Senior Manager of Library Projects
About The Position
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. Applications for this role will be open until March 11, 2026. Interviews will begin on a rolling basis.
Requirements
- 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
Responsibilities
- 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
- 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
- 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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
