Senior Manager of Library Projects

DATE ENTERED:
February 11, 2026
POSITION:
Senior Manager of Library Projects

LOCATION:

Charlottesville, VA or Remote

Senior Manager of Library Projects

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.

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

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…