POSITION PROFILE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AURORA PUBLIC LIBRARY THE LIBRARY Aurora Public Library (APL) serves a growing population, now at >60,000 with a downtown branch (45,000 sq.ft) strategically located in the centre of Town on Yonge St., built in 2001. A new CEO is being recruited on the retirement of the successfully long-serving incumbent. MISSION Aurora Public Library builds community by sparking conversation, enriching lives and contributing vibrant spaces for discovery. VISION We are essential to the community. Our inclusive and collaborative approach makes Aurora a better place to live. Through innovative, engaged staff and evolving spaces, we transform lives by supporting literacy and cultivating creativity, conversation and joy. VALUES Intellectual Freedom: We provide access to diverse expressions of knowledge and creativity Literacy: We foster literacy and nurture lifelong learning Inclusiveness: We support accessible and equitable services Accountability: We ensure that library services are relevant and administered in a fiscally responsible manner Service Excellence: We serve with integrity and skill, helping our community explore, connect and engage. STRATEGIES APL s Strategic Plan for 2017-2021, Place of Possibilities, developed by Board and Staff, focuses on innovation, creativity, and learning. Its three thematic priorities are: Build Community; Place of Possibilities; Organizational Capacity. The Library is recognized as an innovator in the library sector and prides itself as a community-led organization continually inspired through ongoing resident and stakeholder consultations and conversations. The Library is a key component of Aurora s Library Square, set to begin construction soon, as well as the Aurora Promenade plan and Cultural Precinct plan, all designed to revitalize downtown core. Position Profile April 2018 1
The person power of 37.5 FTE has - and will continue to experience - turnover at all levels with retirements and with new roles required to realize the Library s strategies. The senior management team has members with a wide range of tenure with APL, from 3 30 years. Staff is unionized through CUPE. The nine-member Board includes three councilors. As an Ontario public library, APL is funded through the Town and province; the 2018 budget of $3.9M demonstrates APL s solid per capita support that is among the highest in the province. The Town owns and maintains the building, provides payroll services and some HR consulting and guidance. APL S 2016 SERVICE ACTIVITY LEVELS Borrowing (physical & digital items) 685,463 In-house resource usage 84,136 In-person visits 216,217 Web visits 266,901 Wireless & workstation uses 65,115 Programs delivered 812 Program attendance 15,480 Card holders 28,000 or 51% THE COMMUNITY Aurora s slogan You re in Good Company rings true in many ways. A significant member of the GTA, Aurora is at the heart of York Region, surrounded by King Township, Newmarket, Whitchurch-Stouffville, Markham and Richmond Hill. Established in the 1700s Aurora prides itself as a growing modern town with that older small town feel and charm, featuring charming old neighbourhoods as well as thriving new developments. With its population having doubled since 1986, its focus is on managed growth that is transit-enabled, affordable, and features mixed use. The Town s strategic plan 2011-2031 aims to develop flexible services and infrastructure responsive to changing demographics - maintaining high quality green spaces while building business development and employment. The Oak Ridges Moraine greenbelt planning limits in the SE restricts large-scale expansion and therefore development charges. Population growth is estimated to continue at 4% per year. This population increase is bringing a diversity of cultures, languages, and establishments. While English remains the first language, expansion east of Bayview Ave. shows much demographic and linguistic change. Aurora is a relatively young Town with the average age just under 40; almost 70% of residents are under 64 years and almost 18% under 14 years. There is an average of 2.9 residents per household, with the largest number of dwellings being single family. Aurora has a vibrant culture, arts, and heritage infrastructure, and there are three major recreation facilities. A major initiative well-underway for the downtown, is Library Square, which will expand Position Profile April 2018 2
indoor and outdoor community and commercial spaces and better integrate the services of APL and its cultural partners. Proximity to Toronto is a bonus for many Aurora residents, and GO services is continuing to improve its commuting routes, running frequently each way. Local transportation is augmented by York Region Transport buses, but Aurora is still viewed as a car-based community. Local industries include Magna International Auto Parts, TC Transcontinental printing, and head offices for Bulk Barn and State Farm Canada. Smaller businesses are primarily service, retail, and manufacturing. One of Canada s 10 th most wealthy communities, the average price for a detached house is close to $900,000. THE CEO S ROLE & KEY OPPORTUNITIES This is a role for a leader. The CEO directs the implementation of the Board s vision, championing the Library to build community and be a place of possibilities in an established, growing, increasingly diverse Town. A collaborative, strategic energizer, the CEO galvanizes APL s loyal, passionate staff to continue transforming APL to meet the changing needs of Aurora s residents and businesses in a