Chief Executive Officer
Edmonton Public Library

The Search Committee recognizes that no candidate is likely to meet all of the following criteria in equal measure. Nevertheless, the following qualifications, characteristics, experience, approach and personal qualities are seen to be highly desirable:

1. Experience: Successful track record of leadership at an executive level from within a forward-looking library system with diverse service offerings and multiple branches, and ideally characterized by operational excellence, fiscal accountability, and high-impact community programming.
2. Leadership: An inclusive, values-driven leader who inspires high-performing teams and who is comfortable representing EPL with external audiences. Demonstrates the ability to lead through change, foster a culture of innovation and service excellence, and build trust with staff, unions, boards, government partners, and the broader community. Champions diversity, equity, and inclusion, and freedom of expression as core organizational principles.
3. Strategic Thinking: Proven ability to set and execute around a vision, and that positions the library as a cornerstone of community learning, exploration, experience, expression and social connection. Skilled at translating board-approved strategic plans into measurable outcomes, aligning resources with long-term priorities, and anticipating emerging trends in technology, education, and public service delivery.
4. Expertise: Deep understanding of the impact and importance of public library services, including knowledge of collections, digital resources, literacy initiatives, community programming, and effective means of engaging underserved populations. Knowledgeable in governance within a public or municipal framework.
5. Business Acumen: Demonstrates strong financial stewardship within publicly funded environments. Experienced in budget development and oversight, capital planning, infrastructure renewal, and securing diversified funding through grants, partnerships, and fundraising initiatives. Ensures responsible allocation of resources while maximizing community impact.
6. Stakeholder Relations: Skilled at building and sustaining productive relationships with municipal leaders, provincial partners, educational institutions, community organizations, Indigenous communities, donors, and volunteers. Acts as a visible and credible ambassador for the library, advocating for its role in economic development, lifelong learning, and social well-being.
7. Communications: An articulate and persuasive communicator capable of representing the organization in public forums, media engagements, and government settings. Communicates complex issues with clarity and transparency, fostering confidence and trust among staff, board members, and the community.
8. Continuous Improvement and Innovation: Keen to understand the operations from the perspective of the public and the team itself. Encourages a culture of continuous improvement and innovation in all aspects of the library system, from service delivery to digital transformation to staff engagement and user experience. Leverages data and community insights to inform decision-making and enhance accessibility, inclusion, and program relevance.
9. Style: Collaborative, approachable, optimistic and engaging.  Demonstrates integrity, sound judgment, and resilience in navigating public scrutiny and evolving government priorities. Effectively balances organizational ambition with operational pragmatism.
10. Education: Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) is strongly preferred. Demonstrated life-long learner. Ongoing professional development in governance, leadership, or digital transformation is considered an asset.