Calgary Public Library Board Member Applications

The Role

Board Director

The Library is recruiting two new volunteer Board Members to serve on the Calgary Public Library Board of Directors, with appointments commencing in October 2026.

The Calgary Public Library Board ("the Board") is responsible for the vision of the organization and evaluation of its performance. It has the authority for full management and control of the Library and assumes with that authority, the duty to develop policies related to its framework, governance, and operations. The Board employs the Chief Executive Officer of the Library, who in turn implements the policies and manages the day-to-day operations of the organization.

The Library seeks to develop a Board whose members share a genuine passion for the Library and the role it plays in empowering community by connecting the citizens of Calgary to ideas, experiences, inspiration and insight. Board Directors are sought who bring a strategic combination of diverse personal attributes, culture and community, expertise, social capital, competencies, and occupational backgrounds so that, collectively, the Board has access to a broad diversity of experiences, perspective, knowledge, connections and skills to carry out its governance, planning, stewardship and advocacy functions.

The Library is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion and reconciliation in both service delivery and governance. The Board serves the needs of Calgary's diverse community, and Board composition aims to reflect that diversity through recruitment and selection processes that value a broad range of backgrounds, lived experiences, perspectives, and professional disciplines.

Based on the Board's most recent skills matrix review, preference for the upcoming Board appointments in October 2026 will be given to candidates demonstrating expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Indigenous leadership, reconciliation, and First Nations lived experience;
• Public relations marketing, communications, stakeholder engagement or community advocacy; 
• Information technology, digital transformation, and/or cybersecurity; 
• Education, learning systems, or literacy; and 
• Senior business leadership, executive management, or organizational transformation. 

As part of the Board’s ongoing succession planning efforts, preference will also be given to candidates with the governance experience and leadership capability to serve as Board Chair, Vice Chair or Committee Chair in the future.

Board Director terms are for three years, and term limits are set at three consecutive terms. During each Board year, every Board Director is expected to serve on at least one Board sub-committee (Governance or Audit & Finance) and actively contribute to governance, strategy, risk oversight, and community engagement initiatives. Calgary Public Library orientation and training is provided to all new Board Directors.

As volunteers, Board Directors commit approximately 10 to 15 hours per month to Board-related activities including preparation for and participation in Board and Committee meetings, strategic planning discussions, governance activities, Library and community events, and stakeholder engagement opportunities. Directors are expected to actively participate in Board and Committee work, applying their expertise, perspectives and judgment to provide effective governance in support of the Library’s mission and strategic priorities. Serving on the Calgary Public Library Board is a rewarding opportunity to help steward one of Calgary’s cornerstone civic institutions and support its vital contribution to the social, cultural and educational fabric of the city.

Role Responsibilities

• Strategic planning and evaluation;
• Governance;
• Promotion, advocacy and support of the Library’s vision and mission;
• Financial and risk management;
• CEO performance management and succession planning;
• Fostering positive relationships among Board Directors, Committees, the CEO and the community; and
• Keeping abreast of issues related to the needs of our communities.

The Candidate

Core Competencies

The following qualifications are desired for the successful candidate applying to this role:

• An active Library user with a strong passion for the Library and the community it serves;
• An understanding and valuing of the Calgary Public Library's mission and values;
• Extensive governance experience in the public or not-for-profit sectors (ability to immediately step into a Board leadership role, as well as having an ICD.D designation is preferred);
• Strong written and verbal communication skills;
• Demonstrated experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Indigenous leadership, reconciliation, and First Nations lived experience;
  • Public relations marketing, communications, stakeholder engagement or community advocacy;
  • Information technology, digital transformation, and/or cybersecurity;
  • Education, learning systems or literacy; and/or
  • Senior business leadership, executive management, or organizational transformation
• Familiarity with the structures, mechanisms, processes and relations for decision-making in a public body and willingness to observe the Board Bylaws and Policies; and
• Previous volunteer experience serving on not-for-profit boards is deemed an asset.

Personal Characteristics

Equally important to the technical skills and experience are the personal characteristics, attitude, and leadership ethos that the successful candidate will bring to the role:

• Strong team player who contributes positively to Board discussions and decision-making;
• Strategic thinker with a broad community perspective and the ability to balance long-term vision with effective oversight;
• Demonstrates integrity, sound judgment and a commitment to good governance and accountability practices;
• A confident, thoughtful and respectful communicator with the ability to establish trust, influence and credibility with diverse stakeholders;
• Guided by the values of equity, curiosity and collaboration, with an appreciation for diverse perspectives and lived experiences;
• Service and community-oriented, with a passion for literacy, learning and the role public libraries play in building stronger communities;
• Committed, highly reliable and able to dedicate the required time and energy to Board responsibilities;
• Constructive, inquisitive and willing to ask thoughtful questions in support of effective governance and stewardship;
• Consistently acts in the best interests of the organization and the citizens it serves;
• Canadian Citizen who is over 18 years old;
• Resident of Calgary or surrounding area;
• Not employed by the Calgary Public Library; and
• Not already serving on a City of Calgary Board, Commission or Committee.

Application Requirements

If you are passionate about the Calgary Public Library’s mission and values and motivated to contribute through Board service, we invite you to submit your cover letter and resume to Susie Besler at susie@amroprosin.com by Monday, July 27th.

Prospective candidates should carefully consider the expected time commitment and ensure they are able to actively participate in the responsibilities of serving on the Board before applying.