Executive Job
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Board Director – Calgary Public Library (WR: 644)
The Calgary Public Library (“the Library”) is a distributed library system featuring 20 branch locations offering library services, collections, access to technology and programs to Calgarians of every age, ability, ethnocultural group and socio-economic status.
Calgarians hold the Library in high regard as a welcoming neighbor and focal point in their communities. It supports those who need it most, serving newcomers to Canada and the city, young families and children and those with physical or economic barriers. It contributes to community vitality by enriching children’s imaginations, promoting literacy, fostering reading, supporting the development of a well-educated and competitive workforce, providing the information resources that help make local businesses profitable, and helping Calgarians relax with the latest bestsellers. Every location prides itself in meeting the needs of the community it serves, with an emphasis on convenience and ease of use. The Library also provides new technology and access to digital content aimed at supporting the evolving needs of its members. The features, programs and services of the New Central Library are focused on ensuring Calgary remains at the heart of a dynamic and progressive 21st century library system.
The Library’s 2019-2022 strategy aims to (1) Create opportunities to build connection, share in collaborative action, and deepen understanding of community; and (2) Be a positive catalyst for personal change and adaptation, sustaining curiosity and lifelong discovery. The focus on Calgary’s community libraries remains strong. Through efforts focused on inclusion, reconciliation and connection, the Library strives to promote an enhanced level of community for all within the city of Calgary. The Library’s continued prioritization of early literacy, learning and empowerment programs helps to lay the foundation for the next generation of Calgary’s readers, writers, thinkers, dreamers and builders.
We are excited to once again partner with the Calgary Public Library in their recruitment of one (1) Board Director for a two year term commencing November 2022. The Calgary Public Library Board (“the Board”) is responsible for the vision of the organization and evaluation of its performance. It has the authority for full management and control of the Library and assumes with that authority, the duty to develop policies related to its framework, governance, and operations. The Board employs the Chief Executive Officer of the Library, who in turn implements the policies and manages the daily operations of the Library. The Chief Executive Officer is accountable to the Board. The staff who implement Library operations are accountable to the Chief Executive Officer.
Board Members have the potential of reappointment for two terms up to three years each. As volunteers, Board Members commit a minimum of 15-20 hours per month to Board-related activities, including preparation for and participation in Board and Board Committee meetings and participation in Library and community events. Active participation and engagement by all Board Members is critical to maintaining an effective Board of Directors.
The Calgary Public Library seeks to develop a Board whose members possess a keen passion for the Library and the role it plays in empowering community by connecting the citizens of Calgary to ideas, experiences, inspiration and insight. Board members are sought who demonstrate diversity of culture and community, experiences, perspectives, professional backgrounds, information, connections and skills to best carry out its governance, planning, stewardship, and advocacy functions.
In addition to the traits identified above, preference for this year’s Board appointment will be given to individuals having:
- Extensive governance experience in the public or not-for-profit sectors (ICD.D designation preferred);
- Expertise in equity, diversity and inclusion practices; and
- Strong financial acumen.
Candidates must also be a resident of the City of Calgary and not already serve on a City of Calgary Board, Commission or Committee. Those candidates who are not successful in obtaining a Board position will be directed to other ways of becoming actively involved as a volunteer with the Library.
If you are interested in serving on the Calgary Public Library Board, kindly forward a cover letter relating the requirements of the foregoing description to your background and a current resume to Susie Besler, Principal at [email protected]. In order to meet the required timelines established by the Library’s Search Committee and the City of Calgary, we will not be accepting applications after Thursday, June 30th.
Job Features
Job Category | Board |