Program Manager, Strategic Initiatives – PLA

American Library Association; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 68,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

The American Library Association (ALA) is seeking an experienced Program Manager to support the Public Library Association (PLA) division. Based in Chicago, this grant-funded role will manage a portfolio of programs in collaboration with the Deputy Director, staff, external partners, and consultants.

You will develop processes, manage budgets, write grants, evaluate impact, and cultivate partnerships to help public libraries serve their communities.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated project management experience with on-time and on-budget results
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Expertise in relationship building and collaboration
• Strong organizational abilities and attention to detail
• Demonstrated grant writing and grant management experience
• Excellent budget development and management skills
• Nonprofit or association management experience, or experience working with volunteer membership organizations
• Ability to work independently and within a team; familiarity with matrixed workplace structure
• Experience with a variety of project management and productivity tools, including proficiency in Microsoft Office 365
• Up to 5% travel may be required for this position

Responsibilities

• Creating processes, procedures, and workplans for existing and emerging PLA programs, grants, and initiatives as assigned
• Developing content for special projects, presentations, and initiatives in coordination with members, staff, external partners, and consultants
• Effectively communicating the value of engagement with PLA and public libraries to advance shared goals with diverse stakeholders
• Managing complex contracts, RFPs, workflows, and relationships
• Developing, managing, and tracking budgets
• Grant writing and reporting
• Developing and executing evaluation and impact assessment strategies
• Overseeing the work of internal and external stakeholders to meet deadlines
• Researching, identifying, and reaching out to potential new partners to grow programs, resources, and membership
• Serving as liaison to stakeholder groups as assigned, including volunteer management and funder engagement

Skills

Project management

Communication

Stakeholder management

Organization

Grant writing

Budgeting

Nonprofit/association experience

Team collaboration

Microsoft Office 365

Travel readiness

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

Job description

The American Library Association (ALA) is seeking an experienced, organized Program Manager to support strategic initiatives for its Public Library Association (PLA) division. Working with the Deputy Director and with staff, external partners, and consultants, this grant-funded position will manage a range of programs for PLA's expanding program/partnership portfolio. Programs address ongoing and emerging public library service areas, helping public libraries become more responsive to and reflective of community needs.

At ALA, you will play a key role in delivering impactful programs that support public libraries and communities nationwide. This position offers the opportunity to grow your strategic and organizational expertise, while contributing to a mission-driven organization.

Responsibilities include:

• Creating processes, procedures, and workplans for existing and emerging PLA programs, grants, and initiatives as assigned
• Developing content for special projects, presentations, and initiatives in coordination with members, staff, external partners, and consultants
• Effectively communicating the value of engagement with PLA and public libraries to advance shared goals with diverse stakeholders
• Managing complex contracts, RFPs, workflows, and relationships
• Developing, managing, and tracking budgets
• Grant writing and reporting
• Developing and executing evaluation and impact assessment strategies
• Overseeing the work of internal and external stakeholders to meet deadlines
• Researching, identifying, and reaching out to potential new partners to grow programs, resources, and membership
• Serving as liaison to stakeholder groups as assigned, including volunteer management and funder engagement

This is a regular full-time position based in our Chicago office.

ALA staff are currently working on a hybrid schedule. Please note that although we have a generous telecommuting policy for our employees, we do not have fully remote positions outside of our workplace sites.

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check and proof of eligibility to work in the United States.

Salary & Benefits

Starting salary range is negotiable from $75k based on relevant experience. ALA offers an excellent benefits package that includes flexible work schedules, medical and dental coverage, generous paid time off, a retirement annuity, and a 35-hour work week. You may also qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

Requirements

• Demonstrated project management experience with on-time and on-budget results
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Expertise in relationship building and collaboration
• Strong organizational abilities and attention to detail
• Excellent judgment, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills that demonstrate a proactive and curious approach to workplace challenges
• Demonstrated grant writing and grant management experience
• Excellent budget development and management skills
• Nonprofit or association management experience, or experience working with volunteer membership organizations
• Ability to work independently and within a team; familiarity with matrixed workplace structure
• Experience with a variety of project management and productivity tools, including proficiency in Microsoft Office 365
• Up to 5% travel may be required for this position

Preferred but not Required

• Supervisory experience
• Public speaking experience
• Experience with donor engagement/funder management tools such as Foundant
• Knowledge and understanding of public librarianship and education trends

Additional Information

• This position is funded through a grant that enables the Association to expand and enhance its programs and services. We are seeking a candidate who is passionate about our mission and excited to contribute to the long-term success of this initiative. Employment is contingent upon the continued availability of grant funding.

The American Library Association is an equal opportunity employer: Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran