City Librarian and Chief Executive Officer Ottawa Public Library

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POSITION

TITLE: City Librarian and Chief Executive Officer REPORTS TO: Ottawa Public Library FILE #: 11035 STATUS: Open COMPANY: City of Ottawa LOCATION: Ottawa, Ontario

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE

For over 100 years, Ottawa Public Library (OPL) and its predecessor libraries have served the residents of Ottawa, connecting people and communities. The Library has evolved into a library system with a rich heritage of 33 rural, suburban and urban library facilities, two bookmobiles, outreach services, an experimental self-serve library kiosk, and a growing array of digital services including downloadable materials from the library website www.BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca. The OPL exists so that the people of Ottawa can enrich their personal, professional and civic lives through equitable access to information, resources and ideas in a trusted, bilingual, physical and virtual setting that serves as community gathering space and in a sustainable, cost efficient and optimal manner. The library also consists of a number of system-wide services: Lifelong Learning and Literacy; Collection Management; Digital Services; Diversity and Accessibility; Borrower Services; Business Services; Innovation and Continuous Improvement; Communications and Community Relations; Staff Development and Service Excellence; Strategic Coordination; and Library Facilities Planning and Development; . OPL is the largest bilingual library system in North America. Serving over 900,000 residents, It helps build a strong, vibrant and sustainable community by supporting literacy and life-long learning, fostering inspiration and enjoyment, and connecting people to each other and the world. Its collection includes 2.3 million current items ranging from books to online resources to museum passes. The OPL Board has delivered a net operating budget for 2011 of $36.866 million, which represents 2% of the City’s tax-supported expenditures.

