Career Opportunity: Librarian and Archivist of Canada

November 1, 2018

Portfolio: Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism
Organization: Library and Archives of Canada
Position title: Librarian and Archivist of Canada
Type: Full-time
Level: GC 8
Salary range: $206,600.00 – $243,000.00/Year
Location: National Capital Region
Application Review Date: December 9, 2018
Opportunity number: J0818-0220

Library and Archives Canada was established on May 21, 2004 to join the responsibilities, collections, services and expertise of the former National Archives of Canada and the former National Library of Canada. As a national institution and member of the Canadian Heritage Portfolio, the Agency is responsible for preserving its collection of publications, archival records, sound and audio-visual materials, photographs, artworks, and electronic documents for the benefit of present and future generations. Library and Archives Canada also facilitates co-operation among communities involved in the acquisition, preservation and diffusion of knowledge, and serves as the continuing memory of the Government of Canada and its institutions.

As head of Library and Archives Canada, the Librarian and Archivist of Canada is responsible for providing corporate leadership for the management of the Agency’s resources and assets and for the effectiveness and efficiency of its operations in meeting its mandated objectives.

Official Languages and Diversity

The Government of Canada will consider bilingual proficiency and diversity in assessing applicants. You are therefore encouraged to include in your online profile your ability to speak and understand your second official language. Preference may be given to applicants who are members of one or more of the following groups: women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of a visible minority group.

To be considered, please ensure that the information provided in your curriculum vitae and cover letter clearly demonstrate how you meet the following requirements:

Education and Experience

A degree from a recognized university in a relevant field of study or an acceptable combination of equivalent education, job-related training and/or experience;

Significant leadership and management experience at the senior executive level in a public or private organization, including managing human and financial resources;

Experience in strategic management, organizational change and management techniques which promote good governance and improve organization performance;

Experience in major project development;

Experience in the delivery of major infrastructure projects;

Experience in professional practices relating to heritage institutions such as libraries, archives, museums and/or documentary heritage;

Experience in dealing with the federal government, preferably with senior government officials, would be considered an asset; and

Experience in implementing digital/virtual access to archives and/or documentary heritage would be considered an asset.

If you move on to the next stage of the selection process, the following criteria will be assessed:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of the mandate and activities of Library and Archives Canada as well as the legislative framework within which it operates;

Knowledge of the government’s policy agenda and how it relates to Library and Archives Canada;

Financial literacy and knowledge of the federal government’s expectations with regard to accountability and reporting;

Knowledge of the heritage sector (including libraries, archives, museums and documentary heritage) as well as current challenges and opportunities;

Knowledge of the transformation to digital culture;

Ability to manage and provide corporate vision, leadership and the strategic direction needed to ensure that the Library and Archives Canada is able to fulfill its mandate and achieve its objectives;

Ability to identify, analyze and define priorities and strategies;

Ability to focus the energies and talents of the employees of Library and Archives Canada and motivate them to achieve corporate objectives;

Ability to position the organization to ensure that it meets the rapidly evolving digital world and the changing needs of audiences;

Ability to develop effective working relationships with the organization’s management, the Minister of Canadian Heritage and his Office, the Deputy Minister of Canadian Heritage, and the key stakeholders and partners of Library and Archives Canada; and

Superior communication skills, both written and oral, and the ability to represent the Commission with a wide range of stakeholders, and appear before Parliamentary Committees, when required.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

If you move on the the next stage of the selection process, we will contact your references to confirm that you meet the above selection criteria and that you possess the following Personal Attributes:

Strategic and innovative leader

High ethical standards and integrity

Tact and diplomacy

Sound judgment

Superior interpersonal skills

Collegiality

Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Employment

Appointees must comply with the Ethical and Political Activity Guidelines for Public Office Holders throughout their appointment as a term and condition of employment. The guidelines are available on the Governor in Council Appointments website under Forms and reference material.

All appointees are subject to the Conflicts of Interest Act. Public office holders appointed on a full-time basis must also submit to the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics within 60 days of appointment, a confidential report in which they disclose all of their assets, liabilities and outside activities. For more information, please visit the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner’s website.

Appointees must uphold the highest standards of probity and are expected to demonstrate behaviours in the workplace that afford respect, equality and dignity, to everyone they interact with at work at all times. The Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector outlines the values and expected behaviours for public servants, including valuing diversity and creating workplaces free from harassment and discrimination. Governor in Council appointees are expected to uphold and respect these values and principles in a positive and active manner.

If you are appointed to this position, you must reside in or be willing to relocate to the National Capital Region, or to a location within a reasonable commuting distance.

If you are appointed to this position, you must willing to travel across Canada and internationally.

A link to this notice will be placed in the Canada Gazette to assist the Governor in Council in identifying qualified candidates for this positions. It is not, however, intended to be the sole means of recruitment. A roster of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar opportunities.

How to Apply

Review of applications will begin on December 9, 2018. Candidates must apply online via the Governor in Council Appointments website. Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their applications by this date. After this date, your application will be retained and may be considered up until an appointment to the position is made. Your cover letter should be addressed to the Deputy Director of Selection Processes, Senior Personnel Secretariat, Privy Council Office, and should be sent only through the online application.

Instructions on how to apply for an appointment opportunity can be found on the Governor in Council Appointments website.

(Via Privy Council Office, Senior Personnel Secretariat)