Partner Development Officer

Email a resume and cover letter to HR@accessola.com by July 19, 2026 

Interviews will be held over Zoom on July 24 and July 28, 2026.  

Anticipated Start date Sept 1, 2026. 

Band 4 $64,272 starting. OLA uses a salary grid based on years of service, with COLA increases considered annually by the Board.  Range $64,272-81,324

Job Description

Remote (Ontario-based), with in-person collaboration as needed. 

The Ontario Library Association (OLA) is looking for a dynamic, relationship-driven Partner Development Officer to help power some of the most visible and impactful programs in Canada’s library sector. 

This is a role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment—someone who can connect ideas to action, build lasting partnerships, and bring large-scale events to life. 

At the centre of this work is the OLA Super Conference Expo, alongside the Forest of Reading Festival and other signature programs. You’ll play a leading role in growing participation, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring these experiences are engaging, welcoming, and financially strong. 

How will you spend your time?  

Lead growth and revenue generation 

• Build and sustain relationships with exhibitors, sponsors, and partners 

• Drive sales for exhibits, sponsorships, and advertising across OLA programs 

• Identify and pursue new opportunities—both within and beyond the library sector 

Deliver exceptional events 

• Lead planning and execution of the Super Conference Expo, including vendor experience and floor logistics  

• Coordinate vendors across all phases—from onboarding to on-site delivery

• Support logistics for major events like the Forest of Reading Festival and Library as Place. 

Build strong partnerships 

• Develop and maintain relationships with Associate Members, sponsors, and partners year-round  

• Cultivate new connections across the library sector and adjacent industries  

• Support senior leadership in deepening strategic partnerships 

Strengthen communications and outreach 

• Develop prospectuses, marketing materials, and registration platforms for events and sponsorships 

• Collaborate with OLA’s communications team to promote programs 

• Ensure clear, consistent communication with vendors and partners  

Contribute across the organization 

• Support membership outreach and customer service with a solutions-focused approach  

• Work across teams to support revenue-generating programs throughout the year  

• Contribute to projects, committees, and initiatives that strengthen OLA’s reach and impact  

Still reading? Good! We’re also looking for you to bring:  

• Experience in event planning, sales, marketing, or partnerships 

• Confidence leading conversations with sponsors, vendors, or members 

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities 

• A proactive, problem-solving mindset and attention to detail 

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills 

• Demonstrated interest in or familiarity with the library, education, or non-profit sector 

We need a connector and a builder—someone who combines strong organizational skills with a natural ability to engage others. 

Bonus if you bring: 

• Experience with large-scale events or expos 

• Negotiation and partnership development experience 

• French language skills 

In this role, success means: 

• A vibrant, well-organized Expo that exhibitors and attendees want to return to 

• Strong, long-term relationships with partners, vendors, and sponsors 

• Growing revenue streams that support OLA’s mission and programs (this role contributes significantly to overall revenue)  

• Seamless coordination across teams, with a reputation as a trusted, solutions-oriented collaborator 

• New partnership opportunities that expand OLA’s reach and relevance 

The team at OLA 

At OLA, we work collaboratively across programs, departments, and sectors to support libraries and the communities they serve. 

You’ll be part of a small, dedicated team that values: 

• Collaboration – we work across functions and support one another 

• Innovation – we adapt and evolve to meet the needs of the sector 

• Impact – our work connects people to ideas, learning, and community 

This role sits at the intersection of programs, partnerships, and operations—offering a unique opportunity to shape both the experience and the sustainability of OLA’s work. 

If you’re excited by the idea of bringing people together, growing partnerships, and delivering exceptional experiences—we’d love to hear from you. 

We at OLA are always looking for Volunteers to support us in the hundreds of positions across our Association. Please consider applying!

Committees [Board Appointed Positions]

• Finance & Audit Committee
• Fund Development Committee

Learn more about current committee vacancies and apply.

Board & Council [Elected Positions]

• OLA Vice President
• OCULA VP
• OHLIA VP
• OLBA VP
• OPLA VP
• OSLA VP

Learn more about current vacancies and apply.

Student Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer at Super Conference! 

Did you know that when you’re a member of OLA and volunteer at the Conference you can attend the entire Conference for free? The call for volunteers opens each December.

Learn more here. 

Volunteer at the Forest of Reading Festival 

Volunteers are instrumental in providing an amazing experience for the young readers and adult chaperones that attend this event. Call for volunteers opens in March of each year.

Learn more about how to become a volunteer at the Forest of Reading Festival.

Volunteer as a Mentor through the OLA MentorMatch program

MentorMatch program strives to link working library staff with students, new graduates and other library staff interested in a career in libraries and related fields. The MentorMatch program is always looking for Mentors across all library sectors.

Learn more about the MentorMatch dates and how to sign up.

Are you looking for a placement? OLA has numerous openings in a variety of fields. You may contact our Director of Member Engagement or the Deputy Director for information at any time of the year. As a remote office, hours are flexible and there is no travel.

RFP: External Audit Services for the Ontario Library Association

The OLA currently has one RFP open for Auditing Services to commence with the Aug 31, 2026 Financials.

• 09-30-2025 Open
• 11-06-2025 Information Meeting at 10:00am (registration required)
• 01-07-2026 Closes

Apply today.

Responses to Questions Received.