LONDON PUBLIC LIBRARY is looking for a talented individual to join our team as:

Director – Communications and Development

This a permanent full-time opportunity

Summary

The London Public Library (Library) is seeking a dynamic, innovative, enthusiastic, leader to guide three separate, but strategically inter-connected departments in advancing the priorities and goals of the organization.

SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Reporting to the CEO & Chief Librarian (CEO), and a member of the Library’s Executive leadership team, this position contributes to the achievement of the London Public Library‘s (Library) Purpose, Values, and Strategic Plan by providing leadership and oversight for the following primary functions related to communications and development:

Marketing & Communications
Oversees the tactical execution of LPL’s ongoing marketing intiatives, the Library website’s user interface and content, communication with external partners and the media, internal staff and board communication, and the Library internal communication tool’s user interface and content.
Fund Development
Responsible for achieving and/or exceeding fund development revenue targets and other related metrics in order to increase philanthropy and ensure a vibrant and diversified donor base for the Library and a strategy for addressing Library value-added and capital needs.
Wolf Performance Hall (WPH) and Meeting and Event Services

Oversees all operational aspects of the WPH and system-wide meeting and event space management and ensures practices are supporting the overall goals of the Library.

DUTIES:

Marketing and Communications

Leads, executes and communicates a marketing strategy and annual business plans and budgets that are aligned to organization goals and direction.
Manages the Library’s brand, ensuring its essence, revitalization and adherence to Brand Management Standards.
Leads the team responsible for the creative process, including concept development, testing, production, media selection / publicity, execution and evaluation. Ensures all marketing materials effectively communicate Library positioning and benefits according to the Library’s brand standards and marketing plan and ensures the cost-effective execution of marketing and advertising campaigns.
Leads the process to select external marketing partners and suppliers and develops synergistic relationships.
Works in collaboration with the members of the Executive Team to leverage our brand, our Value promise and to achieve promotional synergies and maintain positive ongoing media relations and marketing opportunities.
Leads the team to develop and implement a comprehensive Marketing Communication Plan, inclusive of social media and e-Communications, and a Marketing Calendar to support Library programs, services and events in an effective manner.
In collaboration with the Executive Team and marketing staff, oversees production of Library publications, presentation templates, and reports.
Oversees Copy Centre and Graphic Arts production procedures and processes and revises as necessary to ensure effectiveness and cost-efficiency.
Provides direction and strategy to members of the Executive Team and others on internal communication.
Works in collaboration with the Director, IT, to oversee development and maintenance of the Library’s website, mobile site, and internal communication tools.
Oversees all aspects of the user-interface and content posted to the Library’s website and internal communications tool.
Oversees preparation of donor-centred fund development materials that align with the Library’s brand essence to influence and facilitate informed ongoing support from potential donors.
Develops and implement a marketing and communications plan that will raise the profile of the WPH as an integral part of the Library, maximizing utilization of and revenue from the WPH and meeting spaces.
Provides marketing and communications advice and input to strategic initiatives and projects, ensuring that the Library’s reputation and interests are safeguarded.
Regularly provides input and occasional direct reporting of pertinent information requiring expertise into the Library Board.
Ensures that staff and the Library Board have the knowledge and information required to meet their responsibilities.
Collaborates in the development and system-wide application of the institution's employee relations policies; ensures that such policies are applied.
May be asked to Act as Chief Executive Officer in absence of the CEO or, as delegated, in all responsibilities.

Fund Development

With direction from the Executive Team, leads the design, development, implementation, evaluation and execution of all Library fundraising strategies
Responsible for significantly increasing and diversifying fundraising revenue to the Library.
Oversees the full scope of fund development activities, relating to the discovery, cultivation, solicitation, recognition and stewardship of a portfolio of prospects and donors to the Library.
Design and execute planned giving programs, capital, and comprehensive campaigns.
Develop recognition programs to express honour and appreciation for the generosity and support of planned giving donors.
Develops reports for internal use, including Board reports as requested and develops and delivers formal and informal presentations to a variety of internal and external audiences.
Initiates and strengthens relationships with all constituents through a systematic cultivation plan with a focus on the cultivation of new and former donors and new initiatives designed to educate and engage donors in meaningful ways
Develops and implements a comprehensive communications plan to inform constituents and identify markets about the Library, its value to the London community and make known its funding priorities and gift opportunities.
In collaboration with the Financial Services department, complies with all reporting requirements and regulations to demonstrate commitment to accountability and transparency.
Reports to constituencies the sources, uses and management of funds to preserve and enhance confidence in the organization.
With input from the Executive Team, leads the development and administration of donor appeal campaigns.
Leads organizational efforts to identify government and other grant funding opportunities and facilitate the application process when appropriate.
Knowledgeable about current trends, issues, concerns and practices in philanthropy and fund development.

WPH and Meeting and Event Services

Responsible for all aspects of WPH and the Library’s system-wide rental of space.
In consultation with the Executive Team and working with the Coordinator, WPH, plans, develops and implements a comprehensive operating plan for space rentals.
Oversees research, environmental scanning and analysis of current and emerging issues that influence and impact community performance halls and the event industry.
Oversees the cultivation of and the building of relationships with key external contacts such as meeting and event planners, performing arts and music personnel that will increase utilization of WPH and space rentals.
Ensures effective Library participation by Coordinator of WPH in strategic relationships such as partnerships, standing committees, and task forces.
In consultation with the Director, Financial and Facility Services and working with the Coordinator, WPH, oversees the planning, development and execution of a comprehensive financial plan, with revenue goals, for the WPH and system wide space rentals.
Provides timely and relevant information to the CEO to keep them apprised of the quality and quantity of giving activity.

