Manager, Makerspaces

Job Summary

Makerspaces provide the public with access to advanced hardware software and programming to support the development of technology and digital literacy skills.

The Manager, Makerspaces role leads the planning, implementation, operations, partnership development and change management around the Library’s makerspaces throughout the City. Additionally, this role is responsible for the creation and management of a specialized team which provides operational support to library staff and the public in the use of the makerspaces. This includes the development of operational processes and certifications and training for staff and the public. The Manager is also responsible for developing and maintaining the relationship with internal and external stakeholders including branch operations, the Library’s programming, development and training team, city departments, external community, and educational partners in the development of shared programming experience aimed at supporting acquisition of digital literacy skills.

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategy Execution and Implementation
 

• Responsible for the development of the Library's makerspace strategy within its branches, the Central location and in the community.
• Develop strategic initiatives to advance makerspace equipment and services in alignment with customer and community needs.
• Assess mobile makerspace opportunities to help promote the capabilities of the library's programs.
   

Business Improvement Initiatives

• The Manager Makerspaces is responsible for the development and maintenance of city, educational and community partnerships to maximize the use and community impact of the makerspace in the City of Mississauga.
• Responsible for the development of access guidelines, certification and training to support safe and effective access to the hardware and software provided in the makerspaces.
   

Corporate Services Management

• Responsible for the operational management of makerspaces at Hazel McCallion Central Library and the provision of regular operating hours and support at branch makerspaces at Burnhamthorpe, Courtneypark, Meadowvale and Malton and other new planned Mississauga Library makerspaces.
• This will include the staffing of makerspaces at Central Library, establish core supported hours at branch makerspaces with specialized maker staff, development of support agreements with City and external partners to ensure equipment is maintained and available for programs and customer use.

Skills and Qualifications

• Masters of Library/Information Science degree from an ALA accredited institution and/or a post-secondary degree in Information Technology, Computer Systems Analysis or a related field with 3-5 years related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Excellent computer skills with experience in Integrated Library Systems and related applications, discovery layer tools, library applications, and MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio) is required.
• Strong people leadership skills - including experience leading unionized teams and effective performance management.
• Experience with emerging library technologies and applications; i.e. digitization, digital resources, makerspaces technology, media labs and related privacy and security requirements.
• Experience in facilitation and documentation of technical and end-user requirements, business process specification development, report development, and development and execution of quality assurance plans, in accordance with recognized best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate, recommend and/or standardize processes related to data collection, analysis, measurement, requirements gathering and IT reporting.
• Demonstrated competency with re-engineering of business processes, benchmarking, and performance metrics is an asset.
• CBAP, CAPM, CCBA, PMP or other business analysis/project management designation is a definite asset.
• Ability to translate client requirements into system tools and modify work practices and models to blend system requirements with operational and management data needs, to ensure best match of system capabilities with business requirements.
• Strong research, analytical and problem solving ability supported by project management experience, team leadership and facilitation capabilities.
• Strong communication skills in order to understand and interpret the meaning, purpose and importance of verbal and non-verbal messages.
• Ability to interact with a diverse group of executives, managers and external business partners.
• Level 3 – Vulnerable Check will be required of the successful candidate, as a condition of employment, at their own expense, to verify the absence of a criminal record for which a pardon has not been granted.