman Jewish Public Library

The Isaac Waldman Jewish Public Library is a community library within the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver. Our collections, programs and services connect people with Jewish literature, culture, history and ideas while creating opportunities for learning, discovery and connection.

We serve patrons across generations and backgrounds and are committed to providing a warm, accessible and inclusive library where people feel known, supported and welcome.

This is a temporary parental leave position from November 15, 2026 to January 15, 2028.