Hiring Organization: Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL)
Job Title: Project Officer
Job Location: Ottawa, ON
Application Closing Date: Sunday November 13, 2016
PROJECT OFFICER
SUMMARY
The Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL) represents the country’s twenty-nine largest university libraries and two federal institutions. A non-profit organization, we coordinate our members’ initiatives and promote their causes to achieve excellence in research and higher education.
CARL is seeking a full-time Project Officer to support projects that advance the CARL Strategic Directions.
The Project Officer that CARL seeks is a dynamic library professional who has strong communication and project management skills and is eager to work on a pan-Canadian basis. The ideal candidate will bring prior experience or a demonstrated interest in academic library issues such as research data management, copyright and/or scholarly communication. Bilingualism would be a significant asset.
The initial employment period will be one year from date of employment. Renewal or permanent appointment is possible, subject to excellent performance and evolving operational requirements.
Note: A one- or two-year secondment or academic leave of a qualified individual from a CARL member institution or other Canadian academic library would be considered. (See Additional Notes.)
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Project Officer will provide communications, research, documentation, coordination, and overall project management support for projects of the Association or its committees. Engagement with several projects at the same time, and with new projects arising over time, is anticipated. Projects are generally related to the development of member library capacity and best practice, and potential project areas include open access scholarly communication, research data management (supporting the Portage project), library assessment, public affairs, preservation/access to Canada’s documentary heritage, and improving CARL’s online presence.
MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Support the development and execution of project plans in collaboration with the Executive Director and specific project lead(s);
- Provide project coordination, communications, research, documentation, and meeting support;
- For externally-funded projects, support the on-time, on-budget delivery of planned deliverables and outcomes and track expenditures of funds;
- Provide support to CARL committees as required;
- Contribute to the operations of the CARL office, participating in regular or special tasks as requested by the Executive Director, including web content development (working with contract web developers as necessary), social media, and production of information products.
REQUIREMENTS
- Master’s degree in library and information science from an ALA-accredited program.
- Experience undertaking research, analysis, and writing, e.g., reports, in an employment setting
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing in French and English (see Additional Notes)
- Ability to interact with association members, project participants, co-workers, staff of other organizations or government with courtesy, discretion and tact
- Ability to manage difficult situations appropriately
- Ability to prioritize, plan and organize work to meet deadlines successfully
- Ability to follow direction and to exercise responsible independent action
- Proficiency with standard office software applications.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates with the following may be preferred, and as such should be explicitly described in the applicant’s cover letter:
- Work experience in a research library setting
- Education, training or experience in any of the following: communications, project management, government relations, copyright, statistics, and/or data management
- Familiarity with technologies supporting CARL’s web and social media presence.
LOCATION AND HOURS
- The position will be based at the CARL Offices in downtown Ottawa.
- Work week: 35 hours, normally Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. but with flexibility, subject to office requirements
- Occasional travel for meetings or conferences.
- Overtime may be required from time to time.
REMUNERATION
The salary range for this position is $55,000 – $60,000 plus benefits. Remuneration will be determined based on credentials and experience. (See Additional Notes.)
The Canadian Association of Research Libraries offers a competitive benefits package.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
A secondment of a qualified individual from a CARL member institution or other Canadian academic library 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. Bilingualism requirements are important, however, considerations may be given dependent on the candidate. For an exceptionally-qualified candidate, a non-Ottawa-based work arrangement and/or a non-full-time work arrangement with CARL may be considered.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
The Canadian Association of Research Libraries is committed to the principle of employment equity.
APPLICATION PROCESS
An application will comprise:
- A cover letter specifically detailing your qualifications for each of the Requirements and Preferred Qualifications listed above;
- An up-to-date and complete CV.
Applications must be received during the posting period.
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
Canadian Association of Research Libraries
Suite 203, 309 Cooper St
Ottawa, ON K2P 0G5