CEO and Chief Librarian in Bracebridge

Bracebridge is a community of more than 17,000 residents plus 9,000 seasonal residents living in both urban and rural areas. Located in the heart of Muskoka, Bracebridge is a magnet for recreation and tourism, with a growing base of non-recreational businesses. There is a sense of civic responsibility and interest in protecting and enhancing Bracebridge’s natural features; therefore, residents want increased and improved access to the Town’s natural features, such as parks, trails and waterfront areas, as well as community services that reflect community needs. With a growth rate of 8.1%, Bracebridge has significant residential, industrial and commercial growth on the horizon.

About The Coulson Family Bracebridge Library: In late 2024, the Coulson Family Bracebridge Library moved into a new 23,000 sq. ft. facility inside the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre. Since the relocation, the Library has experienced rapid growth of membership, patron visits, program attendance and online engagement. The new library truly is Anything but the Ordinary. The Coulson Family Library welcomes patrons from across the region and neighbouring communities to participate in its innovative programming and services. Extensive community engagement helped shape the library’s design and function, ensuring it would serve as a vibrant hub for learning, creativity, and connection.

Features of the new library include:

• Light-filled, flexible areas designed to inspire discovery and comfort
• Accessible design and technology features supporting community inclusion and barrier-free spaces
• A dedicated local history room
• Integrated Makerspace and recording studio for creative exploration
• A vibrant youth area with the Odaminmaatig, an interactive play installation inspired by Anishinaabe teachings
• Multiple spaces available to be booked by the public

As our new CEO & Chief Librarian you will report directly to the Bracebridge Library Board, and be responsible for the leadership, general management, operations and financial management of the Bracebridge Library and for advancing the library’s strategic direction in a manner that reflects the organization’s mission, vision and values. You will serve as an advisor to the Bracebridge Library Board and oversee responsibilities related to the Secretary and Treasurer functions. This role will act as the primary representative to the community, community organizations, media, municipal administration and other levels of government and professional organizations.

You will analyze and review operational processes and systems to ensure they are forward thinking, community focused and executed with excellence, while seeking out innovative and effective ways to continuously improve quality of services to customers and maximize consistency and efficiency. As a change agent for the organization, you will support an organizational culture that is focused on providing a deep connection to community needs, an exemplary customer experience, while encouraging personal accountability and nurturing continuous improvement.

Key Skills that you Bring to the Team:

• Education: Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an accredited program, or a recognized equivalent library degree.
• Leadership: Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive leadership experience in library administration coupled with a passion for excellence and service to the community.
• Strategic/Critical Thinking: Exceptional business acumen and critical thinking skills, ability to understand strategic directions, make independent evaluations, recommendations and apply this knowledge to achieve business plans that serve community interest.
• People and Partnerships: Ability to lead, with excellent organizational and people leadership skills, the ability to build a strong and engaged team and external partnerships.
• Customer Service: Experience with modern day community focused and service minded processes and approaches related to community needs.
• Collaboration and Engagement: Outstanding interpersonal skills for effective influence, and collaboration.
• Financial and Business Management: Excellent financial management, budgeting, prioritization, organizational, analytical, judgment, problem solving, research, report and policy writing, and time and project management skills.
• Acts and Legislation: Excellent working knowledge of the Public Libraries Act, and other relevant legislation.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional oral and written communication and presentation skills.

What we Offer:

• Compensation and Benefits: Annual salary ranging from $130,020.80 to $152,115.60 plus a comprehensive benefits package and OMERS pension.
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with flexible work arrangements.
• Growth Opportunities: Expand your leadership skills as you develop and mentor a talented team, with the chance to grow your career.
• Influence and Impact: You’ll be at the forefront of major community initiatives, helping shape policies that will drive our community's future.
• A Community That Cares: Be part of a vibrant community with a strong sense of identity, engaged citizens, and a shared commitment to progress.