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Job Posting: CARL Senior Program Officer

Hiring Organization: Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL)

Position: Senior Program Officer

Application Closing Date: December 9, 2021

SUMMARY

The Senior Program Officer is a full-time position with the Canadian Association of Research Libraries that engages on a pan-Canadian basis with the research library community to support the strategic programs and objectives of the Association.  The Senior Program Officer provides leadership, advice, research, policy development, communications, project management, and committee secretariat services in fulfillment of this role.

CARL welcomes applications for direct CARL employment or applications entailing a secondment from an institution or organization.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

The Senior Program Officer reports to the Executive Director.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Support the development and execution of one or more of CARL’s program areas in collaboration with the Executive Director and committee chair(s);
  • Represent one or more of CARL’s program areas with external stakeholders and partners;
  • Lead the research and development of documents and presentations on key issues for research libraries. Key issues may include, but are not limited to, scholarly communications, open education, research data management, and digital access;
  • Keep abreast of national and international developments impacting research libraries as reflected in the published literature and online media, to assist with development of the association’s strategic goals and priorities and make recommendations to the Executive Director and committee chair(s);
  • As appropriate, seek external funding for CARL initiatives;
  • Support the on-time, on-budget delivery of planned deliverables and outcomes and track expenditures of funds for projects;
  • Provide Secretariat functions (including meeting documentation, advice to the chair, member communications, committee work plans and reports) for one or more of CARL’s strategic committees, and, as required, to such committees’ subcommittees and task groups;
  • Guide/mentor and collaborate with the Visiting Program Officer(s) working within the program area(s) for which Senior Program Officer has lead staff responsibility; on occasion, supervise external consultants/vendors hired to advance within the program area(s).
  • Undertake and, in some cases, take lead responsibility for web content development, social media, the issuance of communiqués, and production of information products such as E-Lert;
  • Lead or assist with the planning, development and delivery of CARL meetings, workshops, forums, webinars, and other events;
  • Provide back-up support to other CARL committees as required;
  • Contribute to the operations of the CARL office, participating in regular or special tasks as requested by the Executive Director.

REQUIREMENTS

  • Master’s degree in library and information science from an ALA-accredited or equivalent library program;
  • Bilingualism: Ability to communicate very effectively, both orally and in writing, in French and English;
  • Extensive (e.g. 5 years) experience as a librarian in a research or academic setting;
  • Experience undertaking research, analysis, and writing, (e.g., reports, articles) in an employment setting;
  • Proficiency with standard office software applications, social media and web development tools.

The following requirements will be assessed through interview and references:

  • Ability to interact with association members, project participants, co-workers, staff of other organizations or government with courtesy, discretion and tact;
  • Ability to prioritize, plan and organize work to meet deadlines successfully;
  • Ability to accept direction and to exercise responsible independent action;
  • Flexibility, collaboration and teamwork.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates with the following may be preferred, and as such, these should be explicitly described in the applicant’s cover letter:

  • Experience in one or more of the following: scholarly communications, open education, research data management, digital access, collective collection development/management;
  • Participation in consortial, regional, or national level committees or initiatives, or demonstrated interest in association work;
  • Education, training or experience in any of the following: communications, project management, government relations, copyright, statistics, data management.

LOCATION AND HOURS

  • The position can be based anywhere in Canada. If the successful candidate resides in Ottawa, a hybrid office/home work arrangement is foreseen. The CARL Office premises are in downtown Ottawa.
  • Work week: 35 hours, normally Monday to Friday within normal business hours for the location of the individual, but with flexibility.
  • Occasional travel for meetings or conferences.
  • Overtime may be required from time to time.

EMPLOYMENT PERIOD  AND REMUNERATION

The initial employment period will be one year from the date of employment, with renewal or permanent appointment possible, subject to excellent performance and evolving operational requirements.  The salary range for this position is $72,000 – $75,000 plus benefits. Remuneration will be determined based on credentials and experience. The Canadian Association of Research Libraries offers a competitive benefits package.

Alternatively, a one- or two-year full-time secondment or academic leave of a qualified individual from a CARL member institution or other Canadian academic library would be welcome. Such an arrangement is seen to be beneficial to CARL, to the home institution, and to the seconded individual. In such a case, the salary offer would be commensurate with the individual’s experience and existing salary. For an exceptionally-qualified candidate, the requirement of a high level of functional bilingualism may be reviewed.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

CARL is committed to the principle of employment equity and believes in a diverse workforce of individuals with different ideas, strengths, interests and backgrounds is crucial to our success. We encourage candidates to connect with us and share ways how we may accommodate your needs during the recruitment process.

CARL has a COVID-19 policy in place that requires all employees to be fully vaccinated to protect our team and our stakeholders, subject to any accommodations required under applicable human rights legislation.

APPLICATION PROCESS

An application will comprise:

  1. A cover letter specifically detailing your qualifications for each of the Requirements and Preferred Qualifications listed above;
  2. An up-to-date and complete CV.

Applications must be received by 11:59pm PT on Thursday December 9, 2021.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview and asked at that time to supply names and contact information of three references who are knowledgeable about your work as least one of whom is a current or recent direct supervisor. Shortlisted candidates proposing a secondment arrangement should confirm, prior to interview, that they have their institution’s support.

 

Please submit your application package via email to:

To the attention of:

Susan Haigh, Executive Director