[The following announcement is being passed on by request. —ELM]


Assistant Manager – Websites and Online Engagement Digital Services

Vancouver Public Library (VPL) is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and creative Assistant Manager to join the Digital Services department. Reporting to the Manager, Digital Services, and leading a team of 4 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff, the successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that VPL’s online presence is engaging, relevant, and responsive to patrons’ needs. 

The Vancouver Public Library website is our flagship communication channel, with over 5 million visits a year.  In 2015 we are planning a substantial refresh of the site to increase digital engagement with our services and collections, and ensure that we provide a seamless and positive user experience for our patrons. We also maintain a strong social media presence which aims to educate and excite patrons and showcase the full range of resources the library offers.


The Position

In consultation with the public, library staff, and other stakeholders, you will be responsible for guiding the future direction of our websites. You will develop metrics and evaluation tools for assessing the success of www.vpl.ca and informing future changes to content, design, navigation, and architecture. Together with your team and our Library Systems (IT) department you will monitor emerging technologies and trends and pilot and implement creative, innovative ways of delivering digital services and collections and making our overall web presence more dynamic, engaging, and effective. 

You will be a champion for best practices in content development, both on the website itself and through our social media channels. Through training, coaching, and development of guidelines and procedures, you will help staff across the VPL system understand how their contributions to our online engagement platforms build connections with patrons and enhance the services we offer. You will maintain a strong awareness of emerging engagement tools and identify opportunities for us to expand our presence into new channels. You will ensure that user experience is the central focus for all of our web initiatives.

Your team includes two Web Librarians, a Web Technician, and a Web Graphics Technician. As a part of the Digital Services leadership team, you will also work collaboratively within the department to support the public in their use of all web-based library services including electronic resources, eBooks, and digital collections. You will participate in ensuring that our work is focused on achieving VPL’s strategic priorities, both within Digital Services and across the library system.


Qualifications and Experience

This position requires excellent collaboration and communication skills, thorough knowledge of current trends and best practices in the use of technology in delivering web-based public library services, significant experience in the planning, design, development, promotion and maintenance of websites, and demonstrated supervisory or leadership experience. A background in project management, web management, and user-centred design is essential. We are looking for an innovative, flexible individual with a demonstrated ability to develop positive working relationships, lead and develop staff teams, manage multiple projects and competing priorities, and assist staff in participating in and being open to change.

Qualifications include an MLS/MLIS degree from an ALA accredited post-secondary institution and a minimum of 2 years of recent relevant experience, including project management, website management, and supervisory experience. 
The Workplace

Vancouver Public Library is the third-largest library system in Canada and offers exceptional collections, services and technology at 21 branch libraries and a superb virtual library with over 5 million web visitors per year and an extensive collection of digital resources. If you would like to make a meaningful contribution to the City of Vancouver through this exciting, forward-looking position, we would like to hear from you.

This position is within the library’s bargaining unit, CUPE 391. The salary range begins at $64,482 with annual increments rising to a maximum of $76,112. The library offers a comprehensive benefits package including MSP, extended health, dental, pension, and annual vacation of 22 days for professional positions. 

Expressions of interest accompanied by a résumé should be submitted by 5:00 pm on Friday, March 6, 2015 by ONE of the following methods:

  Mail: Human Resources Department
  Vancouver Public Library
  350 West Georgia Street
  Vancouver, BC V6B 6B1
  OR Email: [log in to unmask]

Please quote the competition # in the subject line when applying electronically and upload your cover letter and resume / CV as one attachment. Ensure your application has one of the following file extensions: .pdf .doc .rtf .txt

While the Library thanks you in advance, only those candidates being considered will be contacted.

As the Vancouver Public Library is responsible for the well-being of its patrons, a criminal record check is a condition of employment.  Disclosure of a criminal record may preclude you from employment with the Library. Personal information collected is used in accordance with the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.  The Vancouver Public Library is committed to Employment Equity and encourages applications from qualified individuals.