Analysis and Planning Consultant, University Libraries

Penn State University • University Park, IL

6d • $61,800 - $102,300 • Hybrid

About The Position

Join the Pennsylvania State University Library Assessment Department as an Analysis and Planning Consultant to help shape library strategy, services, and organizational priorities through data‑informed insight. Serving as a trusted advisor to library leadership and operational teams, the Analysis and Planning Consultant will advance evidence‑based decision‑making through sophisticated analytics, assessment, and user research.

Requirements

• Demonstrated professional experience conducting or supporting applied research and assessment in an academic or research‑intensive context, including research design, instrument development, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and the production of professional and evaluative reports.
• Proficiency in quantitative and qualitative research methods, including statistical analysis, and experience using relevant data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, NVivo, R, or comparable tools).
• Demonstrated ability to clean, integrate, and analyze complex datasets drawn from multiple sources in order to support evaluation, benchmarking, or decision‑making activities.
• Experience developing data visualizations and dashboards using contemporary business intelligence or analytics platforms and presenting analytic findings to non‑technical audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple analytic or assessment projects simultaneously, work both independently and collaboratively in small, results‑oriented teams, and meet organizational or external reporting deadlines.
• Experience working in a consultative capacity with faculty, researchers, or organizational units to scope analytic needs, provide methodological guidance, and communicate findings.
• Familiarity with ethical research practices and compliance requirements (e.g., IRB processes) as applicable in academic research environments.
• Effective written, verbal, and presentation skills, with demonstrated ability to translate complex analyses into clear, actionable insights and recommendations for leadership and operational stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

• Experience using Penn State’s iTwo institutional data warehouse to extract, integrate, and analyze student, course, enrollment, or outcomes data in support of assessment, benchmarking, or student success analyses
• Working knowledge of academic library data sources, systems, or analytics platforms (e.g., library services platforms, usage or resource analytics tools)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Power BI for dashboard development and reporting
• Experience conducting or supporting student success and outcomes analyses (e.g., retention, GPA, progression, or graduation studies)
• Experience providing training, workshops, or professional development related to data analysis, assessment methods, or evidence‑based decision‑making

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and steward Libraries‑wide data analytics and performance measurement capabilities that promote transparency and evidence‑based decision‑making.
• Advance an integrated analytics framework that defines, tracks, and reports key performance indicators and operational metrics across library services.
• Conduct benchmarking and comparative analyses, including with Big Ten Academic Alliance peer institutions, to contextualize performance and inform strategic and operational decisions.
• Design, administer, and analyze user engagement and impact research aligned with the Libraries’ mission and values.
• Lead and collaborate on studies assessing user experience, outcomes, and perceptions of library value.
• Identify and pursue research opportunities that generate actionable, user‑informed insights for service and experience enhancement.
• Synthesize and disseminate findings to internal and external audiences to advance user‑centered assessment practice.
• Advise library leadership, departments, and Strategic Action Teams on assessment strategy, project scoping, and evidence‑informed decision‑making.
• Design and guide evaluations of services, initiatives, workflows, and organizational processes to improve effectiveness, efficiency, and strategic alignment.
• Interpret evidence, diagnose performance challenges, and recommend actionable improvements.
• Lead or support assessment activities in response to emerging priorities and leadership needs.
• Evaluate, refine, and steward Libraries‑wide assessment processes, standards, and tools for data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Strengthen the sustainability, consistency, and reliability of assessment infrastructure.
• Coordinate assessment practices to reduce duplication, minimize friction, and support high‑quality evidence production.
• Provide consultation on qualitative and quantitative research design, methods, analytics, and ethical research practices, including Institutional Review Board (IRB) guidance as applicable to library faculty and researchers.
• Educate and mentor colleagues on research integrity, methodological rigor, and evidence quality.
• Serve on Libraries‑ and University‑wide committees and participate in professional assessment communities to advance institutional goals and assessment practice.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Robust retirement plans
• Substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
• 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior