Overview

The Private Academic Library Network of Indiana (PALNI) seeks a collaborative, innovative, and experienced individual with high initiative to serve as Program Manager, Collaboration Services. This role will support and coordinate PALNI's working groups, build leadership skills among participating library staff, and align group activities with PALNI-wide strategic goals.  Reporting to the Associate Director, the Program Manager, Collaboration Services is responsible for managing, coordinating, and supporting assigned PALNI Groups, including the Instructional Technology group, the Reference, Instruction, and Outreach group, the Fulfillment group, and other groups as needed. In addition, the program manager provides one or more of the following areas of expertise to support group task forces and initiatives: reference, faculty outreach, instruction and related technologies and design methods, with the flexibility to learn new technologies and meet emerging needs.

Key Responsibilities

Working under the direction of the PALNI Associate Director, the Program Manager, Collaboration Services will:

• Support Group Facilitation across the organization
  • Support assigned PALNI functional groups by scheduling group meetings, guiding discussions, creating a welcoming environment, and encouraging participation in PALNI groups and programs. Ensure all participants feel comfortable and respected, fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere for discussion and collaboration
  • Guide group work to align with the PALNI Strategic Framework and assist in sharing information across the various PALNI groups
  • Encourage all group members to contribute their ideas and perspectives, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and valued, develop tools and methods for gaining feedback effectively and efficiently
  • May prepare discussion questions, materials, and activities to support the group’s focus and engagement
• Provide expertise to add capacity in one or more of the following areas:
  • Reference, outreach, and/or instruction (including related technology and design methods)
  • Instructional technology and design
  • Accessibility
• Willingness to explore and support new and emerging areas to support PALNI's strategic goals

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Education: Master's Degree in Library Science (MLS) or equivalent from an ALA-accredited program
• Academic library experience in one or more of the following areas: instruction, reference, instructional design, instruction technology 
• Demonstrated successful experience with program and project planning, implementation, and evaluation
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills: Excellent active listening, conflict resolution skills, patience, and flexibility. Able to adapt to different group dynamics, individual communication styles, and handle unexpected situations
• Organizational and planning skills: Prepare and organize group sessions effectively
• Neutral and impartial: Need to remain neutral and objective, guiding discussions without personal bias
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Proficiency in using technology and library software

Position Details

• Reports to: PALNI Associate Director 
• Location: This position is fully remote; however, it requires an Indiana residency and the ability to travel easily within the state for meetings.
• Classification: Exempt, full-time, remote work, some travel required, salaried at 40 hours per week on average.
• Compensation: The salary ranges from $60,000 to $65,000, depending on experience. PALNI provides generous benefits, including up to a 10% match retirement plan, medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, 12-17 holidays per year, 12 sick days per year (accruing), 20 days vacation per year (non-accruing), and family leave.
• Equal Opportunity Employer/Diversity and Culture: The most productive and satisfying work environment is one in which work is accomplished in a spirit of mutual trust and respect. That trust and respect should be demonstrated through the manner of interaction between our employees, contractors, participants (those participating in PALNI activities), and the people with whom we collaborate. We value positive communication and conversations. We expect people to have different opinions – we all come from different backgrounds and have had different experiences. Those differences enable us to view things from different angles, allowing our organization to grow and thrive in a constantly evolving culture. We do not and will not treat someone differently on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, gender identity, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of our activities or operations. Please refer to our Respect in the Workplace policy.

Application and Interview Process

• To Apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume/vita via email to PALNI Executive Director Kirsten Leonard at exec@palni.edu. In the cover letter, tell us how your experience relates to this position and explain your experience or interest in nonprofit or library work. Procedural questions may also be directed to exec@palni.edu. 

• Interview Timeline and Process: The review of applications will begin on November 17, 2025, and continue until the position is filled.

Initial interviews will be conducted via Zoom. References will be requested before in-person interviews. 

About PALNI

PALNI is a 30-year-old 501(c)3 nonprofit consortium with a strong track record of providing its 23 supported institutions with the best possible library information systems, technology and services. It does so through deep collaboration and shared expertise among the library staff and consortial staff, and through strategic relationships with external partners. The PALNI organizational chart helps illustrate the complex roles and leadership structure within the consortium. PALNI employees enjoy a supportive work culture based on trust, communication and respect. They have the benefit of working in remote locations across the state and beyond, while meeting periodically in central Indiana. Under the guidance of its Strategic Framework, PALNI strives to enhance the teaching and learning missions of its supported institutions through five areas of focus: affordability, student success, strategic services, expertise and collaboration, and engagement and promotion. Visit PALNI online to learn more.