SCOPE

Responsible for providing leadership and strategic direction to the Ottawa Public Library (OPL), in accordance with strategic directions and policies determined by the Ottawa Public Library Board. The incumbent establishes and implements priorities and programs that align to the vision, mission, goals, and strategic initiatives of the Board. The City Librarian/CEO will be responsible for providing leadership and strategic direction to the OPL in implementing all of the Strategic Work Program priorities and supporting strategies that respond to the OPL’s five strategic directions including the commitment to: Services that are relevant, accessible and customer-centric Spaces that are vital and welcoming community hubs Innovation using technology and continuous improvement Engagement of customers, communities, partners, employees and volunteers Excellence in governance accountability and financial sustainability He/She will advise and recommend policies to the Board, serve as Secretary/Treasurer to the Board and as the Board’s representative to the City Senior Management, to residents of the City and to the library community at large.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES: City Librarian, and Secretary/Treasurer to the Ottawa Public Library Board Serves as the City Librarian, under the governance of the Ottawa Public Library Board, and provides planning and secretariat support to the Board and its committees Supports the Board in the development of the OPL strategic plans, linkages to external library bodies and non-library groups, in particular City Council, and Provincial /Federal governments, and supports the Board’s presence at key Library and related community events. Serves as an invited member of the City’s Senior Management Team (SMT) and as an ex officio member of the boards of the Friends of the Ottawa Public Library and the Ottawa Public Library Foundation Customer/Public Service Focus Promotes the OPL mission of supporting life-long learning and 21st century literacies, fostering inspiration and enjoyment, and connecting people to each other and the world Develops the Library communication and engagement strategy to build increased awareness in the community Encourages and supports the development and maintenance of an organizational culture that is based on the understanding that customer/client focus, staff engagement and continuous improvement of services are critical Ensures that the Library’s business strategies, policies, programs, services and operations reflect sensitivity to customer/client needs, and political issues Ensures that the privacy of library users is both respected and protected Program Review and Development Analyses emerging trends and opportunities to capitalize on networking and program enhancement opportunities, fulfill Board goals and initiatives, and guide the Board in priority setting Works with Library clients to develop future programming opportunities and innovations that meet citizens’ information requirements Directs research and analysis of library standards and practices Addresses emerging trends and needs through policy, program and service delivery improvements Interacts, leads and benchmarks with other public and private sector bodies and professional organizations to ensure best practices for service initiatives Works with various advisory committees and business and interest groups to improve/streamline OPL business models and processes Ensures that the Library works cooperatively to support the City’s long-term sustainability goals and the term of Council’s vision and priorities Program Implementation Recommends policies, procedures and initiatives for Board approval, ensuring alignment with the Library’s goals and objectives and the needs of stakeholders Ensures regular liaison with all stakeholders/partners Provides strategic planning, expert advice and counsel, leadership and oversight to multi-disciplinary library professionals and project teams Ensures best practice approach, transparency and fairness in the implementation of all initiatives Technology development for access and services Leads the development of initiatives that mobilize, support, upgrade, expand, maximize and promote technological applications and advances Promotes the use of technological advances in information and data storage, access and retrieval within the integrated library system (ILS), enhanced digital offerings Participates in the City of Ottawa voice over internet protocol (VOIP) project, and implements/monitors the OPL social networking strategy Performance Management Leads the development of performance standards and measurement systems Manages and drives continuous improvement and innovation within the Ottawa Public Library Directs and manages change, and initiates library programming Ensures that all reporting functions meet legislated reporting requirements under the Public Libraries Act of Ontario, and the reporting requirements of the City of Ottawa, Provincial and Federal governments, and fund-granting entities Financial Planning Performs the duties of Secretary/Treasurer to the Ottawa Public Library Board Conducts long range fiscal planning, aligns the OPL budget with the Board strategic plan, and develops and monitors financial plans, project proposals and budgets in accordance with prudent fiscal practices, Board direction, the City’s budget plan, Council guidelines and funding envelope. Reports regularly on financial matters to the Board, to senior City management and Council Engages corporate sponsors, business service organizations, donors, and the OPL Foundation and Friends of the OPL in fundraising activities Internal/External Partners Represents the Library with the public, the media, City of Ottawa, external partners and clients Develops an engagement and advocacy strategy with the OPL Foundation, Friends of the OPL, and corporate sponsors and liaises with stakeholders to promote partnerships and to resolve issues. Partners with libraries, museums, archives and universities/colleges in the National Capital Region to provide information resources to students, staff and citizens Partners with City departments on key initiatives that leverage public investment Communicates, as directed by the Board, with the media, Mayor’s office, City Council, Committees of Council and Counsellors to provide information and respond to questions on strategic direction, advice and technical information Policy Development/Legislative Change Response Advises the Board on issues, and presents options and recommendations for their approval Develops and recommends Library policy, process and procedures, performance measurement, portfolio planning and risk analysis Directs research and analysis of provincial and federal legislation and policy papers that impact the Library mandate Future Resource Planning and Development Oversees the development of a multi-year master facilities strategy Ensures the reduction of barriers to service and enhancement to user accessibility Staff Management and Development Creates a stimulating work environment conducive to employee engagement, communication, learning, empowerment, innovation and appropriate risk taking that recognizes/rewards staff creativity. Provides leadership to develop, motivate and retain highly competent, innovative and qualified customer/client, service-oriented staff Safeguards ongoing service excellence through the development of employee retention and succession plans Organizational Development Leads the Library’s problem solving and renewal processes through the effective and collaborative management of the organizational culture Leads the development of board members, members of the OPL Friends and OPL Foundation and community volunteers Health and Safety Ensures that own work and the work of all employees is carried out in accordance with applicable health and safety legislation

