CEO/Chief Librarian

Gravenhurst is known as the “Gateway to Muskoka” offering a vibrant mix of historic lakefront charm, outdoor adventure, and cultural attractions. Gravenhurst is a growing urban and rural town located in the District Municipality of Muskoka, 2 hours north of Toronto with a population of approximately 14,839 which more than doubles during the summer season. We feature a welcoming one branch library offering a comprehensive schedule of programs for all ages. 

Position Summary

The Gravenhurst Public Library (GPL) is seeking a Chief Executive Officer (CEO)/ Chief Librarian to play a significant role in shaping and leading the future of library services in Gravenhurst. 

As the library prepares for its next phase of growth, the CEO/Chief Librarian will play a pivotal role in securing external funding, championing long-term strategic initiatives, overseeing library expansion initiatives and positioning the library as a dynamic cultural and educational hub.

Reporting to the Gravenhurst Library Board, the CEO/Chief Librarian is responsible for the following:

• Supports the Library Board in its governance role by leading strategic planning initiatives and overseeing the development and implementation of annual operating plans.
• Develops and manages annual operating and capital budgets, presents budget recommendations to the Library Board and Town Council, monitors financial performance, and adjusts operating budgets as required to address variances.

• Serves as the primary lead for non-tax revenue generation by securing external funding through grant applications, individual donations, sponsorships, and philanthropic partnerships.

• Developing a visionary plan to build organizational capacity; provide and maintain excellent library service.
• Developing, strengthening and fostering the Library’s relationship with the municipality (Council and staff), businesses and community organizations, the media, other libraries; government ministries and agencies, professional organizations and potential funders.
• Acting as Secretary and Treasurer to the Library Board; arranging and attending all Board and Committee meetings, preparing agendas; is responsible for keeping of minutes and official records.

Experience & Credentials Preferred:

• Possess a Master of Library and Information Science from an ALA accredited school.
• Five (5) years of related progressive management experience, working in a Library setting in a senior leadership role.
• Demonstrated administrative and financial expertise.
• Proven skills in all aspects of staff supervision including team leadership, training and hiring, evaluating, coaching and motivation that lead to a positive and healthy work environment. 
• Strong strategic planning and execution skills.

• Experience in preparing grant applications or the ability to identify and oversee qualified freelance grant-writing support as needed.

• Experience in overseeing library expansion initiatives.

• Demonstrated ability to problem solve with innovation.
• Working knowledge of legislation that applies to managing a public Library including the Public Libraries Act, and Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations.
• Strong working knowledge of computer and telecommunications technologies, library software systems, cataloging software and inter-Library loan software.
• Working knowledge of collection development and research and reference skills.
• Demonstrated understanding of emerging trends, new technologies and advancements in public libraries.
• Demonstrated administrative, policy, planning, organizational, and time management skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the principles and practices of accounting, budgeting and financial planning.
• Proven interpersonal, customer service, entrepreneurial, and communication skills, both oral and written are a necessity.
• Proven history of partnering with community organizations in the provision of programs and services.
• Available to work flexible hours to attend evening and/or weekend meetings or other events and travel, as required.
• Hold a Valid Ontario Driver’s License. Use of a personal vehicle may be required.
• Physically able to carry out all aspects of the job.

Supervision Requirements:
Positions Supervised Directly: All Library Staff

Health & Safety Responsibilities:

• To ensure that supervised employees receive the required PPE and training in the appropriate practices, policies and procedures necessary to work in a safe manner and to monitor their compliance with corporate health and safety policies.
• To report any contravention of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

PHYSICAL/PSYCHOLOGICAL DEMANDS and WORKING CONDITIONS

Environment: Work is conducted in an office environment with some exposure to criticism from the public. Requirement to juggle priorities, meet deadlines, verbally communicate to exchange  information, deal with constant interruptions and changing demands during the course of a working  day; occasions whereby an extremely short amount of time is available to complete a project or task  (regularly); wide variety of tasks requiring ability to manage multiple projects and make independent decisions (daily); while maintaining a pleasant, professional and positive demeanor. 

Physical: Requirement for sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting and in a field environment; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; to travel to other locations.

Normal Hours of Work & Contacts:

Normal hours of work are 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, as required. Communicates regularly with the GPL Board, Library staff, municipal staff, Provincial ministries and government agencies, staff of other municipalities, and the general public.

Join Our Team!

We are proud to offer our valued staff:

• Competitive salaries! Our jobs are evaluated and set on a pay scale and we work to maintain competitive salaries in the market. The salary range for this position is $117,595 to $132,355 annually.
• Employer paid group health and dental benefits for permanent full time employees - plus a Health Care Spending Account.
• OMERS pension plan
• Continuous learning, training and development opportunities
• Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP) for eligible employees and their immediate families
• The pleasure of working with great people in a supportive and fun environment

This is an existing vacancy. 

The deadline to submit applications for this vacancy is December 18, 2026 @ 4:00 PM.

Learn more about Gravenhurst Public Library by visiting our website https://www.gravenhurst.ca/library/