Project Manager - Reading & Engagement

Department: Branch Services & Programs

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Stephen A. Schwarzman Building

Reporting To: Brian Jones

Compensation: $76,000 - $95,000 / year

Description

OverviewThe Project Manager of the newly established Reading and Engagement department at The New York Public Library (NYPL), will play a key role in the successful growth and development of the department, as well as supporting systemwide projects and strategic priorities. This role will take the lead on specific projects and will oversee strategic tracking systems to ensure progress on priorities set by the Senior Director.

The Reading & Engagement department, which includes four teams (Adult Programming, Outreach Services, Reader Services, and the Center for Educators and Schools) is charged with achieving NYPL's ambitious five-year goals and specifically, the ways that NYPL promotes a citywide culture of reading, and supports branch libraries and vibrant reading hubs.

We are looking for someone we can count on to:

Own:

• The management of projects related to the reading strategy and the 250th commemorations
• Gathering quarterly metrics for analysis
• Drafting reports, memoranda and other communications of strategic importance relating to the progress of the Senior Director's strategic priorities

Teach:

• Tools and techniques that contribute to successful project outcomes and high performing teams
• Best practices for project management with staff across the organization as they volunteer to pilot and learn from new services and initiatives
• Translating data and other raw information sources into actionable insights

Learn:

• How to draw insights from large data and other information sources through collaboration with colleagues
• Key risks, opportunities, and other considerations for project planning and the best methods to effectively convey this information to various stakeholders
• The relationships between various organizational initiatives, trends in library usage, and appropriate levels of communication externally and internally

Improve:

• External communication and relationship tracking systems to ensure that messages are delivered to stakeholders at appropriate times in support of organizational goals
• Resolution of conflicts by demonstrating leadership and appropriate decision-making competencies
• Project status and progress tracking for the Reading and Engagement department through clear communication tools (task trackers, memos, project plans, etc)

Some expectations for this role are that within:

1 month, this person will:

• Meet all key stakeholders and build a stakeholder map for two key initiatives
• Develop a clear understanding of the requirements for key initiatives, and draft a rough project implementation plan for each initiative
• Manage the calendar and scheduling for the Senior Director

3 months, this person will:

• Independently manage implementation tasks such as communicating progress with stakeholders and drafting support documents
• Write a first report relating to quarterly progress
• Draft executive support communications such as talking points, short external relationship cultivation emails, and pre-meeting briefings

6 months and beyond, this person will:

• Convene reading strategy working groups, manage their cadence, internal communications, and information
• Convene the US 250 Working Group, manage its cadence, internal communications, and information.
• Manage other key projects as needed

ResponsibilitiesReporting to the Senior Director, Reading & Engagement this person will:

• Manage their calendar, and handle other key administrative tasks
• Track key metrics and support drafting of quarterly reports
• Ensure that key project activities are successfully executed and completed across all functions on time and within budget
• Monitor and communicate project status and proactively highlight areas of potential concern to the relevant leaders
• Develop and maintain project plans consisting of functional and cross-functional task checklists, tracking tools, communication plans, best practices, and other guides to successful execution
• In support of various projects led out of other units, liaise with internal stakeholders such as key staff in the Development, Communications & Marketing, IT, Finance, and Strategy & Public Impact departments
• Undertake special assignments to focus on projects that contribute to the success of the reading strategy, the US 250 Working Group, and other projects
• Conduct post-implementation reviews to determine successes and areas for improvement so that systems are continuously improved
• Write reports that synthesize complex information from various stakeholders to create clear, cohesive narratives outlining metrics, insights about performance and other trends
• Support the cultivation of donors, collaboration with partners, and general relationship building through preparation of talking points, communications, presentations, etc.

Required Education, Experience & Skills

Required Education & Certifications

• Bachelor's degree or 4+ years of additional related experience

Required Experience

• 4+ years of project leadership experience
• Experience with managing complex administrative projects or programs and facilitating team meetings in a professional setting

Required Skills

• Basic working knowledge of the fundamentals of implementing and monitoring pilot initiatives; preferred understanding of design thinking and prototyping principles.
• Fundamental working knowledge of organizational performance measurement, including KPIs and other success metrics, and the basics of data analysis and understanding
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Expertise in report writing and written communication for, or on behalf of, a senior management audience
• Ability to foster collegiality, shared vision and teamwork
• Ability to motivate team members in a cross-functional environment
• Strong understanding of performance metrics analytics and how they relate to operations management

Managerial/Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

More...

Core ValuesAll team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values:

• Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues
• Be Resourceful in solving problems
• Be Curious in all aspects of your work
• Be Welcoming and Inclusive

Work Environment

• Office setting
• Public library setting
• Telecommuting

Physical Duties

• Limited physical effort is required
• May require travel within NYC

Pre-Placement Physical Required?

• No

Union/Non Union

• Non-Union

FLSA Status

• Exempt

Schedule

• 35 hours per week
• Hybrid schedule; 4 days on-site
• Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm; evening and weekend hours required as needed

This job description represents the types and levels of responsibilities that will be required of the position and shall not be construed as a declaration of all of the specific duties and responsibilities for the role. Job duties may change if Library priorities change. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description as needed.

The New York Public Library Salary Statement

At the Library, we believe that pay transparency and pay equity are important to ensuring we source the best candidates and keep the best employees. When making a determination as to the appropriate salary for a candidate, we consider a variety of factors such, including, but not limited to, the position requirements, the skills, prior experience, and educational background required or preferred for the job, the scope and impact of the role within the organization, internal peer equity, and the candidate's specific training, experience, education level, and skills. No single factor is conclusive; the Library reserves the right to consider any and all relevant factors and make a decision consistent with its policies.