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.

This position is funded for 12 months; continuation past 12 months will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

POSITION SPECIFICS

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.

Responsibilities:
Data Analytics & Performance Measurement

• 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.

User Engagement & Impact Research

• 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.

Organizational Excellence & Assessment Strategy

• 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.

Assessment Infrastructure Development & Coordination

• 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.

Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• 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.

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).
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications (one or more):

• 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

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Analysis and Planning Consultant - Senior Professional, this position requires:Master's Degree6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Analysis and Planning Consultant - Advanced Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None

Important Application Instructions :

Applicants must submit a cover letter addressing their interest and relevant experience, in addition to a resume.

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 $61,800.00 - $102,300.00.

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 View phone number on click.appcast.io.

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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