Manager, Collections

Mount Royal University Career Services; Calgary; Hybrid; CAD 109,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Mount Royal University is seeking a Manager for Collections in its Library, responsible for overseeing collections planning and operations while leading a team. Ideal candidates should possess an MLIS degree and demonstrate relevant leadership experience, alongside effective collaboration and communication skills.

Benefits

Paid vacation

Health and dental benefits

Free membership in recreation centre

Qualifications

• An MLIS degree from an ALA-accredited program with 6-10 years experience.
• At least 2 years in a leadership position.
• Experience managing electronic resources and Library Service Platforms.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the Library’s collections and ensure their lifecycle management.
• Manage the acquisitions budget and develop unit goals.
• Supervise and lead a team of Library employees.

Skills

Problem-solving

Interpersonal skills

Collaborative skills

User-centered focus

Education

MLIS degree (or equivalent)

Tools

Alma library systems platform

Primo discovery layer

Job description

Job Title

Manager, Collections

Job Type

Permanent

Union

Management

Position Classification

MLV3 Management

Salary Grade

FT or PT

Full-time

Hybrid Work

This position is eligible

Position End Date (if applicable)

Location

MRU Main Campus - Calgary, AB T3E 6K6 CA (Primary)

About This Position

About the Library

Housed in the Riddell Library and Learning Centre, the University Library is an integral part of the MRU experience. The services, facilities, programming and expertise available in the Library support innovative teaching, learning, and scholarship across campus.

The Library includes the Archives and Special Collections, and specialized and technology-enriched teaching and learning spaces, including information literacy classrooms, a Maker Studio, audio production rooms, and a range of visualization, simulation, and immersive spaces. The Library team consists of approximately 60 employees. The Library values a healthy inclusive workplace, encourages a culture of innovation and teamwork, and provides support for professional development.

About The Role

Reporting to the Associate Dean, Collections, the incumbent is responsible for coordinating and overseeing efficient, effective collections planning, budgeting, licensing, acquisitions, and maintenance activities in support of learning, teaching, and research.

This work involves leading and supervising an integrated team with 7 direct reports in a rapidly changing information environment. The candidate in this position works in close collaboration with the Associate Dean, Collections, with library faculty members and selectors and collaboratively with members of the senior Library management team to plan strategically, establish priorities, and implement initiatives to ensure Library resources are acquired and made available to users efficiently and effectively. They manage a series of complex contractual and systems-related processes to ensure effective and efficient operations. The successful candidate will have excellent communication and collaborative skills and a strong user-centered focus. A member of the library’s leadership team, they work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure the library is meeting its strategic directions and annual goals.

This position is full-time working Monday to Friday, based primarily on campus. The role is eligible for MRU’s hybrid work program and may work remotely for up to one remote workday per week, depending on operational needs.

Responsibilities

Collection and Content Management

• Oversees the Library’s collections in print and electronic form through their lifecycle including ordering, setup, configuration, implementation, assessment, and invoicing.
• Assesses, evaluates, and negotiates new and renewal licensed product offers from Library consortia and vendor
• Collaborates and consults with faculty and selectors to ensure streamlined communication and decision making around collection development
• Works collaboratively with other departments, teams, and individuals across the Library to ensure interoperability of Library systems.
  
  

Planning and Administration

• Manages the acquisitions budget according to principles developed in collaboration with the AD, Collections and faculty, and in consultation with the Library Operations Officer, Financial Services, and other University departments as needed.
• Works with the AD, Collections and the Collections Services team to develop unit goals and priorities that align with the Library’s and University’s strategic plans.
• Plans and coordinates the implementation of enhancements to collections operations, technology, and workflows
• As a member of the library’s leadership team, contributes leadership, insight and advice about planning and resourcing in order to meet the library’s goals.
  
  

Supervision and Leadership of Staff

• Manages a team of Library employees, including recruiting, interviewing, hiring, training, scheduling, setting priorities, resolving problems and conducting performance reviews within the parameters of University policies and collective agreements
• Builds an effective team and promotes teamwork working towards common Library and University goals
• Collaborate with other unit managers, supervisors and employees within the Library in the pursuit of inter-unit objectives, initiatives and projects.
  
  

Qualifications

• An MLIS degree (or equivalent) from an ALA-accredited program, with 6-10 years experience in collections and/or technical services and at least 2 years in a leadership position
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills
• Excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills
• Skills and experience managing electronic resources and Library Service Platforms.
• Skilled in supervising teams and in collaborating and communicating with internal and external groups
• Previous work experience with Alma library systems platform and Primo discovery layer are assets.
  
  

Salary: $109,020.00 - $129,733.00 per annum

Closing Date: July 27, 2025

A cover letter and resume should be submitted in one .pdf document. Please title your .pdf document as follows: [Last Name], [Requisition Number], [Document Title].pdf (ex. Smith, 999999, CV.pdf).

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however, Canadian citizens, permanent residents and others currently legally authorized to work in Canada will be given priority. Please note only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. After the close date, you can check on the status of your application through your Career Centre. New career opportunities arise frequently and are posted as they become available. Please check back often to view our latest postings on our Career Opportunities page.

If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify [e-mail] and we will work together on your accommodation request.

About MRU

Founded in 1910 and located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Mount Royal University grew into a vibrant college in the 1930s and became a mid-sized university in 2009. A student-focused undergraduate university built on teaching excellence, Mount Royal University is known for our top-calibre programs, high-quality teaching and learning experience, robust delivery of liberal education, scholarly teaching, experiential learning and undergraduate research. MRU serves approximately 15,782 students, including 11,752 full-time and 4,030 part-time learners. MRU offers 13 bachelor's degrees encompassing 37 majors across faculties such as Arts, Business, Communications, Health, Community & Education, and Science & Technology. MRU also boasts one of Canada's elite Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) accredited programs. With over 74% of its student body drawn from the local area, Mount Royal University primarily serves Calgary and its surrounding region. MRU is a diverse yet close community with over 1,800 employees. Mount Royal provides employees the support they need to lead and advance institutional goals. Learn more about MRU's Academic Plan and Strategic Plan.

What We Offer

Talented and committed employees are the driving force behind student success. We strive to be an employer of choice among Canadian post-secondary institutions. At MRU, we recognize that people are a combination of many intersecting identities; we work to cultivate an environment that welcomes the whole person, and harnesses the strength that is available in our diversity, creating a rich and inclusive workplace.

Investing in the learning and development of our employees benefits the individual and the University. A variety of services, resources and programs encourage a healthy, productive workplace. MRU offers a competitive total compensation package including learning/training paid by employer, paid vacation, winter holiday closure, personal days and a free membership in our fully equipped recreation centre. Positions over six months may also be eligible for health and dental benefits, pension, health and personal spending accounts, and disability benefits.

Our campus offers the convenience of a full medical clinic, dentist and pharmacy, as well as a variety of wellness services such as physiotherapists and massage therapists. Campus Recreation offers many activities, including personal training, fitness classes, climbing, aquatics, sports, tournaments and certifications for students, employees and the public.