The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a global centre for excellence in teaching, learning and research, consistently ranked among the top 10 public universities in North America. UBC’s vision is to inspire people, ideas and actions for a better world.  Through its pursuit of excellence in research, learning and engagement, UBC fosters global citizenship and advances a sustainable and just society. Since 1915, UBC has been opening doors of opportunity for people with the curiosity and commitment to making a difference.

With two main campuses in Vancouver and Kelowna, UBC is home to over 70,000 students and 19,000 faculty and staff supported by a $3.9 billion dollar budget. 

The University Librarian serves as a key member of UBC’s senior academic leadership and provides strategic oversight of one of Canada’s most comprehensive and advanced academic library systems. With responsibility for the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses, the University Librarian leads a multifaceted portfolio encompassing digital scholarship, research and teaching support, collections strategy, and library operations. This role is pivotal in aligning library services with UBC’s academic mission, enhancing institutional research capacity, and stewarding physical and digital infrastructure in support of open access, equity, and innovation.

The ideal candidate brings significant senior leadership experience within academic or research libraries—preferably in post-secondary contexts—and demonstrates a record of strategic thinking, operational excellence, and inclusive leadership. A visionary yet pragmatic leader, they will embody UBC’s values of integrity, respect, and academic freedom, while fostering a collegial, high-performing, and learner-centered environment. Candidates must be adept at navigating complex academic ecosystems, leading digital transformation, advocating for open knowledge, and building authentic relationships across cultures and communities. A deep commitment to reconciliation, Indigenous knowledge stewardship, and equity is essential, along with a graduate-level degree in library and information studies from an ALA-accredited or equivalent program.

This is a singular opportunity to lead a globally recognized library system at a time of profound transformation and possibility.  Based in Vancouver—a city celebrated for its natural beauty, cultural vibrancy, and thriving innovation economy—the role offers both professional distinction and personal fulfillment. The next University Librarian will shape the future of UBC Library as a cornerstone of academic inquiry, social impact, and intellectual leadership on the world stage.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, and/or Indigenous person.

If you have any accommodation or accessibility needs during the job application process, please contact the Centre for Workplace Accessibility at workplace.accessibility@ubc.ca.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

All applicants will be asked to complete a confidential diversity survey.

In accordance with BC’s Pay Transparency Act, the expected compensation range for this role is $275,000 - $325,000, plus benefits and pension. 

UBC is being supported by Boyden, an executive search firm, in this recruitment.  To apply for this position, please submit a cover letter and resume here. 

We thank all applicants for their interest in this position.  Please note that we will only be in contact with those individuals moving forward with our client.