complex digital society and building the organizational capacity essential for impactful library services today and into the future. Accountable to the Board, the CEO s key responsibilities are to support the Board in its governance and strategic planning; lead and inspire staff to bring the Library s values to life every day; oversee APL s collaboration with the Town to collectively and organizationally best serve Aurora s residents and businesses; build and foster strategic alliances with businesses and community organizations; ensure that a solid infrastructure is maintained; facilities, funding and staff, collections, and programmes. The new CEO will be expected to empower and coach staff and foster open communication. The CEO will work closely with all managers to assess the strengths and development needs of staff, and craft practical strategies and approaches that embed teamwork, customer service and initiative in APL s working culture. The CEO is also secretary and advisor to the Board, assisting with Board development, strategic planning, advocacy, and policy development. The new incumbent will address a range of opportunities: Strengthening Town and partner organization relationships, particularly as the construction of Library Square launches; this includes programming and practical considerations, such as the cooperative use of outdoor space; partnerships should include the new BIA, and cultural organizations Position Profile April 2018 3
Oversee the Library s $1.3 million interior upgrade Envision and implement service strategies to reach residents and businesses in all neighbourhoods of Aurora, building on existing staff roles of community engagement and development Clarify and foster relationships and responsibilities with Town staff, particularly working with the CAO in determining how to best ensure the Library is positioned to effectively collaborate with all the Town s key organizations at the Executive Leadership Team Assist the Board in its positioning and development with Town Council. THE IDEAL CANDIDATE This position will appeal to those who are passionate about the difference libraries make in a community and in individuals lives, and who have: A graduate-level degree in library-information science (preferred) or comparable level of education, (including and not limited to business, technology or public administration) and five years leadership experience in a library, public sector, cultural, municipal or not-for-profit environment, or any combination of education and experience which readies them for this executive role Considerable political acuity and ability to adapt to political changes A clear understanding of the CEO s role and relationships with the Board, Town Staff, Council, and community influencers and decision-makers An inspiring vision for the Library as an essential contributor and partner with organizations and groups to deliver community-based programs and services that strengthen the social fabric and quality of life The drive and ability to reach out and forge the necessary partnerships and relationships The belief and ability to articulate the distinctive role of the public library, particularly in upholding intellectual freedom and the democratic right of education for all. Administrative, human resources, programming, and budget responsibilities and demonstrated successes Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, influence and work collaboratively and effectively with a broad spectrum of individuals in a complex environment Position Profile April 2018 4
Proven leadership, problem-solving skills, integrity and the ability to bring about positive change at all levels of staff and build consensus in a primarily unionized environment Excellent oral and written communications skills and confidence in representing the Library in a range of forums demonstrating diplomacy and negotiation skills Experience with facility planning and development A sincere desire to be an integral part and champion of the growing and evolving Aurora community. COMPENSATION: Aurora Public Library offers a highly competitive salary ($144,000 - $177,000) with a comprehensive benefits plan and participates in the OMERS pension plan. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: We welcome and encourage inquiries; please contact: Daryl Novak; Dysart Jones and Associates; daryl@dysartjones.com or 905-468-5550 APPLICATION PROCEDURE AND TIMELINE: Please submit your covering letter and resume to office@dysartjones.com, with the Subject: APL Position, and also mail a hard copy to Dysart & Jones Associates, 15526 Niagara Parkway, RR#1, Niagara On The Lake, Ontario L0F 1J0 by May 13, 2018, Preliminary phone interviews will be May 16-23, with on-site interviews June 7-8 in Aurora. Final interviews with the full Board will be held June 18. Final decisions will be made late June for the new incumbent to begin early to mid-august. We thank all individuals for applying; however, only those selected to participate in the interview process will be contacted. Aurora Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to inclusive barrier-free recruitment and placement processes and work environments. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005; Aurora Public Library provides accommodations throughout the recruitment and placement process to applicants with disabilities. If selected to participate in the recruitment process, please inform us of the nature of any accommodation(s) required. Any information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially. Position Profile April 2018 5