University Librarian

Posted 5 days ago

Job Details

Full Time

Location

Surrey, BC

Job Description

The Opportunity
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is seeking a strategic and visionary University Librarian to lead Library Services in advancing the University's academic mission. Reporting to the Provost & Vice-President Academic, this role provides leadership in academic planning, resource management, and service development, ensuring that library programs and operations align with evolving institutional priorities and the changing needs of students and faculty.

As the senior leader for the Library, you will champion both the Library's diverse user community and the employees who support them. You will bring a forward-looking understanding of emerging trends in higher education and academic libraries, and you will foster an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performance culture while shaping a clear and compelling vision for the Library's future.

As University Librarian, you will:

Lead, coach, and support the Divisional Business Manager and Librarian faculty, setting shared goals, guiding performance, and fostering a collaborative culture.
Support positive employee and labour relations by administering collective agreements, representing management in grievances, and consulting with HR on interpretation and processes.
Model high standards of professional practice, service excellence, and continuous learning through training, education, and assigned duties.
Promote and maintain a safe, equitable, respectful, and inclusive workplace rooted in University policies and mandatory training.
Provide strategic and operational leadership for the planning, organization, coordination, and evaluation of all library functions and services.
Develop, implement, and monitor strategic and annual library plans that align with institutional goals and academic priorities.
Prepare, recommend, and oversee library budgets in collaboration with the Divisional Business Manager, ensuring responsible resource management.
Lead recruitment, onboarding, training, evaluation, and ongoing professional development for Library faculty, management, and staff.
Develop, implement, and review library policies; guide technology initiatives in partnership with IT; and oversee physical library facilities, including renovations and construction planning.
Ensure effective access to library collections, technology, spaces, and services that support teaching, learning, research, and social learning.
Represent and advocate for the Library through committee leadership, participation in provincial, regional, and national initiatives, professional associations, and inter-institutional collaborations.
Design inclusive programs aligned with KPU's access mandate; support Indigenous community needs through the Indigenous Services Librarian; and provide leadership for copyright and archives while cultivating strong internal and external relationships.

What You Bring
You are an experienced and strategic library leader with deep knowledge of academic library operations, emerging trends in information and library technologies, and the evolving landscape of higher education. You bring a collaborative, inclusive leadership style, strong decision-making abilities, and a proven record of managing people, budgets, facilities, and organizational change within complex environments. Your communication skills, relationship-building approach, and commitment to equitable and innovative practices enable you to inspire teams and advance the Library's vision.

We're looking for someone who:

Holds an ALA-accredited Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) or equivalent.
Brings at least five years of progressive library administrative leadership, plus five years of librarian experience (preferably in an academic or research setting), or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Has extensive experience managing budgets, facilities, and personnel in complex environments.
Understands and has experience working within a unionized setting and applying collective agreements.
Demonstrates strong leadership, vision, and knowledge of information and library technology trends.
Possesses deep knowledge of academic library operations, automation systems, and technologies that support teaching, learning, and scholarship.
Is an effective communicator and presenter who can advocate for the Library across the institution and beyond.
Has a proven ability to plan, implement, and assess strategies and services that advance institutional goals.
Fosters inclusive, collaborative, and innovative work environments and brings strong team-building and change-management skills.
Demonstrates strong problem-solving, decision-making, and conflict-resolution abilities, with consistent follow-through on plans and initiatives.

The Location
KPU is a multi-campus institution. The Library Services offices are located on the Surrey campus, however, frequent travel between campuses will be required.

Want to know more? Click here to view the full job description.

Application Process
To apply for this opportunity, please submit your cover letter and resume as one document via KPU's Career Centre. Resume review will be conducted on January 5, 2026; however, the competition will remain open until filled.

For inquiries or recommendations related to this position, please contact:
Evita Gandhi
Interim Talent Acquisition Specialist
Email: evita.gandhi@kpu.ca

Salary Information
The above compensation range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. Typically, initial salary placement is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum. This represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and approximately halfway of the salary range for a job with consideration given to internal equity.

About Kwantlen Polytechnic University

As Canada’s only polytechnic university, KPU is committed to providing learners with opportunities to develop hands-on, applied skills, in addition to traditional academics. Established in 1981, the university has five campuses across Metro Vancouver (Surrey, Richmond, Langley, Cloverdale, and Surrey Central City). KPU currently offers a range of degrees, diplomas, certificates, and citations in 120 diverse programs, many of which are unique to the university. Students graduate career-ready and prepared to make a positive impact in their community thanks to a well-rounded education, where thought meets action. With a mission to transform lives and empower positive change, KPU employees work collaboratively to inspire our students, our communities and one another. Our success is driven by the dedication and passion of the people who work here and we strive to attract, develop, reward and retain our talented employees. When you join KPU, envision yourself joining an inclusive and diverse environment that embraces collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to student success. At KPU, community isn't just a buzzword; it's a lived experience where faculty and staff actively contribute to a welcoming atmosphere, fostering a sense of belonging. Immerse yourself in a workplace that values your unique perspectives, encourages professional growth, and actively engages with the local community. KPU offers competitive compensation and employee benefits, as well as other perks, through our Total Rewards package. From health and well-being to career development, we're committed to helping our people achieve success.