Library Planning Consultant - City of Ottawa, Ottawa

The opportunity

Ottawa Public Library provides accessible, innovative library and information services throughout the city of Ottawa, meeting the unique needs of diverse communities through facility, mobile, and virtual channels. As the Library Planning Consultant for Indigenous Services, your main responsibility is to leverage an in-depth understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing to foster an inclusive environment at the OPL. You will provide expert guidance to staff and senior management in crafting strategies and plans that demonstrate OPL's unwavering dedication to Truth and Reconciliation and meaningful collaborations with the Anishinābe Algonquin Host Nation, urban First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.

This position is designated for Indigenous applicants. Candidates must self-identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis and who can demonstrate knowledge of social and political structures, socio-economic challenges, and cultural ways of knowing, being and doing in the local First Nations and/or urban Indigenous communities.

Requirements

Candidates must meet the following education, experience, and knowledge criteria to be considered for these administration jobs in Ottawa:

• Undergraduate university degree in a field relevant to the key responsibilities of the position, or an equivalent combination of directly related work experience, training, and courses.
• Minimum of 3 years of proven experience working with local First Nations and/or urban Indigenous communities.
• Comprehensive understanding of OPL's mission, vision, values, governance structures, and familiarity with corporate policies and procedures of both OPL and City of Ottawa.
• Awareness of relevant legislation, policies, regulations, and guidelines, such as the Public Libraries Act, Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, Copyright Act, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, and Reporting of Child Pornography Act.
• Research, statistical analysis and report writing techniques and processes.
• Program and project evaluation and performance measurement processes.
• Commitment and adherence to the principles of intellectual freedom.
• Thorough knowledge of social and political structures, socio-economic challenges, and cultural ways of knowing, being and doing in the local First Nations and / or urban Indigenous communities.
• Current knowledge of Indigenous organizations located in the National Capital Region.
• Knowledge of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s findings and recommendations.
• Knowledge of current trends and best practices in public library service for Indigenous groups.
• Proficiency in computer applications, including MS Office.
• Understanding of environmental and industry trends impacting organizations and influencing the future of work and the workforce.
• Familiarity with project management principles and practices.
• Competence in strategic and operational planning.
• English oral, reading, and writing proficiency.

Day-to-day

In this dynamic library role supporting OPL operations and communities, your daily duties and core responsibilities include:

• Leading the strategic planning and service delivery enhancement for OPL’s Indigenous partners.
• Collaborating on the development, delivery and enhancement of services related to the Indigenous communities that OPL serves.
• Furthering OPL’s relationships and engagement with Indigenous communities.
• Supporting system-wide expertise, guidance and resources to support staff in delivering culturally responsive programs, services and initiatives for Indigenous communities.
• Leading the development of approaches/roadmaps, guidance, and cultural protocols that strengthen organizational capacity and support culturally responsive service delivery.
• Providing research, analytical and writing support for the division’s various requirements.

About the employer

The Ottawa Public Library promotes the principles of diversity and inclusion and adheres to the tenets of the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code. OPL encourages applications from women, Aboriginal peoples and persons of all races, ethnic origins, religions, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities and expressions. OPL provides accommodation during all parts of the hiring process, upon request, to applicants with disabilities.