Senior Manager of Library Projects - The Ivy Group
Job Description:
The Ivy Group is seeking a full-time, in-house team member
to lead library consulting projects across the country. From strategic planning
and community needs assessments to facilities planning, operations studies, and
more, no two projects—or libraries—are alike. The ideal candidate is a seasoned
library professional who thrives on details, digs into data with gusto, and
isn’t afraid to tackle the tough conversations that make transformative library
services possible.
This position can be remote; office space at our
Charlottesville, Virginia home base is available. This role requires travel for
on-site community and stakeholder engagements.
Responsibilities
The Manager of Library Projects serves as the in-house
library expert and project lead, managing consulting projects for libraries.
The role oversees project details, conducts quantitative and qualitative
research, and engages stakeholders and the public to gain a comprehensive
understanding of clients and their communities. In close collaboration with Ivy
team members and clients, the Manager translates library goals and community
priorities into aspirational, actionable strategic plans and community needs
assessments.
In a boutique, dynamic consultancy, the Manager confidently
wears multiple hats, pivots between projects, and embraces new challenges with
enthusiasm.
Responsibilities include:
Project Management and Communications
·
Serve as the client’s primary point of contact,
cultivating a positive working relationship through collaborative partnership,
clear communication, and smooth day-to-day execution
·
Plan and oversee project details, including
timeline, budget, deliverable quality, and team responsibilities
·
Scope, draft, and present proposals in response
to prospect inquiries
Research, Surveys, and Facilitation
·
Draft, manage, and rigorously validate
quantitative research methodologies—including benchmarking studies, surveys,
market segmentation, and community profiles—working closely with Ivy Group’s
Data Analyst to ensure accuracy and translate findings into thoughtful, data-driven
insights
·
Conduct meaningful community conversations and
individual interviews with diverse populations and prepare executive summaries
of findings, e.g., focus groups, one-on-one interviews, town halls
·
Facilitate, either individually or in
partnership with other Ivy team members, workshops and presentations with the library
Board, staff, and community leaders
·
Lead research report preparation by producing insightful,
accurate, and polished deliverables and reviewing team contributions to ensure
all materials meet high-quality, client-ready standards
·
Support other Ivy communications clients with
research initiatives as needed
Strategic Development
·
Draft strategic plans incorporating audience
research and stakeholder priorities
·
Recommend actionable strategies for public
library facilities, collections, programs, services, and outreach
·
Maintain knowledge of best practices and trends
in public library service and envision next practices in the field
Qualifications
& Experience
·
Bachelor's degree
·
MLS or MLIS degree
·
7+ years' experience working in public libraries;
3 years at management level preferred
·
Demonstrated ability to manage projects
end-to-end, staying detail-oriented, anticipating challenges, coordinating
resources, and proactively following up to keep initiatives on track
·
Excellent attention to detail and data
interpretation skills to manage quantitative research methodologies, ensuring
accuracy and meaningful analysis
·
Exceptional communicator with demonstrated
experience conveying complex information clearly in writing and speech to a
wide range of audiences, from internal teams to external stakeholders and
community members
·
Extensive knowledge of the administration,
organization, and operation of public libraries
·
Strategic and creative thinking skills, with the
ability to use data to inform decisions
·
Passion for advancing America's libraries and
helping communities thrive
·
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google
Workspace
·
Ability to travel as necessary (travel
requirements vary by engagement; most work can be done from home)
·
Available during business hours in the Eastern
Time Zone
To apply, visit Ivy Group’s Job
Board: https://jobs.polymer.co/the-ivy-group/38394
About The Ivy Group
Since The Ivy Group's founding in 1989, we have collaborated
with over 100 libraries and library support organizations to develop effective
strategies, branding, marketing, and outreach programs that address their
unique challenges. A close-knit working group, we combine our library
experience, business and communications expertise, and enthusiasm for
supporting communities to advance America's libraries. Above all, we value
intentional problem solving, respectful collaboration, doing the best work possible,
continuous learning, integrity, and kindness. And, we’re growing!
Get to know us at ivygroup.com/library-consulting.
In
order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all
individuals, employment decisions at The Ivy Group are based on merit,
qualifications, and abilities.
The
Ivy Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and
applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any
type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin,
disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation,
gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by
federal, state, or local laws.
Application link or email address: https://jobs.polymer.co/the-ivy-group/38394
Salary range or hourly wage: 70000-80000/year
MLS required: Yes, an MLS is required.
Job focus: Administration/Management
Work schedule: Full-Time