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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: Various (required travel and temporary relocation)
POSITION TYPE: Full-time exempt, project-based
START DATE: January 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
The On-Site Project Manager is entrusted with full end-to-end ownership of collection management projects at client institutions across the United States, requiring extensive travel and temporary relocation. The Manager’s core responsibility is to define, plan, and execute projects by creating a comprehensive project plan that meets detailed client specifications, budget constraints, and quality standards. This role requires the ability to hire, train, and supervise the on-site project team. Serving as the primary representative for Backstage Library Works, the Manager must cultivate strong relationships with the client, profile and manage all project variables, and demonstrate the flexibility to adjust plans and workflows as necessary to overcome on-site challenges, ensuring timely and proper project completion.
Key Responsibilities
I. Project Planning and Execution
- Lead the on-site execution of collection management projects at client institutions, ensuring adherence to the approved project plan.
- Create, document, and implement efficient workflows and quality control procedures tailored to meet specific client service agreements and project objectives.
- 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
- Recruit, hire, train, and directly supervise local temporary project staff, fostering a professional, high-productivity work environment.
- Manage project team scheduling, daily assignments, and performance evaluations.
- 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 client, managing all communication and ensuring exceptional client satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle.
- 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.
- Travel & Flexibility: Flexibility to travel regularly and remain on location for the duration of assigned projects.
- 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). A cost-of-living differential may be provided depending on the assigned project’s location.
- Travel & Expenses: An expense budget is provided to cover all travel and lodging expenses associated with assigned projects.
- 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.
