Manager, Programs & Community Development

The City of New Westminster is a socially, economically and culturally diverse community of approximately 85,000 residents. As a core civic service, New Westminster Public Library aims to engage, strengthen and connect the community by inspiring exploration, imagination, creativity and lifelong learning. We emphasize the development and delivery of innovative programs and services that reflect our commitment to the principles of social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion, delivered through the lens of anti-racist and anti-oppressive practice. We are committed to reconciliation with our First Nations and urban indigenous community, constantly learning, evolving and adapting our practice to the changing needs of our community, seeking always to identify and remove barriers to service.

Who we are looking for:

The City of New Westminster is a socially, economically and culturally diverse community of approximately 85,000 residents. As a core civic service, New Westminster Public Library aims to engage, strengthen and connect the community by inspiring exploration, imagination, creativity and lifelong learning. We emphasize the development and delivery of innovative programs and services that reflect our commitment to the principles of social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion, delivered through the lens of anti-racist and anti-oppressive practice. We are committed to reconciliation with our First Nations and urban indigenous community, constantly learning, evolving and adapting our practice to the changing needs of our community, seeking always to identify and remove barriers to service.

The New Westminster Public Library is looking for a dynamic, forward-thinking person to join their Leadership Team. Responsible for community engagement, outreach and library programs, the successful candidate will ensure the library is relevant to people across the community, and that the needs of diverse stakeholder groups are being met by library services and staff. The Manager of Programs and Community Development will be responsible for community partnerships and engagement and coordinating adult programs and public events. The successful candidate will be responsible for continual review and evolution of library programs and outreach activities, and for creating a cohesive strategy that constantly deepens the relationship between the library and the community it serves. This is an exempt position, reporting to the Chief Librarian. As a member of the library’s management team, the successful candidate will contribute to the overall planning and vision for the library, staff development, and fostering an innovative and engaged organization. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in a collaborative, team-based environment, and is looking for an opportunity to participate in significant and meaningful change.

Requirements include:

·       MLS or MLIS from an ALA accredited post-secondary institution/school.

·       A minimum of 5 years of progressively more responsible positions in a public library setting, and at least 2 years in a leadership role.

·       Demonstrated supervisory experience

·       Ability to foster relationships with a diverse array of community stakeholders.

·       Ability to create effective teams with professional and non-professional staff from across the library.

·       Superior organizational skills and the ability to effectively manage multiple priorities.

·       Excellent written communication skills and the ability to adapt written materials for a variety of media and audiences.

·       Experience planning special events and programs.

·       Enjoys the challenges of public speaking and presentations.

·       Experience with a wide range of community engagement methods.

·       Experience with assessing impact of outreach and programming, e.g. qualitative and quantitative data gathering and analysis.

·       Embraces current technology in all areas of responsibility and keeps abreast of new tools and trends.

·       Experience or education in communication or marketing is desirable.

Primary areas of responsibility:

·       Child and Youth Services

·       Programming

·       Community Development

·       Assistive Services, including Home Library Delivery

Details (hours of work):

·       This is a permanent full-time position

·       The position would ideally start in June

·       This position is required to work on site at the Main Branch of the Library

Recruitment Process:

·       All applications will be reviewed beginning mid-May 2026.

·       Those selected for an interview will be contacted directly. 

·       Interviews will be conducted in-person at the New Westminster Public Library using a panel format led by the Chief Librarian.

·       Results of interviews will be reviewed and a candidate will be selected for the position.

·       Following successful completion of a criminal record check, and a signed letter of offer, the successful candidate would begin their position at a date and time to be determined.

NOTE: Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodation(s) for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence ccasenas@nwpl.ca