Management of Relationships with External & Internal Partners

Actively participates in the Executive Team and collaborates with and provides solutions / support to achieve strategic goals and objectives.
Advised Executive Team on consistent and effective internal and external communication strategies.
Leads by example and demonstrates the organizational values in all professional and personal behaviours.
Leads and/or participates in Library cross-functional teams to lend skills, competence and knowledge.
Builds effective, collaborative relationships with key departments to develop solutions and facilitate concise, accurate, two-way and timely communication with internal customer groups, including problem solving and troubleshooting support.
Builds and maintains a visible presence in the community to build top-of-mind awareness of the Library and build solid, long-lasting relationships.

Team Leadership

Creates a team environment which fosters high performance and effective working relationships. Acts as a change agent to positively encourage others and manage change and continually looks for opportunities to improve and maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of the departments managed.
Looks for daily opportunities to highlight the connection between overall strategy and day-to-day operational activities.
Directs staff by managing the work and overseeing the quality and standard of work, directly overseeing the work of direct reports and indirectly, the work of staff in the departments managed.
Ensure that decisions made by and direction provided by the Library Board or Executive Team are appropriately supported and articulated to staff by direct reports.
Manages and supports staff performance and development and builds teamwork and team effectiveness.
Celebrates departmental achievements by taking opportunities to express positive expectations and feedback on an individual basis and share successes with other parts of the organization as appropriate.

Library Policy

Works in conjunction with the CEO and Executive Team members to develop policies that relate to library services and govern areas of Library operations.
Oversees the application of policies and the development and application of procedures and guidelines.
Ensures that policies are clearly understood by patrons, employees, stakeholders and the Library Board.

Human Resources Management

In Collaboration with the Director, Human Resources, and heads of each department, hires, promotes, transfers, disciplines, demotes and discharges staff. Participates in interview process and provides recommendations on probationary period for direct and indirect reports.
Participates in the grievance procedure for direct and indirect reports, as needed.
Oversees and provides final approval on all staff requests for vacation, overtime and leave of absences.

Participates in joint union-management committees as assigned by CEO.
Participates as a team member in collective bargaining negotiations, as assigned by the CEO.
Keeps current on the provisions and interpretations of Library Board policy and the Collective Agreement and ensures that they are properly applied.
Performs the duties required of a supervisor under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations.
Work in collaboration with the Executive Team to develop system-wide training.

Records Management

Works with the CEO and Executive Assistant to manage the Library’s corporate records management program, ensuring accessibility to accurate, authentic and reliable Library Records in all formats, including electronic, to meet legislated requirements, support the effective management and work of the Library and/or to record the history of the Library.
Works with the CEO and Executive Assistant to manage the development and maintenance of Library records retention schedule and adherence to records retention and disposition processes.

Legislation and Standards

Ensures compliance with government (federal, provincial and municipal) legislation and standards.
Keeps current with, and implements, associated policies and procedures to ensure compliance.

Qualifications

Experience

Successful completion of a university education with courses in marketing or communication or equivalent.
8 years of progressive experience in managing a marketing and communications department at a not-for profit, preferably in an urban environment. Experience in public libraries is desired.
Experience in fund development, managing fundraising campaigns, and donor relations.
Knowledgeable about current trends, issues, concerns and practices in philanthropy and fund development.
Demonstrated success in planning and running large scale events and programs.
Exceptional communication and presentation skills.
Strong relationships with the local media.
Proven success in building relationships in the community.
Experience with digital communications and social networking.
Demonstrated leadership experience with proven managerial skills and excellent people skills including management, negotiation and coaching.
Proven track record in the areas of organizational leadership, strategic planning, operations management, service excellence, public relations, and partnership development.
Proven track record of implementing continuous improvement.
Demonstrated success in project management, with excellent organization skills and the ability to effectively prioritize projects and initiatives.
Demonstrated level of professionalism and confidentiality with strong ethics.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
Excellent organizational skills with demonstrated ability to prioritize, multi-task and manage projects.
Ability to interact effectively with all levels of staff, the public, elected officials, and public sector/government departments.
Exceptional oral and written communication and presentation skills, including public speaking ability.
Excellent computer skills, including Office 365.
Experience in a unionized environment is required.
Valid driver’s license is required.
Ability to work evenings and weekends is expected.

Working Hours:

Usually work a standard 35-hour week.

This is an Excluded position from the Bargaining unit.

This position works 100% on site to be able to support the needs of the London Public Library.

Salary:

Band 2: $67.23 – $76.12 per hour. Salary to commensurate with education and experience.

Candidates are requested to submit a detailed resume outlining experience and qualifications by: July 11, 2025 to: human.resources@lpl.ca

Please visit our website at: https://www.lpl.ca/

No phone calls please.

The London Public Library will provide accommodation to applicants with disabilities in its recruitment processes upon request consistent with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the AODA regulations.

Applicants for employment, who have been provided with a conditional offer of employment will be asked to provide, at his or her own expense, a satisfactory Police Vulnerable Sector Check and/or Police Information Check, as applicable.

While we appreciate all applications received, only those invited for an interview will be acknowledged. Any personal information submitted will be managed in accordance with the requirements of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and will be used only to determine eligibility for employment.

We are an equal opportunity employer.