Chief Executive Officer

Markham Public Library enriches, inspires, empowers and links the community through our resources and services. We proudly work to promote literacy, lifelong learning, and a love of reading. We are a force for inclusivity, ensuring equity of access to welcoming spaces, resources and opportunities, and upholding democratic values. We enhance the educational experience, focusing on the development of key literacies in reading, digital skills, mathematics and sciences for an increasingly complex and dynamic world.

Reporting to the Library Board, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) serves as the visionary and strategic leader, and chief advocate of Markham Public Library (MPL), ensuring that library services remain relevant, equitable, and transformative for the community. The CEO provides leadership across all facets of MPL operations within the framework established by the Board. The position champions a culture of engagement, innovation, and accountability; fosters an environment where staff are empowered and thrive, customers experience exceptional service, and where there is a shared organizational commitment to the principles of freedom of expression as well as other freedoms enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The CEO is a visible and trusted community leader, building strong relationships with municipal and other levels of government, stakeholders, and sector peers to advance MPL’s mission, and amplify its role in civic life and its position as a vital community hub. Through a policy governance framework, the CEO ensures that the Board’s Ends are achieved, reported, and continuously strengthened. The position also actively contributes to the broader public library profession, sharing knowledge and shaping best practices.

Ultimately, the CEO drives organizational sustainability and growth, ensuring compliance with legislation, alignment with Board and municipal priorities, and delivers outcomes that demonstrate MPL’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

The salary range for this position is $185,167- $216,619 and it is advertised to fill a retirement.

The ideal candidate will have a Master’s Degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited faculty or a Degree in Business or Public Administration or related field combined with extensive senior-level experience in public libraries. They will bring a minimum of ten years’ senior-level experience in public libraries with experience in labour relations within a unionized environment, collective bargaining, working with a governance board and managing board relationships. Financial acumen, and strong people leadership and communication skills are also required. The ideal candidate demonstrates integrity, agility, sound judgment, and professionalism.

DOWNLOAD Full Candidate Brief (PDF)

If you wish to be considered for the role, please email your cover letter and resume in PDF format to Kartik Kumar at careers@lesp.ca by April 19th, 2026 @ 11:59pm.

Please be assured that any information shared with Legacy Partners will be treated with the strictest confidence and shared only with the client for the purposes of this search.

Thank you once again for your interest.

Legacy Partners and the Markhan Public Library are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and recognize that a diverse staff is essential to organizational excellence. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and encourage women, members of racialized communities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity to confidentially self-identify at the time of application. In accordance with provincial legislation, accommodations will be provided by Legacy Partners and the organization throughout the recruitment, selection, and/or assessment process, upon request, to applicants with disabilities. If you would like to self-identify during the recruitment process, please fill out the IISD’s Voluntary Self-Identification Questionnaire and submit it with your application.