GENOVESE VANDERHOOF & ASSOCIATES
A Cultural Management Consulting Firm
CANADIAN URBAN LIBRARIES COUNCIL/
CONSEIL DES BIBLIOTHEQUES URBAINES DU CANADA
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Overview:
Members of the Canadian Urban Libraries Council/Conseil des Bibliothèques Urbaines
du Canada represent nearly 60 of the largest public library systems in Canada, along with Library and Archives Canada and the Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Quebec. Formally incorporated in 2008, CULC/CUBC has worked to support its members in providing excellent library service in Canada’s urban areas for more than 25 years.
CUBC/CBUC is committed to the strengthening of vibrant communities through building the capacity of Canada’s urban libraries. Its members, represented by by each library’s Chief Librarian/CEO, collectively serve more than 8 million active users who annually visit 723 locations and virtual services. More than 77% of all Canadians are served by a CULC/CBUC member library.
CULC’s mission is to facilitate advocacy, collaboration, and research that strengthens and promotes the value of Canada’s urban libraries. We envision a country where urban libraries are recognized as integral to a vibrant democracy, a strong economy, and thriving communities.
Our areas of concentration are research and knowledge transfer, advocacy and capacity building, and organizational resiliency. Our organization is likewise opportunity-driven—we seek out and are receptive to partnership opportunities that will advance the Canadian urban library experience.
CULC/CBUC has an annual budget of approximately $400,000 and is governed by a five-member Board of Directors. Revenue sources include membership and program fees.
This position is fully remote, although some travel throughout Canada on a periodic basis will be required.
We seek an innovative, thoughtful, and visionary leader to succeed our current Executive Director, who is retiring after a highly successful tenure.
The Position/Responsibilities:
Working in close collaboration with the Board of Directors and the membership, the Executive Director is responsible for leading strategic and operational planning, organizational and financial management, program development, member services, advocacy, and external relationship building for the CULC/CBUC.
The Executive Director oversees the operations and sustainability of CULC/CBUC, forging strong relationships with member libraries and relevant library partners, government, employees and contractual service providers, and the public. An Administrative Officer/Event Coordinator reports to this position.
The new Executive Director will have the opportunity to tell CULC/CBUC’s story and the impact of urban public libraries with communities and individuals across Canada.
Candidate Requirements:
The ideal candidate will have senior leadership experience of increasing responsibility in a not-for-profit environment, demonstrating capacities and skills relevant to the position, including:
- An understanding of the role of public libraries and a deep commitment to intellectual freedom.
- Direct executive leadership experience in libraries and/or related GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums) sectors is an asset.
- Knowledge and experience with board governance, government and media relations, and organizational finances.
- Demonstrated experience in labour relations, public/private partnerships, and membership engagement.
- A collaborative and approachable leadership style with the ability to delegate, and a high degree of integrity.
- High level oral and written communication skills and the confidence to represent and champion the CULC/CBUC to a variety of audiences and in a myriad of settings. Being fully bilingual is an asset.
- Demonstrated political acumen, tact, diplomacy, strategic thinking, and patience required to negotiate and manage change successfully.
- Strong technical skills; relevant experience working and leading in a virtual environment.
- A degree in Business Administration, Public Administration or Library Science or other related field.
Salary range: $125,000 to $150,000.
Start Date: Negotiable, targeting on or before February 1, 2027.
Application Process:
Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Deadline for applications: Friday, October 16, 2026 @11:59 p.m.
If you wish to be considered for this role, you are invited to submit a cover letter and resume, with a list of three references by email in confidence to:
Margaret Genovese
Senior Partner
Genovese Vanderhoof & Associates
Toronto
gvamargaret@aol.com
416/340-2762
For additional information about CULC/CBUC and a full Position Profile, see: https://culc.ca/project/c-level-job-postings/
The CULC/CBUC employment practices are consistent with all federal and provincial legislation. We take to promote equal opportunity in all aspects of employment for all qualified persons, regardless of their race, creed, color, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, or veteran status.