University of Manitoba
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The University of Manitoba is actively seeking a collaborative and strategic leader to serve as the next Vice-Provost (Libraries) and University Librarian.
University of Manitoba
Recognized as Western Canada’s first university, the University of Manitoba is a place where students come to learn and be inspired. The University of Manitoba campuses are located on original lands of Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anisininewuk, Dakota Oyate, and Dene, and on the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. The University is honoured to have been chosen to host and partner with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. It is committed to Indigenous achievement and to making Manitoba a global centre of excellence for Indigenous education, research, languages, and cultures.
The University of Manitoba is the province’s only medical doctoral institution and is a member of Canada’s U15 group of research-intensive universities. The University offers a robust and diverse suite of over 100 graduate programs taught by award-winning professors and in partnerships with over 40 research centres and institutes. The University generates more than $1.7 billion in annual economic activity and attracts 200 million dollars annually in sponsored research income. The University’s culturally diverse community is home to over 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students, of which 21.3% are international students representing over 122 countries.
University of Manitoba Libraries (UML)
The UML holds the largest research collection in the province of Manitoba and is vital to building student, faculty, and community success. UML assists students, researchers, and community members to successfully navigate the complex information landscape by providing expert instruction and tools for students to find and evaluate information; offering assistance with tools and infrastructure in support of data management, research impact, and open scholarship; and ensuring that all faculty and students have access to materials and spaces to help them succeed in their careers. UML is committed to acquiring collections that support the university’s academic and research mission, and to preserving the archives of the University and collections of importance to Manitobans to safeguard records and heritage for future generations.
The Position
Reporting to the Provost, the Vice-Provost (Libraries) and University Librarian is responsible for shaping the strategic direction of UML. This leader will play a pivotal role in advancing the University’s research, scholarship, creative activities, and teaching by fostering an innovative, inclusive, and forward-thinking library system that aligns with the University’s strategic priorities.
As a member of the Provost’s senior leadership team, the Vice-Provost (Libraries) will collaborate closely with vice-presidents, other vice-provosts, deans, directors, student groups, and academic and administrative units to enhance teaching, learning, and research across the University. In this role, the Vice-Provost (Libraries) serves as the principal expert on libraries, archives, and digital technologies, ensuring UML remains a dynamic hub of knowledge, discovery, and academic support. This leader will champion the University’s Strategic Plan, guiding UML’s priorities while ensuring it remains responsive to the evolving needs of faculty, staff, and students.
Key responsibilities include providing strategic oversight of UML’s administration, budget, planning, facilities, and policy development across multiple locations. The Vice-Provost (Libraries) will also serve as a trusted advisor to the Provost, offering insight and guidance on all library-related matters.
The Ideal Candidate
We recognize that no single candidate will possess all of the following qualifications equally. We value diverse lived experiences, and these qualifications will be considered holistically in the assessment of candidates for this position.
The ideal candidate will have progressive leadership experience in library services, ideally within an academic or comparable environment. As a leader, they will have a strong foundation in strategic planning, human resource development, facilities operations, financial and budget management, and organizational effectiveness. They will be a strategic thinker with proven experience in change management, including the ability to develop and articulate a clear vision for change and foster a culture of adaptability and innovation. With an open and collaborative leadership style, they will be skilled at creating and fostering a positive, respectful working climate. The ideal candidate should be able to articulate, enact, and show evidence of their commitments to equity, diversity, inclusion, to anti-racism and decolonial practices, and to Indigenous engagement, achievement, and overall success with consideration of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action. They will have a sophisticated understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the digitization of library services and the utilization of emerging technologies within modern library service provision. They must demonstrate a strong commitment to service-oriented collaboration and outreach with multiple constituencies, and an ability to develop and deliver exceptional library services.
The ideal candidate will possess a graduate level degree from an ALA-accredited institution in Library and Information Science, or Archival Studies, or equivalent.
If you are interested in this opportunity, including receiving a copy of the Executive Brief, please contact Katherine Frank at kfrank@kbrs.ca or Lauren Wright at lwright@kbrs.ca, or submit your application online at http://www.kbrs.ca/Career/17392933554520000008JQU
The University of Manitoba is committed to the principles of equity, diversity, & inclusion and to promoting opportunities in hiring, promotion, and tenure (where applicable) for systemically marginalized groups who have been excluded from full participation at the University and the larger community including Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning, intersex, asexual, and other diverse sexual identities).
We encourage you to self-identify aspects of your identity that position you to bring currently under-represented viewpoints, expertise, and forms of excellence to this role. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.
The University of Manitoba and KBRS will provide support in the recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodation to participate as a candidate in the recruitment process, please contact accommodate@kbrs.ca or communicate your needs to the recruitment professional named above.
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