State Librarian and Chief Executive Officer

State Librarian and Chief Executive Officer
State Library of Queensland | Brisbane

A library of influence. A fresh chapter.

State Library of Queensland collects and preserves Queensland's cultural and documentary memory, provides free and equitable access to knowledge, and partners with local government to support a statewide network of public libraries and Indigenous Knowledge Centres. Based at South Bank in the Queensland Cultural Centre, it is one of Australia's most significant cultural institutions, and one whose profile will continue to grow on the national and international stage as Brisbane prepares for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

The Library Board of Queensland is seeking a State Librarian and Chief Executive Officer to lead the institution into its next chapter. This is a statutory executive appointment under the Libraries Act 1988, reporting to the Library Board and working closely with the Minister, Queensland Government agencies, local government, the statewide public library network and national and international cultural institutions. You will lead an executive team of seven and an organisation that is well run, highly regarded and well placed for the future.

The opportunity
The Board is seeking a contemporary, outward-looking leader who will build on the Library's strong foundations while bringing fresh perspective to its role in the life of the state. 
Working with the Board, Government and the sector, you will set a compelling strategic direction and lead a considered program of cultural renewal. You will shape the Library's approach to artificial intelligence, digital access and innovation; grow audiences and visitation so that many more Queenslanders understand and benefit from what it offers; make it simpler for partners to work with; strengthen philanthropic, commercial and partnership revenue; and position State Library as a leading national institution with a genuinely international outlook.

About you
You are, first and foremost, a chief executive. You bring significant experience leading a large, complex and publicly accountable organisation, and you have:

• Set and delivered strategy, leading organisational and cultural transformation 
• Operated with judgement in politically sensitive environments, advising Boards, Ministers and Government 
• Driven performance, financial sustainability and the stewardship of public resources 
• Represented an institution at the most senior level and been a visible public advocate, building partnerships across government, industry, community and the cultural sector 
• Secured or managed diversified funding across government, commercial and philanthropic sources 
• Led innovation and change through digital technology, and built high-performing, inclusive executive teams

Professional library and information management competencies are highly regarded, as are tertiary qualifications in business, public administration, cultural heritage, information management or a related field. The Board is equally open to an outstanding chief executive from an adjacent sector who brings deep respect for the profession and the capacity to think strategically about the future of libraries.

For more information
Korn Ferry has been retained exclusively to conduct this search. For a confidential discussion or get hold of the role description, please contact Grace Tan and/or Jonathan Lai at SLQCEO@KornFerry.com.

To apply
To apply, please submit your CV and a two-page statement addressing the key responsibilities and core capabilities in the role description by 11:59pm (AEST), 8th November.

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Korn Ferry shall provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified candidates, and will refer candidates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected basis. Artificial Intelligence tools may be used in connection with the recruitment process for this position.

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