Executive Director
Top Benefits
About the role
The Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL), founded in 1976, represents 29 major Canadian academic libraries, Library and Archives Canada, the National Research Council’s National Science Library, and the Library of Parliament.
Guided by its 2025–2028 Strategic Focus, CARL advances research, strengthens collective library capacity, ensures the contributions of libraries are visible and evolving, and advocates for policies that preserve access to scholarship and knowledge.
The Executive Director is the chief staff officer, responsible for CARL’s operations and for developing, recommending, and implementing strategies, business plans, and policies approved by the Board. They oversee financial, human, informational, and material resources, ensure budget planning and compliance, build partnerships, secure funding, and represent CARL to members, governments, and stakeholders. They also lead advocacy and outreach initiatives that advance the association’s mission.
As CARL is a bilingual national association, the Executive Director must be bilingual, collaborative, and respected for integrity, responsiveness, and ability to foster respect at all levels. The role requires national and international travel and is ideally based in Ottawa, where presence is key for seizing opportunities and building relationships.
The successful candidate is a transparent and collaborative leader who encourages open communication and teamwork while upholding CARL’s representative governance model. They combine creativity, vision, sound judgment, and initiative to advance CARL’s long-term goals. With senior leadership experience—ideally in a university or non-profit environment—they are adept at building trust-based relationships, forming impactful partnerships, and ensuring high organizational performance. Strong communication in both official languages, with the ability to adapt to diverse audiences, is essential.
Deeply committed to member service and CARL’s mission, the ideal candidate understands research library environments and the sector’s strategic issues. They bring strength in advocacy, representation, and engagement, ensuring CARL’s relevance and impact nationally and internationally.
This is a unique opportunity for a dedicated and passionate leader. Applications should be sent to mgaudreault@boyden.com before October 1, 2025, with the position title in the subject line. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those under consideration will be contacted.
CARL is an equal opportunities employer that values diversity and inclusion as drivers of creativity and success. We encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. CARL is committed to providing a workplace free from barriers, discrimination, and harassment, regardless of age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, faith, nationality, or disability.
For questions about accessible employment or to discuss accommodation needs during the recruitment process, including receiving communications in more accessible formats, please contact mgaudreault@boyden.com.
About Canadian Association of Research Libraries / Association des bibliothèques de recherche du Canada
The Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL) serves as the national voice and advocate for research libraries across Canada, offering membership, professional development, advocacy, community building, and research services. It provides resources such as surveys, best‑practice guides, and digital repository support, while organizing events, conferences, and collaborative initiatives to strengthen the research library ecosystem.
Executive Director
Top Benefits
About the role
The Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL), founded in 1976, represents 29 major Canadian academic libraries, Library and Archives Canada, the National Research Council’s National Science Library, and the Library of Parliament.
Guided by its 2025–2028 Strategic Focus, CARL advances research, strengthens collective library capacity, ensures the contributions of libraries are visible and evolving, and advocates for policies that preserve access to scholarship and knowledge.
The Executive Director is the chief staff officer, responsible for CARL’s operations and for developing, recommending, and implementing strategies, business plans, and policies approved by the Board. They oversee financial, human, informational, and material resources, ensure budget planning and compliance, build partnerships, secure funding, and represent CARL to members, governments, and stakeholders. They also lead advocacy and outreach initiatives that advance the association’s mission.
As CARL is a bilingual national association, the Executive Director must be bilingual, collaborative, and respected for integrity, responsiveness, and ability to foster respect at all levels. The role requires national and international travel and is ideally based in Ottawa, where presence is key for seizing opportunities and building relationships.
The successful candidate is a transparent and collaborative leader who encourages open communication and teamwork while upholding CARL’s representative governance model. They combine creativity, vision, sound judgment, and initiative to advance CARL’s long-term goals. With senior leadership experience—ideally in a university or non-profit environment—they are adept at building trust-based relationships, forming impactful partnerships, and ensuring high organizational performance. Strong communication in both official languages, with the ability to adapt to diverse audiences, is essential.
Deeply committed to member service and CARL’s mission, the ideal candidate understands research library environments and the sector’s strategic issues. They bring strength in advocacy, representation, and engagement, ensuring CARL’s relevance and impact nationally and internationally.
This is a unique opportunity for a dedicated and passionate leader. Applications should be sent to mgaudreault@boyden.com before October 1, 2025, with the position title in the subject line. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those under consideration will be contacted.
CARL is an equal opportunities employer that values diversity and inclusion as drivers of creativity and success. We encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. CARL is committed to providing a workplace free from barriers, discrimination, and harassment, regardless of age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, faith, nationality, or disability.
For questions about accessible employment or to discuss accommodation needs during the recruitment process, including receiving communications in more accessible formats, please contact mgaudreault@boyden.com.
About Canadian Association of Research Libraries / Association des bibliothèques de recherche du Canada
The Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL) serves as the national voice and advocate for research libraries across Canada, offering membership, professional development, advocacy, community building, and research services. It provides resources such as surveys, best‑practice guides, and digital repository support, while organizing events, conferences, and collaborative initiatives to strengthen the research library ecosystem.