The Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL) is a vital public institution serving a diverse and growing regional population across ten municipalities in British Columbia’s capital region. Through a network of 12 branches, GVPL provides inclusive access to knowledge, supports literacy and lifelong learning, and fosters connection within and across communities. As communities look to public institutions in new and evolving ways, GVPL has an opportunity to deepen its impact by expanding how it supports learning, access to information, and community engagement across the region. As a trusted civic institution, GVPL plays an important role in advancing community well-being by offering welcoming spaces, accessible services, and opportunities for cultural engagement.
Governed by a multi-municipal Board of Trustees, GVPL operates within a complex public-sector environment that requires strong collaboration with municipal governments, community organizations, and regional partners. The organization is recognized for its commitment to service excellence, accessibility, and responsiveness to evolving community needs.
Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Chief Librarian/Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) is responsible for the overall leadership and performance of the organization, including strategic direction, operations, and financial stewardship, as well as supporting effective governance and informed decision-making at the Board level. Working closely with municipal partners and the Executive Leadership Team, the CEO will guide GVPL’s continued evolution to meet the needs of the communities it serves. In doing so, the CEO will advance a clear vision for the future of the library, strengthen its impact across the region, and identify opportunities to enhance services, programming, and access.
The role requires demonstrated experience in public library administration as well as strong political acuity and the ability to build alignment across diverse perspectives. The successful candidate will bring a balance of strategic and operational leadership, sound financial judgement, and the ability to navigate a complex public environment, while fostering a collaborative, high-performing, and inclusive organizational culture. A high level of comfort with public engagement is essential, as the CEO plays a visible and active role within the community and across the region.
Based in Victoria, BC, this role offers the opportunity to lead a highly regarded public institution at the centre of a connected and engaged regional community. Greater Victoria Public Library’s service area is located on the unceded traditional territories of the Songhees and Xʷsepsəm (Esquimalt) Nations, the W̱SÁNEĆ Nations of SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout) and W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip), and the SC’IȺNEW (Beecher Bay) Nation, where the library plays an important role in supporting learning, access, and connection. The position is well-suited to a leader inspired by public service and motivated to advance the evolving role of libraries in an inclusive and informed society.