Analysis and Planning Consultant, University Libraries

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

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POSITION SPECIFICS​

Join the Pennsylvania State University Library Assessment Department as an Analysis and Planning Consultant to lead and refine the University Libraries’ User Engagement Program.

The User Engagement Program strengthens the Libraries’ understanding of how learners and researchers use, experience, and value library services, providing evidence that informs strategic planning, resource allocation, and continuous improvement across the university system.

Serving as a trusted advisor to library leadership and operational teams and a key contributor to the program, the Analysis and Planning Consultant advances evidence‑based decision‑making through analytics, assessment, and user research.

Responsibilities:

User Engagement Program Leadership and Continuous Improvement:

• Lead and continuously refine the University Libraries' User Engagement Program to ensure systematic understanding of user needs, experiences, outcomes, and perceptions of value.
• Establish and advance frameworks, methodologies, and practices that support user-centered decision-making across the organization.
• Identify emerging trends and opportunities for inquiry, coordinate user engagement activities across library units, and promote the integration of user insights into strategic and operational planning.
• Steward a culture of evidence-informed service development that strengthens the Libraries' effectiveness and impact.

Assessment Studies and Organizational Investigations:

• Design and conduct investigations that evaluate library services, programs, initiatives, operations, and emerging organizational questions.
• Serve as the point of contact for collaborations with departments, leadership, and strategic action teams to define research questions, select appropriate methodologies, collect and analyze evidence, and communicate findings.
• Develop actionable recommendations that inform decision-making, improve services, assess outcomes, and advance organizational priorities.
• Conduct comparative or contextual analyses, where appropriate, to place findings in relation to peer practices, institutional priorities, or broader higher education trends.
• Translate assessment and research findings into organizational intelligence through evidence synthesis, trend identification, performance and outcome measurement, and the communication of insights that support strategic and operational decision-making.

Professional Leadership and Organizational Contribution:

• Contribute to the development of colleagues and the advancement of the Libraries and the broader profession through mentoring, committee service, outreach, and professional engagement.
• Supervise student and part-time employees as assigned, support onboarding and staff development activities.
• Participate in Libraries and University-wide service initiatives and represent the Libraries in professional communities and collaborative partnerships where expertise in assessment, user engagement, and research methods is needed.

Stakeholder Consultation:

• 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.

Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Serve on Libraries‑ and University‑wide committees and participate in professional assessment communities to advance institutional goals and assessment practice.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

• 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)
• Ability to manage multiple analytic or assessment projects simultaneously, including the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in small, results‑oriented teams
• Excellent organizational skills and a proven record of reliable, timely task completion
• 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

Preferred Qualifications (one or more):

• 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

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree
3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None

Important Application Instructions:

In addition to a résumé/CV, applicants must submit a separate attachment that directly addresses the following:

• Your approach to assessment, research, and evidence-informed decision-making.
• Your philosophy regarding collaboration and partnership with stakeholders in assessment and evaluation efforts.
• Your perspective on understanding user needs, experiences, and outcomes to support service and program improvement.
• Your familiarity with quantitative, qualitative, and/or mixed-methods approaches to assessment and research.
• Your commitment to ongoing professional growth in assessment, research, analytics, or related areas.

Important notes on this separate attachment:

• Please address each area separately using headers.
• Applicants may draw on specific projects or professional experiences to illustrate their response, but detailed project descriptions are not required.
• The response document is limited to two pages.

Additional Information:

This position will report to the Head of Library Assessment.

The Pennsylvania State University Libraries is supportive of flexible work arrangements when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $65,508.00 - $94,980.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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