Please note that this job listing has closed. To see our current open positions at Backstage, visit our Careers page.
Backstage Library Works provides guaranteed, personal solutions to assist libraries and archives with preserving, organizing, and describing collections to enhance discovery and user access.
POSITION TITLE: On-Site Project Manager
DIRECT SUPERVISOR: Operations Manager, On-Site Services
SALARY SCALE: $51,168 – $69,784, depending on qualifications and experience
LOCATION: Athens, OH
POSITION TYPE: Full-time exempt, project-based
TERM: January 2026 – December 2026
About Backstage
Backstage Library Works provides guaranteed, personal solutions to assist libraries and archives with preserving, organizing, and describing collections to enhance discovery and user access.
For over 35 years, we’ve partnered with cultural heritage institutions around the globe to help increase access to collections. We’re based in Provo, Utah, and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, with an array of field offices and on-site projects. Backstage maintains a crew of around 150, each with specialized skills and expertise to help librarians accomplish their goals.
Backstage services include cataloging, authority control, inclusive metadata enrichment, digitization, microfilming, archival processing, RFID tagging, inventory, and reclassification.
Job Description
An On-Site Project Manager is sought for a high-priority, limited-term project engagement at an academic library in Athens, Ohio. This full-time, exempt, project-based role is entrusted with full end-to-end ownership of a large-scale collection deaccessioning/weeding project starting in January 2026 and completing by the end of the year. The core responsibility involves defining, planning, and executing the project by creating a comprehensive project plan and successfully managing a team of client-provided student workers. Serving as the primary representative, the Manager must cultivate a strong relationship with the client, profile all project variables, and demonstrate the flexibility to adjust plans as necessary to ensure timely and proper project completion. Successful performance may lead to future project assignments elsewhere, though interest in only this specific one-year term is welcome.
Key Responsibilities
I. Project Planning and Execution
- Lead the on-site execution of the deaccessioning/weeding project, ensuring adherence to the approved project plan and client specifications.
- Create, document, and implement efficient workflows and quality control procedures to manage the high-volume review and removal of collection materials.
- Track progress against timelines and budgets, making real-time operational adjustments to maintain schedule, scope, and resource allocation.
- Complete regular reports and comprehensive project documentation to monitor productivity, quality metrics, and team performance.
II. Team Management and Supervision
- Directly supervise, train, and manage a project team primarily composed of student workers.
- Manage team scheduling, daily assignments, and performance evaluations specific to the deaccessioning workflow.
- Ensure all project activities are executed in a manner consistent with Backstage Library Works’ safety and quality standards.
III. Client and Stakeholder Management
- Serve as the primary, professional point of contact for the academic library client, managing all communication and ensuring exceptional client satisfaction.
- Maintain open and regular communication with the client and the internal On-Site Operations Manager regarding project status, milestones, and any potential issues.
- Manage project expenses and the provided budget, ensuring accurate financial tracking and reporting for all on-site activities.
Required Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) in a related field, OR an equivalent combination of education, technical training, and experience may be substituted for the degree.
- Experience: Proven experience managing people and operational processes in a fast-paced or production-focused environment.
- Project Delivery: Demonstrated ability to manage projects successfully, delivering results on time and within budget.
- Technology: Proficiency in project management software and reporting tools.
Preferred Additional Qualifications
- Advanced Degree: A Master’s Degree in Library Science (MLS/MLIS) from an ALA-accredited program.
- Certification: Project Management Professional (PMP) certified.
- Library Experience: Prior experience working with libraries, archives, or museum collections. Familiarity with collection management workflows, including metadata, cataloging, shelving, inventory, or physical processing.
- Library Technical Knowledge: Knowledge of library classification systems (e.g., Dewey Decimal, Library of Congress).
- Workflow Management Experience: Experience with process improvement methodologies to increase efficiency and accuracy.
Additional Information
- Compensation: $51,168 – $69,784 annually (Dependent on Experience).
- Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) with company match; accrued Paid Time Off (PTO); life insurance; and holiday pay.
- How to Apply: Email your resume and cover letter to info@bslw.com.
A comprehensive background check and drug screening will be conducted as part of the hiring process.
Backstage Library Works is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.
