Our Town
Cochrane is a vibrant, progressive, family-friendly community located just 35 minutes northwest of downtown Calgary. The Town is nestled in the legendary Bow River valley steeped in First Nations and pioneer lore, boasting a breathtaking view of the majestic Rocky Mountains, only 45 minutes away. Although much has changed since the days of the original CP Rail Station, stone quarry and brick plants, the entrepreneurial spirit and handshake hospitality of Cochrane remains true to its western heritage.
Cochrane is one of the fastest-growing communities in Canada, and with a population of 37,000, it is one of the largest towns in Alberta. It is part of Calgary's metropolitan area and a member community of the Calgary Metropolitan Region Board (CMRB). The town is surrounded by Rocky View County, with a population of over 42,000.
Our Library
https://cochranepubliclibrary.ca
The Town of Cochrane Public Library (CPL) is a thriving public library and cultural space that contributes to the well-being and vibrancy of the community. Services, partnerships, programs, and events bring people together and provide information that supports literacy, ideas, and opportunities for discovery. Participating in the Marigold Library System, the CPL is a single point of access to millions of movies, books, online resources, unique lending libraries, events, and more.
As the community continues to grow and serve diverse users, the CPL strives to be the community leader, providing innovative services. The CPL is evolving into a central community hub and gathering place, increasing use and access to resources and transforming and solidifying its impact on the community. With a committed and engaged Board and stable revenue support from the Town, the CPL is positioned to grow into a new space.
Mission and Vision
Support | Inspire | Innovate | Educate
To inspire a journey of discovery, learning and connections.
Values
We Are Supportive
Cochrane Public Library strives to be a great place to work, a great place to visit and a great place to get informed.
We Promote Creativity
We believe in freedom of expression in all forms and create programs, activities and access to a world of inspiration and creative freedom.
We Are Innovative
We embrace new ideas and technologies in order to provide access to new ways of thinking, interacting and personal growth.
We Are Inclusive
We strive to reflect the diversity of our community and endeavour to provide a safe space for all.
We Foster Connection
We assist people and organizations in forming relationships that help to create a supportive and engaged community.
We Are a Great Place to Work
We provide a positive work environment that respects each staff member’s unique contributions. Our talented, well trained, knowledgeable staff are a vital part of the cultural, social, business/entrepreneurial, and educational life of the community. We offer opportunities for professional growth.
Library Director
The Town of Cochrane and its Library Board are seeking a dynamic, collaborative, innovative library executive to lead its public library. This position is responsible for providing public library services, providing excellent customer service, coordinating a future facility expansion and move, and enhancing the profile of the library within the community.
Reporting to the Town of Cochrane Library Board (the Board) and taking direction from the Board Chair, the Library Director will lead a team of approximately 35 staff, including four (4) direct reports. The Library Director reports to and takes direction from the Board through the Board Chair. The Board hires the Library Director and the Board’s Personnel Committee conducts an annual performance review. The Library Director’s compensation, duties, and working conditions are specified in an agreement between the Board and the Library Director and stated in the Library Director Handbook.
Key Accountabilities
· Leads in identifying and implementing public library services to attain CPL strategic goals and outcomes as well as long-term sustainability.
· Plans, presents and implements policies, standards, procedures and practices relating to the delivery of public library system services in the Town of Cochrane. Sets measurable standards and targets and ensures service quality standards are maintained and consistently delivered.
· Develops and implements accurate financial control procedures for system revenue and expenditures.
· Negotiates, manages and oversees service contracts and vendor negotiations for the CPL.
· Reports to the Board on all aspects of CPL operations including emerging issues and trends; strategic plan progress; financial matters and members, partner and stakeholder relations.
· Leads in identifying and implementing public library services to attain CPL strategic goals and outcomes as well as long-term sustainability.
· Plans, presents and implements policies, standards, procedures and practices relating to the delivery of public library system services in the Town of Cochrane. Sets measurable standards and targets and ensures service quality standards are maintained and consistently delivered.
· Develops and implements accurate financial control procedures for system revenue and expenditures.
· Negotiates, manages and oversees service contracts and vendor negotiations for the CPL.
- Reports to the Board on all aspects of CPL operations, including emerging issues and trends, progress of the strategic plan, financial matters, and stakeholder relations.
- Ensures appropriate communication processes are in place to provide accurate and timely information to the Board, CPL staff, and the Marigold Library System.
- Provides leadership and oversight of the development of CPL staff and maintains a viable succession framework.
- Strengthens the understanding of the CPL’s value to such stakeholders as municipal councils, local library boards, TRAC, community organizations, and library organizations.
- Contributes to the development of public library service by participating in provincial and national organizations and initiatives.
Skills and Abilities
· Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills, leveraging the strengths of individuals, teams, and organizations through effective collaboration.
· Strategic and visionary thinking and analysis.
· Collaborator skilled at leveraging the strengths of individuals, teams and organizations.
· Demonstrated success with team leadership, change management, and project management.
· Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to communicate effectively with all stakeholders.
· Responsive customer service skills.
· Advanced technological literacy skills.
Experience and Education
· A Master of Library Science degree from an ALA-accredited library school is preferred. Equivalent experience and education will be considered.
· Minimum 5 years of public library professional work experience demonstrating progressive responsibility in management positions.
· Management and supervisory experience, including financial and human resources, and experience working with collective agreements.
· A strong commitment to, and passion for, public service and public libraries.
Competencies and Personal Characteristics
Advocate
Skilled at developing and maintaining partnerships, creating new connections, and effectively handling outreach. Interfaces with the community and stakeholders. Elevates the library’s image.
Collaborator
Relates well to people, building rapport easily and appropriately. Builds strong and effective relationships. Uses diplomacy and tact and can navigate and diffuse challenging situations.
Communicator
Tailors messaging to fit an audience and is both an engaging speaker and an attentive listener. Communicates clearly, concisely, and decisively while also being approachable, personable, and professional.
Leader
Fosters a positive, inclusive, and encouraging work environment in which people feel supported and empowered to do their best work. Is able to move decisions forward, invite input, and share ownership.
Strategic Thinker
Strategic thinker who is future-oriented and aware of industry trends and can make compelling cases for change to move the library forward.
What we offer
· Compensation: $98,858-$123,461 per year, based on qualifications and experience
· A comprehensive group benefits plan including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance, and more!
· Pension Plan
· Paid vacation and sick time
· Professional development opportunities
Start Date
To be determined
To Apply
Please apply via email to HR Manager at [email protected] and make sure to include your resume and a cover letter explaining why you would be a great fit for this position at Cochrane Public Library. The subject line of your email should include the Competition # for the position noted above.
While all responses are appreciated, only those being considered for interviews will be acknowledged.
Closing Date
This posting will remain open until 4pm on Tuesday, June 30.
Cochrane Public Library (CPL) supports and endorses the Canadian Federation of Library Associations’ Statement on Intellectual Freedom and Libraries, including that libraries have a core responsibility to support, defend and promote the universal principles of intellectual freedom and privacy.
CPL believes equity, diversity, and inclusion strengthen the community and enhance excellence, innovation, and creativity. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and sense of community. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.
Pay: $98,858.00-$123,461.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care
Work Location: In person
