Job Description

Job Summary

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Reporting to the Director, Service Design Strategy, the Manager Innovation Practice and Process effectively guides, motivates, and develops a team of Service Designers, Indigenous Services and support staff to achieve organizational goals.



Working collaboratively, the Manager fosters the Service Design Department's innovation practice and establishes the infrastructure required to design and evaluate equitable programs and services for Library patrons.



This position oversees project portfolios and supports their team with effective project management and execution, considering budget and resource availability.

Responsibilities and Activities

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Lead and supervise a team of Service Designers, Indigenous services and support staff. Build trust with the members of a mid-sized team by valuing and acting on the perspectives of those who are different from them while also being honest and authentic about their own values, how they like to get work done, and who they are. Communicate and focus on core organizational and team purpose to engage the commitment of a dynamic, mid-sized team, to help set their priorities and direction. Help staff to develop Innovation competencies within the Department and the broader Library organization. Support direct reports and department staff in developing and implementing practices and processes to support design responsibilities, such as: + Design Research and Problem Framing
+ Ideation and Prototyping:
+ Implementation and Evaluation
Manage performance within area of responsibility; set appropriate performance goals for direct reports and hold individuals accountable for achieving them; take action to ensure the achievement of annual business objectives. Guide the building of collaborative relationships in a complex setting, strengthening both internal and external networks, facilitating, and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships. Build relationships with community organizations and partners to identify project or service needs and collaborate on initiatives. Promote library programming and partnerships through outreach events, and community presentations. Foster inclusivity by supporting staff in developing programming with diverse audiences and abilities. Manage relationships with internal departments, building high levels of professional credibility and mutual trust, and managing the deployment of appropriate internal and external resources to support in delivering strategic priorities. Manage a portfolio of projects while reporting on current and emerging projects, including progress, milestones, and potential risks/mitigation steps. Track project metrics such as design research outcomes, percentage completion, prototype results, and impact on community at the portfolio level. Analyze data to identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions regarding innovation practice adjustments. Prepare regular reports on innovation project portfolio performance to library leadership and stakeholders.

Qualifications

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University and / or Master's degree in related field Experienced and progressive people leadership experience Equivalent combinations of experience and education may be considered. Knowledge, competence, and experience in the application of design thinking principles, systemic design, agile project management, change management, management consulting, and the use of social innovation tools in developing design-based innovative programs and services. Skills and experience with trauma-informed leadership, decolonizing design practice and supporting the integration of anti-racism into innovation practice. Experience or training and familiarity within the Indigenous ways of knowing and community. The ability to lead and foster a high functioning, collaborative, and creative team ensuring projects are executed at the highest quality Strong facilitation skills to create a psychologically brave and productive environment and work with all levels of the Library. Proficiency in conducting qualitative and quantitative research to gather user insights. Exceptional customer service and relationship building skills to successfully liaise with internal contributors and network with external partner organizations. Effective and respectful communication (verbal and written), problem solving, and decision-making skills to inform the organization and build support for design projects. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and previous experience with project management. A demonstrated commitment to continuous learning, innovation, a willingness to try new things, and to adapt in a changing environment. * Familiarity with digital tools and platforms that can be used to enhance library services.