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Education : 4 year degree in Business or Public Administration, a Master’s degree in Library Science or Library & Information Science would be an asset. Experience and formal training combined with demonstrated performance and ability may substitute for stipulated academic requirements Experience : Minimum 10 years’ progressively responsible management experience at the senior management level in a complex, multi-location public organization, Crown corporation or private sector corporation, including management level experience in library services including: Experience working with a governance Board and Board Committees Demonstrated leadership experience in innovative service and program development and implementation Experience in designing and delivering customer-focused community-based programs and services Leading or participating in public/private partnership development Extensive experience in strategic planning, organizational leadership, long range fiscal planning, financial and operations management, public relations and marketing Experience in the leadership and management of complex projects, including oversight of multi-disciplinary professionals and project teams Oversight of analyses and studies pertaining to library services with economic, public policy and risk management considerations Leading and conducting negotiations with representatives of public and private sector organizations; collective bargaining Familiarity with performance measurement practices as they relate to the provision of library and information services and initiatives Experience enhancing technology and in implementing redesigned and new technology solutions and processes Experience in fundraising initiatives/fund development, leveraging public investment and partnership development with business service organizations, donors, and corporate sources Knowledge : Must possess the training, experience and knowledge to organize the work and its performance and will include: Thorough knowledge and understanding of statutes, regulations and by-laws affecting the Library Extensive and comprehensive knowledge of the development, delivery and management of a municipal library system Extensive understanding of the interrelationships between Federal/Provincial and Municipal government, key organizations/agencies and stakeholders, and the political/economic environment as they affect library and information services development, funding and implementation Planning and development of strategic stakeholder engagement, consultative and communications strategies and plans Extensive and comprehensive knowledge of the development, delivery, and management required to provide public library and information services City of Ottawa operations and corporate governance structure, City and Library codes, policies and procedures Financial risks and constraints in the public and private sector Public private partnership and alternative forms of service delivery initiatives and processes Principles and methods of economic, financial, social and political risk analysis Considerable knowledge of current principles and practices of public policy, library/information service needs, business administration and community development/sustainability at the municipal level Provincial and federal policy and legislative issues affecting local government practices and funding, grant applications, library trust funds and endowments Public finance and budgeting Contract management practices and processes and knowledge of procurement practices and procedures for selecting and retaining outside professionals in various fields of expertise Project management principles and practices, consulting processes Human resource management practices in an unionized work environment Organizational change, development and effectiveness practices Knowledge of fundraising and fund development, including communication strategies, partnership development, special event planning, management of grant applications, endowments and legacies, and identification of potential corporate donors Knowledge of the uses/role of current technology and new technology solutions/processes to extend services, make connections with citizens and realize ongoing efficiencies Must be familiar with applicable health and safety legislation, and have knowledge of appropriate actions to be taken in order to ensure the health and safety of staff in accordance with applicable legislation and City and Library policies and procedures

COMPETENCIES/SKILLS/ABILITIES

A demonstrated strategic and innovative thinker who applies broad knowledge, experience, political sensitivity and sound judgement A visionary who has the ability to conceptualize and analyze current socio/economic and market trends, technological and demographic change An influential leader with highly developed management skills Ability to recruit, develop, motivate and retain top-calibre employees A strong proponent of client centred services who exhibits an in-depth knowledge of, and experience in formulating an accurate assessment of emerging client needs Ability to analyze highly complex policy issues, draw accurate conclusions and articulate clear and focused strategies An operational strategist who has the ability to act decisively and to translate the Library’s vision and mission into clear and effective strategic and operational plans, policies and programs A library and information services expert who demonstrates in-depth knowledge and experience as well as accountability principles related to library governance A team and partnership builder who has the ability to establish and maintain effective strategic relationships with key stakeholders to facilitate the accomplishment of shared goals An excellent negotiator and communicator who has the ability to interact professionally at senior levels. Understands the perspective of others, to plan, communicate and gain commitment for OPL priorities and goals, and to resolve conflicts Ability to develop requirements and negotiate service agreements with City of Ottawa. Ability to assimilate complex issues and use well-developed interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with diverse audiences A proven change manager who has the ability to apply principles of change management to assist staff in dealing with change; able to recognize and capitalize on the role that technology has in advancing library and information services. LANGUAGE This position has been designated bilingual.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Renaud Foster Management Consultants Inc. Mr. Tom Foster Senior Vice President Renaud Foster tfoster@renaudfoster.com +1.613.231.6666 ext. 25 +1.800.513.8117 ext. 25 Ms. Nicole Poirier Principal Renaud Foster npoirier@renaudfoster.com +1.613.231.6666 ext. 29 +1.800.513.8117 ext. 29