Located in downtown Toronto, the largest and most culturally diverse city in Canada and on the territory of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and the Wendat Peoples, the University Library at Ryerson University invites applications for the position of Associate Chief Librarian, Scholarly, Research and Creative Activities. The successful candidate will be appointed for a five-year term (with the potential for a second five-year term). 

The processes related to the recruitment and selection of the successful candidate are governed by the Policy and Procedures Relating to Search Committees and Appointments in the Academic Administration (the “AAA Policy”). Once in this position, the Associate Chief Librarian, Scholarly, Research and Creative Activities shall have an RFA career librarian position and be an “associate member” of the RFA in accordance with the RFA Collective Agreement. 

In recognition of the under-representation of racialized and Indigenous persons in academic administrative roles, the University Library especially welcomes applications from racialized and Indigenous persons and invites such candidates to self-identify in our Applicant Diversity Self ID during the application process 

The Opportunity 

The University Library is seeking an enthusiastic and creative candidate to fill the position of Associate Chief Librarian, Scholarship, Research and Creative Activities (ACL for SRC). This exciting new position will provide strategic leadership and a strong focus on capacity and relationship building, to advance the Library’s central role in research and scholarship. The successful ACL for SRC will have the opportunity to help shape this new portfolio and to expand the Library’s many existing and emerging SRC services, programs and priorities. 

The successful candidate will be committed to fostering a culture of collaboration and exploration, demonstrate action in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in all facets of the role, and articulate a clear understanding of research library responsibilities to Truth, Action and Reconciliation. 

The ACL for SRC is a member of the Library’s senior leadership team and reports directly to the Chief Librarian. Working closely with the ACL for Teaching and Learning, Branch and Department Heads, subject liaison Librarians, and a diverse team of committed staff, the ACL for SRC will provide Library-wide leadership and strategic direction for key portfolio areas including:

• the Library’s research and scholarly services and programming 
• scholarly communication, research data management and open access/scholarship initiatives
• collection and information resource management 
• specialized research areas/collections including the archives and special collections, GIS/map and data centre, and the Library collaboratory 
• emerging disciplinary and trans/inter disciplinary research trends 
• SRC partnerships and collaborations, both internally and externally 

Collegial responsibilities including shared responsibilities in chairing both career librarian hiring and promotion committees and serving on collegial, administrative and operational committees, internally and campus-wide will also be part of this role, along with opportunities to represent the Library externally. 

The successful candidate will provide evidence of the following: 

• MLIS or equivalent from an ALA-accredited program;  
• a minimum of five years of progressively responsible library experience ideally in an academic research library setting. Candidates are encouraged to articulate aligned, transferable and/or direct experience; and  
• a minimum of two years of proven leadership experience in a multi-unit department including management of staff and service delivery in a unionized environment. 

In addition, the successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following skills, qualities and values: 

• people-focused and effective human resource leadership, with lived experience and/or demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and (EDI) in staff recruitment/retention and programs and services. 
• effective in building relationships and collaborative partnerships (both internally and externally). 
• understanding of the research, scholarship and creative activity needs of faculty and students within a comprehensive and community engaged research university environment. 
• understanding of the SRC life cycle and international eco-system, emerging SRC trends, research and scholarly communication transformation, and library leadership and collaborations to advance research – both traditional and non-traditional. 
• successful experience advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in scholarly, research and creative activities. 
• understanding of the role of librarians as scholars, researchers and SRC collaborators. 
• experience in leading projects and initiatives that involve a range of colleagues, experts, collaborators, partners and stakeholders. 
• experience collaborating on, advancing and supporting grant funded research and SRC experience in taking a strategic approach in evidenced-based planning and assessment; and communicating to both internal and external audiences compelling tangible strategically aligned outcomes. 
• excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 
• proven leadership skills in change management and in helping others to successfully manage change.
• excellent analytical and critical thinking skills, including organizational planning, decision making and budget acumen. 
• ability to work effectively with University policies, procedures and collective agreements to assume a perspective that is inclusive of the diverse areas across campus.

