OLA Board Executive – President (2 year term)

Description

Looking for Your Next Big Challenge? Apply to be the President of OLA! (2-year term)

Who We Are:

The Ontario Library Association (OLA) is all about leading, inspiring, and driving innovation within the library and information services world. We’re committed to growth, diversity, equity, and inclusion – values that guide everything we do. We welcome applicants from all library backgrounds, all across Ontario. We’d especially love to see applications from Indigenous Peoples, and everyone who brings a unique perspective to the table, whether that’s through lived experience, cultural background or library expertise.

The Role:

As President of OLA, you’ll be the driving force behind the work we do. You will be the face and voice of the organization, providing leadership and direction. You’ll steer the ship, set the tone, and make sure we’re all headed in the right direction toward OLA’s goals. It’s a role that calls for both inspiration and strategy, and at times, the ability to have meaningful conversations with various partners, government officials and media about the challenges facing our sector.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Keeping OLA’s vision, mission, values and goals front and center.
• Dreaming big with us—planning and visioning for OLA’s future.
• Building connections with all types of libraries and community partnerships.
• Overseeing policy changes and keeping things fresh and current.
• Getting involved in finance planning (yes, the exciting world of budgets!).

Your Responsibilities:

Meetings: You’ll chair Board meetings and work closely with our Executive Director to get agendas and materials sorted out. Our meetings are primarily virtual, and your leadership will ensure that discussions are productive, inclusive and action-oriented.

Board Development: You’ll make sure our board members have the proper onboarding, tools, training, and mentorship they need to shine and feel comfortable in their work. As President, you’ll play a key role in guiding that next generation of OLA leadership.

Communication: In coordination with the Executive Director, the President ensures that between meetings, the Board is kept in the loop on any activities, matters of concern, or emerging issues in the library sector.

Annual Super Conference: You get to pick the theme (no pressure, but make it awesome!), help plan the event, and do all the fun things like opening remarks and mingling at the receptions.

Who We’re Looking For:

• A strong commitment to OLA’s mission and values.
• Passion for advancing inclusive librarianship and community engagement.
• Leadership skills? Check. Facilitation chops? Double check. (Traditional leadership background not required – bring your unique flair!)
• Experience in non-profit strategic planning is a plus.
• Interested in government relations and advocacy? Even better.
• Your work as President will require you to represent OLA in conversations with key stakeholders.

The Nitty-Gritty:

Term: 2 years total. Year 1 as Vice President, Year 2 as President.
Time Commitment: We get it—life is busy. OLA is super flexible but this role does require a steady commitment. Expect monthly board meetings (primarily virtual), some planning sessions, and of course the annual OLA Super Conference. Some additional time may be needed for advocacy work and representing OLA at various functions.
Perks: In addition to making a last impact on the library community, you’ll gain valuable leadership skills, broaden your network, and get involved in high-level advocacy. Plus, we cover travel expenses when you need to head to Toronto.

How to Join Us?

If this sounds like your next challenge, submit your nomination here. Nominations will be reviewed by the OLA Nomination Committee, and if we get more than one, the OLA Membership will vote in early December.

Compensation: Volunteer Opportunity

Closes: 15 November, 2024

Ontario Library Association
Toronto (Remote) , ON