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.

Applications for this role will be open until March 11, 2026. Interviews will begin on a rolling basis. 

Apply here on Ivy Group's Job Board.

Responsibilities
The Senior 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 Senior Manager translates library goals and community priorities into aspirational, actionable strategic plans and community needs assessments.

In a boutique, dynamic consultancy, the Senior 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

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.

Requirements

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