CEO (Chief Librarian), Vaughan Public Libraries at WMC

Vaughan Public Libraries (VPL) is a dynamic, award-winning public library system serving one of Canada’s fastest growing and most diverse cities. With fourteen welcoming branches and a robust digital library, VPL connects its residents to rich collections, inclusive programs, creative spaces, and opportunities to enrich, inspire and transform. Recognized for its strong workplace culture and deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, VPL is an employer of choice for more than 300 talented staff members who are passionate about serving the community.

Located just north of Toronto in the heart of York Region, the City of Vaughan is home to over 350,000 people and a globally competitive economy with thriving businesses. Historic neighbourhoods blend with new, transit-oriented communities such as the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, offering a mix of established streetscapes, cultural amenities, parks and trails, and modern urban living. Professionals are drawn to Vaughan’s strong employment base, convenient transit connections (including subway service to downtown Toronto), high-quality schools and health care, and its reputation as a safe, family-friendly community.

THE OPPORTUNITY

With the planned retirement of the current CEO, Vaughan Public Libraries has partnered with WMC Executive Search to recruit its next Chief Executive Officer (CEO)/Chief Librarian to implement a new strategic plan (2026) and build a future-ready library system that enriches its people, inspires opportunities and connections, and transforms its places and processes to meet the community’s growing needs.

Reporting to the Vaughan Public Library Board, the CEO will:

Champion Vaughan Public Libraries’ mission, vision and corporate values, inspiring a culture of innovation and service excellence across all locations and digital platforms.
Provide vision, leadership and strategic direction to the Board and Executive Management Team, translating emerging priorities into clear goals, policies and business plans.
Lead system-wide planning, resource allocation and delivery of services across all branches and digital platforms, ensuring VPL remains responsive, innovative and welcoming to all. Oversee an operating budget of $26.5M and a capital budget of $59M.
Serve as Secretary and Treasurer to the Board, ensuring strong governance, transparent financial stewardship and effective oversight of risk and regulatory compliance.
Represent VPL with City Council, municipal leadership, community partners and the broader library sector, championing intellectual freedom and the essential role of public libraries in a democratic, diverse society.
Lead a large, unionized workforce, cultivating a positive, inclusive culture where people feel valued, heard and equipped to do their best work, and where leadership capacity is developed at all levels.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

You are passionate about the evolving role of libraries as inclusive, innovative community hubs and are ready to lead a system that is ready for its next phase of growth. An accomplished public library or broader public-sector executive, you bring a blend of strategic vision, political acumen, and operational experience. You are energized by the opportunity to lead a complex, multi-branch system and to shape the next chapter of an essential civic institution. The ideal candidate for this role will possess the following skills and attributes:

A values-driven leader who centres decisions on community impact, service excellence, and intellectual freedom, and you inspire others to do the same.
A proven track record of working with Boards and senior leadership teams to set strategy and direction, develop business plans, and translate emerging priorities into clear goals, policies and measurable outcomes. Strength in data-informed decision-making, including the use of metrics and evaluation to guide strategy, allocate resources, and demonstrate impact.
Progressive system-wide leadership experience leading complex, multi-site or multi-branch operations (ideally in public libraries, large public-sector or institutional environments), aligning people, resources and technology to deliver responsive, innovative services across physical and digital platforms.
Strong organization-wide governance and stewardship, including financial and risk oversight, and regulatory compliance in a public or not-for-profit environment.
Excel in communication and partnering, building relationships with elected officials, municipal leaders, community partners and sector peers. In addition, excel at clearly articulating the value and impact of public libraries, build consensus among partners, and represent the VPL with credibility and authenticity.
Demonstrated, progressive leadership experience building and sustaining high-performing teams, including large, unionized groups, and fostering a positive, respectful workplace culture. Proven ability to develop leaders, strengthen collaboration and accountability, and create the conditions for staff to experiment, innovate, and grow. Clear and ongoing commitment to advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in all aspects of leadership and organizational practice.

QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an accredited program, or a recognized equivalent library degree.
Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive leadership experience in library administration/non-profit organizations, including public library and union environments.
Knowledge of legislation that is applicable to the operation of a public library in Ontario.

If this opportunity matches your interest, experience, and qualifications, please apply in confidence, providing your application (cover letter and current resume). This position will remain open until filled, with an initial review of applications beginning on December 10, 2025.

Please note Leadership assessments will be administered as part of the selection process, as well as background checks. We thank all applicants; however, only those selected for an interview by the VPL will be contacted.

For information about this role, please contact Arthur Lyons at WMC at arthur @ wmc.on.ca