Department: Library

Campus: All locations

Employee Group: Librarians

Application Deadline: Open until filled

Requisition ID: 5148

Wilfrid Laurier University is a leading Canadian university that excels at inspiring lives of leadership and purpose. Its holistic approach to learning integrates innovative programming with hands-on experience outside the classroom. Students gain both the knowledge and skills needed to succeed and the inspiration to make their mark. Laurier has been ranked highly in student satisfaction, thanks in no small part to its unique community-centered culture. Through its community of researchers, leaders and educators, Laurier has built a reputation as a world-class institution known for its academic excellence and global impact. In acknowledgement of its exemplary workplace policies and programs, and its commitment to sustainability and lifelong learning, Laurier was named one of the Waterloo Area’s Top Employers in 2021 and 2022. Laurier specializes in arts and social sciences, business and economics, music, science, social work, education, and theology.

Located across two campuses (Waterloo, Brantford) and one site (Kitchener) in Southern Ontario, the Laurier Library is part of a vibrant and diverse university community. The Laurier Library supports all aspects of the research lifecycle and cooperates with libraries in Ontario and across Canada to offer a comprehensive suite of resources and services to students, faculty, staff, and the community. The talented team at the Laurier Library supports students and faculty with research support services in each step of the research and scholarly communication process. The library team continues their journey in encouraging work that supports equity, diversity and inclusion, Indigenization, accessibility, and inclusion of the 2SLBGTQ+ community. Recent efforts around equity, diversity and inclusion includes, creating an Accessibility Coordinator role within the Library and organizing numerous Robert Langen Art Gallery exhibits, and Library and Archives events with Indigeneity and EDI focus.

On behalf of Wilfrid Laurier University we are seeking a University Librarian. The University Librarian is responsible for the leadership, evaluation, development, and day-to-day administration of the University Libraries at Waterloo and Brantford campuses, Kitchener, the Robert Langen Art Gallery, the makerspace and podcasting studio, and the archives and special collections. Wilfrid Laurier University Press, which operates as an independent unit under the strategic, budgetary and administrative oversight of the Press Director, reports into this portfolio. The University Librarian is a collegial leader of the Library’s team of 53 staff, including 24 Librarians, working within a primarily unionized context. A relationship builder and strong communicator, the University Librarian ensures that the library’s resources and priorities are effectively and efficiently aligned with the University through formal channels including membership on the University’s academic leadership team, the Brantford Library, the Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL), Canadian Research and Knowledge Network (CRKN) and the Library Council.

The University Librarian will ensure that the Library’s resources and programs, which include Archives and Special Collections, meet the information and research needs of faculty and students for their academic success, teaching, research, and lifelong learning. They will lead a dedicated team and ensure they are set up for success in an evolving academic reimagined library environment. The University Librarian will also provide leadership and actively engage with faculty, students, staff, and partners within the community to promote an understanding of the Libraries and Archives’ mission and values and how they contribute to the University.

As the ideal candidate for the University Librarian position, you bring a proven track record as a Librarian and leader with a focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion. You understand the evolving trends in university libraries, are comfortable with emerging technologies, and are familiar with the breadth of research and teaching activity within a comprehensive university environment. Your MLIS or ALA-equivalent library science degree equips you with the background knowledge you need to lead the Laurier Library. With an open and collaborative leadership style, you are skilled at creating and fostering a positive, respectful working climate. You are a strategic thinker with proven capacity to be innovative and the capability to lead and implement the development of a strong vision for the Laurier Library.

You are skilled at creating and fostering a positive, inclusive work environment and capably leading your team through change. You demonstrate a strong commitment to service- oriented collaboration and outreach with multiple campus constituencies, excellent communication, and a demonstrated ability to develop and deliver exceptional library services.

DO NOT APPLY TO THE CAREER PORTAL: If you are interested in this opportunity, contact Katherine Frank at kfrank@kbrs.ca or Mark Gillis at mgillis@kbrs.ca. Completed applications can be submitted online at http://www.kbrs.ca/Career/16476.

Wilfrid Laurier University endeavors to fill positions with the best available candidates who have the appropriate combination of education, experience, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position while demonstrating Laurier's Employee Success Factors. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Wilfrid Laurier University is committed to equity and values diversity. We welcome applications from qualified individuals of all genders and sexual orientations, persons with disabilities, Indigenous persons and racialized persons.

Candidates can request to complete an Applicant Equity Survey to identify if they belong with one or more of the federally designated groups (more broadly referred to at Laurier as equity seeking groups). Members of the designated groups must self-identify to be considered for employment equity. Further information on the equity policy can be found at: https://www.wlu.ca/about/governance/assets/resources/8.4-employment-equity.html.

Wilfrid Laurier University and KBRS will provide support in the recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodation in order to participate as a candidate in the recruitment process, please contact accommodate@kbrs.ca or communicate your needs to the recruitment professional named in the job description.

All Laurier employees and students are required to comply with the University's Covid-19 mandatory vaccination policy. Effective May 1st, Wilfrid Laurier University will pause its proof of vaccination requirements. Should these recommendations change, vaccination requirements can be reinstated on short notice. Community members should remain up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccinations.

Wilfrid Laurier University endeavors to fill positions with qualified candidates who have a combination of education, experience, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position while demonstrating Laurier's Employee Success Factors.

Equity, diversity and creating a culture of inclusion are part of Laurier’s core values and central to the Laurier Strategy. Laurier is committed to increasing the diversity of faculty and staff and welcomes applications from candidates who identify as Indigenous, racialized, having disabilities, and from persons of any minority sexual and gender identities. Indigenous candidates who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programing at Laurier are welcomed to contact the Office of Indigenous Initiatives. Candidates from other equity deserving groups who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programing at Laurier are welcomed to contact Equity & Accessibility. We have strived to make our application process accessible, however if you require any assistance applying for a position or would like this job posting in an alternative format, please contact Human Resources. Contact information can be found at careers.wlu.ca/content/How-to-apply/

Should you be interested in learning more about this opportunity, please visit www.wlu.ca/careers for additional information and the online application system. All applications must be submitted online. Please note, a resume and cover letter will be required in electronic form.