The Library 

A vibrant and innovative centre of exploration, research, creation and learning, the University Library is positioned at the core of the University’s academic, research and community engagement goals. The Library supports a diverse community of learners and instructors, researchers and scholars, and community experts and entrepreneurs, and is a hub of interdisciplinary SRC. The dedicated team of more than 100 talented individuals supports a growing academic community, including new campuses and a growing number of international students. The University Library provides crucial academic learning, creation and research resources, programs, services and spaces. Its unique blend of expertise and programming, coupled with access to leading edge technology and an array of information resources, fosters a rich academic environment, supporting the University’s complement of degree programs, and advancing research and discovery, and community outreach and engagement. 

The Library is committed to the TRC Calls to Action and is actively exploring ways to decolonize our work and these efforts are further supported by the Mash Koh Wee Kah Pooh Win (Standing Strong Task Force) recommendations and the University’s in process renaming initiative. Our ongoing commitment to equity and community inclusion continue to shape and reaffirm our values and priorities as a Library and University. 

Ryerson University

Serving a highly diverse student population of over 45,000, with 100+ undergraduate and graduate programs built on the integration of theoretical and practical learning and distinguished by a professionally focussed curriculum with a strong emphasis on excellence in teaching, research and creative activities, Ryerson is a vibrant, urban university known for its culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, community engagement and city-building through its award-winning architecture. 

Working at Ryerson 

At the intersection of mind and action, the University is on a transformative path to become Canada’s leading comprehensive innovation university. We firmly believe that equity, diversity and inclusion are integral to this path; our current academic plan outlines each as core values and we work to embed them in all that we do. 

Visit us on Twitter:  @RyersonU, @RyersonHR, @RyersonVPFA and @RyersonECI and our LinkedIn company page.

The University is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. To find out more about legal and policy obligations please visit the accessibility and Human Rights websites.

The University welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us to expand our capacity for diversity in the broadest sense. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada, we encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, Black-identified persons, other racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. 

Pursuant to the University’s Vaccination Policy and as a condition of employment, all successful candidates will be required to either submit valid proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or receive a valid exemption.  

Salary and Other Compensation 

In accordance with Article 16.4 of the current RFA Collective Agreement, the salary minima are $91,619.6754 for Librarian III and $108,525.68 for Librarian IV. Salary and rank will be commensurate with experience and education. There is an administrative stipend associated with this position and the annual vacation for academic administrative positions is five weeks. Professional development funds and fourteen designated professional development days are also available. Please note that a new Collective Agreement has been recently ratified and will be publicly available shortly. We are happy to respond to any questions you may have regarding changes.

The location of work is at the University’s downtown campus in Toronto, Ontario and expected to include both onsite and at times remote work. The University has a generous relocation policy to assist with relocation. 

Program and service delivery during any given term may be online, in-person or hybrid at the sole discretion of the hiring unit and candidates are expected to be prepared to work on campus and remotely with appropriate technology in place. 

How to Apply 

Applicants must submit their application online via the Faculty Recruitment Portal (click on “Start Application Process” to begin) by April 16, 2022. The application must contain the following: 

• a letter of application; 
• a curriculum vitae; and 
• names of three individuals who may be contacted for references.

Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority, in accordance with Canadian immigration regulations. Candidates must therefore indicate in their application if they are a permanent resident or citizen of Canada. 

Contacts 

Any confidential inquiries about the opportunity can be directed to Carol Shepstone, Chief Librarian at cshepstone@ryerson.ca 

Indigenous candidates who would like to learn more about working at Ryerson University are welcome to contact Tracey King, Miigis Kwe, the Indigenous Human Resources Lead and the Founding Co-Chair of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Community Group at t26king@ryerson.ca. 

Black identified candidates who wish to learn more about working at Ryerson University are welcome to contact Shurla Charles-Forbes, Black Faculty & Staff Community Network at shurla.charlesforbes@ryerson.ca.   

For any confidential accommodation needs in order to participate in the recruitment and selection process, please contact Chris Danielewski at cdanielweski@ryerson.ca.