Location: Ottawa

The Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL) was established in 1976 and consists of 29 major Canadian academic libraries, as well as Library and Archives Canada, the National Research Council of Canada’s National Science Library, and the Library of Parliament.

Guided by their Strategic Focus (2025-2028), CARL advances the research enterprise, strengthens libraries’ collective resource capacity, ensures that the contributions of libraries are both evident and continually evolving, and articulates and advocates for a policy environment that fosters and preserves access to scholarship and knowledge.

The Executive Director is the chief staff executive and officer and is accountable for the efficient and effective business operations of CARL and for developing, recommending and implementing, upon Board approval, strategies, business plans and policies for the organization.

The Executive Director ensures the integrated and rigorous management of human, financial, informational, and material resources, while overseeing budget planning and contractual compliance. They establish and maintain strategic partnerships, secure funding, represent ABRC to diverse audiences, and foster effective communications with members, government bodies, and stakeholders. They also guide advocacy and outreach initiatives to advance the organization’s mission and priorities.

CARL is a national bilingual association and the Executive Director will be a bilingual, highly collaborative leader, and is recognized for their integrity, responsiveness, and ability to foster respect across all levels of the organization. CARL engages in initiatives nationally and internationally and therefore, the Executive Director must be willing to travel. Furthermore, this position is ideally based in Ottawa. However, given its strategic importance and the value of in-person presence for seizing opportunities and building relationships, both formally and informally, the Executive Director is expected to be visible and actively engaged across all Canadian regions.

A collaborative and transparent leader, the successful candidate fosters open communication and teamwork at all levels of the organization, upholding a representative governance model in close collaboration with member institutions. The ideal candidate combines creativity, a clear vision, sound judgment, and a strong sense of initiative to guide CARL toward its long-term objectives. With significant senior leadership experience, preferably in a university environment or within the non-profit sector, they have a proven ability to build trust-based relationships and create impactful partnerships, while ensuring organizational performance and adherence to the highest ethical standards. In addition, they communicate with ease and conviction in both official languages, skillfully adapting their approach to diverse audiences.

Driven by a deep commitment to member service and to CARL’s mission, the ideal candidate has a thorough understanding of research library environments and a keen awareness of the sector’s strategic issues. They also stand out for their ability to lead effective advocacy and representation initiatives, and to generate broad engagement around ambitious projects that will strengthen the association’s relevance and impact on both the national and international stages.

This is a unique opportunity for a dedicated and passionate leader. To apply for this position, please submit your application and related materials to before October 1st, 2025, and state the title of the position in the subject line of your email.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those under consideration for the role will be contacted.

CARL is a proud equal opportunities employer that allows all of their people to reach their full potential. A diverse and inclusive workforce is key to their success as diverse teams bring different perspectives and creative ideas that benefit the communities they serve.

We encourage all qualified candidates from all walks of life to apply to join their team. CARL is committed to providing all employees with a workplace experience that is free from barriers, discrimination, and harassment regardless of age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, faith identity, nationality and/or disability status.

If you have questions about accessible employment at CARL, or to begin a confidential conversation about your individual accessibility or accommodation needs through the recruitment process (including obtaining our communications in more accessible formats), we encourage you to contact us at .