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Executive Director

Employer
Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL)
Location
Canada
Salary
Competitive Salary
Date posted
May 31, 2022

The Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL) is Ontario's academic library consortium, comprised of 21 libraries with a mission to “collaborate to enhance research supports and create rich learning environments for Ontario’s diverse and growing university population.” OCUL's 50+ years of successful collaboration has positioned it as a leader in access to cutting-edge research and scholarly information services for over half a million students and employees at its member universities in the province. The role of OCUL has never been more important to Ontarians engaged in learning and research than now, and OCUL is poised for its next phase of growth and transformative collaboration.

It is within this dynamic context that OCUL invites applications and nominations for the appointment of its next Executive Director. This appointment will commence July 2022, or soon after.

Reporting to the Chair of the OCUL Executive Committee, the Executive Director (ED) oversees the organization’s staff, planning, administration and operations budget of over $5 million annually, and a content licensing budget of over $21 million annually. On behalf of the consortium, the ED sets programs, services and infrastructure, and oversees technology and service activities. The ED manages the OCUL staff team of seven, as well as a dotted line report from the leadership of the Scholars Portal unit of the University of Toronto Libraries, which provides core technology services to OCUL. The ED liaises regularly with the Council of Ontario Universities (COU) on matters related to human resources administration, financial services and works within the legal, policy and procedural parameters of COU Holding Association Inc., which is the administrative employer of the ED and OCUL staff. The position also works closely with key leaders and subject experts located in OCUL member institutions to determine and advance the shared goals of members, while balancing their diverse needs and perspectives regarding OCUL's successful programs and services.

OCUL is a member-driven consortium with a history of innovation and leading-edge collaborative services to enhance learning and research for Ontarians. This appointment calls for exceptional interpersonal, cultural, and communication competencies, and the ability to proactively develop and maintain effective working relationships with Board members, constituents, colleagues, and stakeholders at all levels.

As the ideal candidate, you have experience in a university library, academic environment, relevant association or member-based organization with a collaborative leadership culture. Your tenure includes successful and progressive leadership roles, and experience in human resource management and advocacy to funding and government entities. You are skilled at effective budget development and fiscal management, and are adept at developing and implementing financial strategies, including cost sharing, budget sustainability and grant writing. You have experience with electronic resource license negotiations and familiarity with all aspects of electronic resource management practices. As a lifelong learner, you keep abreast of emerging issues, trends, and best practices affecting academic libraries and scholarly communication, providing you the confidence to articulate, advise, and contribute to national and international dialogues on behalf of OCUL. Candidates must have a demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility, and the ability, commitment, and motivation to help create and sustain a transparent and collaborative culture. Applicants must hold a degree from an accredited Master’s level program in library and information studies, or relevant equivalent postgraduate degree, or a postgraduate degree along with relevant experience.

OCUL is committed to fostering a collegial culture grounded in equity, diversity, and inclusion. The organization and its members encourage applications from women, racialized/persons of colour, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of the community.

To apply or explore this exceptional leadership opportunity with the OCUL, please submit a curriculum vitae along with a cover letter in confidence to Jane Griffith (jane@griffithgroup.ca) and Sam Walton (sam@griffithgroup.ca), or visit https://griffithgroup.ca/executive-director-ocul/.

OCUL is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with provincial guidelines, upon request, accommodation will be provided by both Griffith Group and the OCUL throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.

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