Senior Manager: Public Services

Lethbridge Public Library is seeking a community focused, experienced leader for the position of Senior Manager: Public Services. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Senior Manager: Public Services is a key member of the Senior Management Team, providing strategic leadership, operational oversight, and organizational direction for all public service functions of the Library. The position plays a critical role in advancing the Library's mission, strategic priorities, and service objectives by ensuring the effective planning, delivery, evaluation, and continuous improvement of public services.

The Senior Manager: Public Services leads and develops a team of managers and staff across multiple service areas, fostering a culture of accountability, service excellence, innovation, and continuous learning. The position represents the Library within the community and professional sector, serves on internal and external committees, participates in collective bargaining activities, and assumes Acting CEO responsibilities as required.

Success in this role requires a strategic and collaborative leader who can translate organizational vision into meaningful community impact through the leadership of others. The ideal candidate excels at building high-performing teams, fostering accountability and growth, and guiding the organization through change while maintaining a strong focus on service excellence. They are a skilled communicator and relationship builder, capable of engaging diverse stakeholders, navigating complex issues, and balancing competing priorities with sound judgment and professionalism. This is an opportunity for an accomplished leader who is energized by developing people, driving innovation and continuous improvement, and contributing to the long-term success and sustainability of a dynamic public service organization.

STATUS: Full Time Permanent

HOURS OF WORK: 37.5 hours per week; evening, weekend, and overtime work required including on-call duties

WORK LOCATION: Main Branch

 

Key Responsibilities:

• Provides leadership for the overall development, coordination, implementation, maintenance and evaluation of public services including, but not limited to collection development, program development, outreach and customer service.
• Actively participates in the development of Board and operational policies related to public services.
• Oversees the implementation of public services related policies.
• Actively leads and facilitates a coordinated library wide approach to the provision of excellent public services.
• Provides leadership and ensures appropriate staff training is in effect for all public services staff.
• Works with the public services managers to develop and implement strategies and plans to meet the Plan of Service priorities.
• Works with Library Management to ensure a safe and healthy workplace for staff and customers.
• Coaches and mentors public service area managers in all aspects of service delivery including planning and evaluation of services; performance management; staff training; monitoring of departmental budgets, and internal/external relationship building.
• Works with and guides public service area managers to address and resolve public service-based patron complaints.
• Develops and monitors budgets related to the public services functions, in accordance with Library policies, City of Lethbridge protocol, and other government agency requirements. This includes but is not limited to collections, programming and supplies. Authority for the monitoring of specific segments of these budgets, specifically the collection acquisitions and departmental supplies, may be delegated to appropriate public services staff.
• Assists with the development of the overall Library budget, working closely with the CEO and Manager: Finance & Administration.
• Represents the Library on committees and organizations both internal and external to the Library.
• Represents the Library and actively participates in the greater professional community.
• Participates as a key member of the Collective Bargaining committee.
• Performs senior administrative on call duties as required.
• Performs Acting CEO duties as assigned.

 

Qualifications & Experience:

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree coupled with at least 5 years of Managerial/Supervisory experience including experience managing in a unionized environment.
• Master of Library and Information Science degree or experience working in public libraries is an asset.
• Strong service-oriented leadership approach with the ability to build collaborative relationships, foster cross-functional teamwork, and align staff efforts to achieve organizational objectives.
• Proven ability to use delegation to build staff capability, strengthen accountability, and sustain high performance.
• Demonstrated capacity for strategic and systems thinking, with the ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain appropriate confidentiality and discretion, and make decisions aligned with organizational objectives and values.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and implement organizational change, fostering innovation, continuous improvement, and organizational adaptability in response to evolving priorities and challenges.
• Superior communication and relationship management skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly, facilitate dialogue, and build consensus among internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple strategic and operational priorities simultaneously, allocating resources effectively and ensuring timely achievement of organizational objectives.
• Experience in managing budgets including planning, resource allocation, and stewardship of organizational resources.
• Demonstrated growth mindset, with a commitment to continuous learning, self-reflection, and professional development, while fostering a culture of learning and improvement within the organization.

 

Why You’ll Love It Here:

At the Lethbridge Public Library (www.lethlib.ca), we believe in the power of stories, learning, and community. As part of our team you will:

 

• Help champion accessibility, ensuring everyone can explore ideas in every form.
• Contribute to a culture of accountability, where transparency and continuous improvement guide our work.
• Strengthen connections across our community, collaborating with partners and colleagues to make a meaningful impact.
• Support diversity and inclusivity by helping us reflect and serve the many voices of our community.
• Join a workplace built on responsibility, where we value teamwork, fairness, and the unique passions each person brings.

 

You’ll be joining a collaborative, supportive team that values your input and celebrates our wins. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to grow, adapt, and make a difference. If you bring a positive attitude, a passion for service, and a knack for leading with empathy and efficiency, this is the place for you.

 

Lethbridge offers an ideal mix of work and lifestyle for professionals and families. Just two hours from Calgary and an hour from the U.S. border, it boasts a sunny climate, affordable housing, and a strong sense of community. With nearby outdoor adventures, 70+ parks, cultural attractions, and a short commute, Lethbridge provides the perfect balance between career growth and quality of life. Life in Lethbridge offers the best of both worlds—the welcoming charm of a close-knit community and the amenities of a growing urban center. Come see why so many professionals and families are making Lethbridge their home!

 

Salary Range: $114,640.50 to $137,592.00 annually; includes a comprehensive benefits package.

 

To Apply:

• Qualified candidates are invited to submit their resume with cover letter.
• Applicants are required to demonstrate in their application how their qualifications match those specified above. Assessments based on the objectives and qualifications listed above will be a part of the interview, written and/or practical testing and reference checking.
• Candidates selected for an interview may be required to complete pre-interview assessment including practical testing.

 

For further information on this opportunity, please contact:

Our Talent Team at recruitment@lethbridge.ca.

 

Qualified candidates are invited to submit their resume with cover letter, online by clicking on “Apply” at the top of this screen.

 

Applicants must apply online. We are unable to accept paper copies of resumes or applications sent via email.

 

All out-of-scope employees must remain in their position for at least one (1) year before transitioning to a different position within the City of Lethbridge.  

 

Closing Date: November 25, 2026, at 4:00PM MST

                                               

All applicants are thanked in advance for their interest. Only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted.

                                                                                                                               

The Lethbridge Public Library acknowledges that we are gathered on the lands of the Blackfoot people of the Canadian Plains and pays respect to the Blackfoot people past, present and future while recognizing and respecting their cultural heritage, beliefs and relationship to the land. The Library offers respect to the Métis and all who have lived on this land and made Lethbridge their home

 

The Lethbridge Public Library recognizes and values the diversity of our community and those we employ. We are committed to advancing reconciliation in our community. We also seek diversity, equity and inclusion in our workforce. We encourage Indigenous applicants (First Nation, Métis and Inuit), as well as those from historically underrepresented groups to apply (including people of colour, persons with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community).

 

The Lethbridge Public Library is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, including through all aspects of the hiring process. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply and self-identify. If you need help during this process, please contact our Executive Assistant at 403-380-7341. We will arrange support for you. All information received in relation to your request for support will be kept confidential. Only information required to facilitate the accommodation will be shared with the selection committee.