Are you passionate about libraries, archives, and information? Do you see yourself as the driving force behind initiatives that strengthen our sector across Europe? As the EBLIDA Director, you’ll play an important role in advocating for libraries and archives, shaping policies, and connecting with decision-makers on a pan-European level.
This is an exciting time to act as a key player and influencer, lobbying on behalf of and representing the views of library, archive and information professionals in European processes and institutions at all levels.
Developments in global information, social and economic policies demand new roles of libraries and institutions that can be supported by opportunities for exchange and learning and by identifying opportunities for funding.
As director you are committed to the objectives of the organisation and to their achievement. The role includes a strong lobbying and networking element and requires diplomatic co-ordination of national approaches to pan-European issues affecting the sector. Self-credibility in both political and professional arenas is essential as is the ability to articulate and disseminate outcomes, clearly and succinctly to all stakeholders.
The ideal candidate will possess good academic and professional qualifications, will be familiar with the institutions and procedures of the European Union, as well as current issues and trends in the field of European libraries and archives, especially those relating to the digital environment.
As director, you will bring fresh ideas and be flexible in your approach to work. You’ll enjoy working in a dynamic environment. You’ll be a motivated self-starter who will enjoy working independently with a small secretariat on delivering value to the EBLIDA members.
Finally, you’ll possess financial skills and experience in project management and EU-funding. EBLIDA will start on the execution of the European Library Associations’ Network (ELAN) project that will run for four years starting 1st of January 2025.
Who we are
EBLIDA, the European Bureau of Library, Information and Documentation Associations, is an independent non-governmental umbrella association with some 125 members from of all types of libraries, information, documentation and archive associations and individual institutions from 32 countries in Europe.
EBLIDA supports libraries and institutions striving towards an inclusive, sustainable and democratic society.
The major objectives of EBLIDA are :
Key areas of work of EBLIDA are :
More about this can be read in the . A new Strategic Plan will be developed in the first quarter of 2025 and to be decided upon on the council meeting in Riga in April 2025.
EBLIDA has its office in The Hague, in the .
The position
As the Director, you will carry a dual responsibility : representing EBLIDA externally while also managing its internal operations effectively :
Who you are
As EBLIDA Director you are :
A strategic thinker, a leader of people, an excellent communicator, a relationship builder, someone with drive and resilience who delivers results.
This requires that you posses the following competencies and skills :
Our offer
We offer a varied and interesting job for those who want to add international experience to their CV and extend their network as well as for those who are more experienced and want to apply this in an international context.
This full-time position comes with a salary of € 65,000, with EBLIDA-related travel expenses reimbursed.
A key responsibility of the Director is driving income growth through membership and project initiatives. Successful performance in this area may lead to additional salary compensation over time
EBLIDA operates under Dutch legislation. This leads to a strong preference for secondment instead of employment. Conditions will be finalized with the final candidate.
EBLIDA is based in the Hague in the . Lobbying at EU level requires frequent presence in Brussels. Moving to one of these cities is a bonus, but not required.
How to apply
Closing date for applications : 10 January 2025
Please send your application to : with the subject line “Application New Director”
Please include :
Important dates :