Data Analyst - Main Library Alliance - Full Time

Overview

The Data Analyst is primarily responsible for making sense of data generated by public libraries. They work with office teammates to collect, map, and holistically analyze current trends and offer suggestions for how to potentially influence future library outcomes. They leverage resources to assist in making data-driven recommendations and decisions, including identifying, collecting, transforming, consolidating, storing, and preparing data for analysis and reporting.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Conducts original research and applies quantitative and qualitative analysis to internal and external data, providing actionable insights that inform management and support library performance across the system
• Works with staff and members to develop and implement research and data-oriented projects, including developing appropriate methodologies to reach stated goals
• Leverages internal and external data to inform community insights and supports all stages of data projects, from collection to visualization
• Analyzes and interprets a wide variety of economic, demographic, geographic, ethnographic, and social data, and translates into actionable recommendations
• Contributes to the identification of library performance standards and key performance indicators, and routinely monitors progress
• Visualizes with data the effectiveness and impact of core services in alignment with libraries’ missions and strategic objectives
• Analyzes and interprets data to identify patron patterns and preferences
• Works with the IT Department to operate a secure server environment to store data
• Works with the IT Department to design and maintain a front-end analytics platform for use by library staff
• Provides compelling statistics to aid marketing, grant-writing, and fundraising efforts
• Collaborates with different entities and committees within Main to better understand current practices and needs
• Assists library directors in better understanding their local data trends
• Develops and delivers research- and data-related training opportunities, sharing knowledge and expertise with internal and external stakeholders
• Integrates AI-powered tools as deemed appropriate
• Provides support for library planning processes 2  Upholds patron privacy standards
• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in information science, statistics, applied mathematics, computer science, or related field
• Master’s degree preferred
• 3+ years of working in a full-time position predominantly focused on data analysis
• Experience in government or nonprofit sectors preferred Specialized Skills:
• Expertise in database server best practices
• Experience with analytics platforms such as Tableau, MS Power BI, or Metabase
• Fluency in SQL and SQL server databases
• Experience in programming languages (R, Python, etc.)
• Ability to utilize data from a number of different file formats, systems, and vendors
• Proficiency in presenting data visually and providing insights with data assets that tell a story
• Strong organization and communication skills, including verbal and written (via face-to-face, phone, email, and video conferencing)
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Google Analytics, and other job-related equipment/software
  • Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILSs) preferred
• Track record of multitasking and collaborating
• Takes the initiative to provide actionable suggestions and is receptive to feedback
• Ability to maintain confidentiality

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

The position is scheduled for a 35-hour work week and requires the ability to work on a flexible schedule, with occasional evening and weekend hours. Main is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and is not subject to the “New Jersey First” state residency requirements.

Work is performed primarily at the Main Office located at 16 Wing Drive in Cedar Knolls and remotely. This position requires the ability to have transportation to periodically make library site visits and attend meetings outside the office.

Work is performed primarily in a busy office environment while sitting at a desk or computer station, or while standing for extended periods of time. Physical exertion may be required to lift office supplies and library materials up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The need to respond to competing needs or meet deadlines could cause stress at times. Equipment used includes computers and various office machines.

Compensation

• Salary commensurate with experience, but within the $70,000-$80,000/yr range
• Generous health benefits
• 401(k) retirement plan

Deadline

• Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Preferred Start Date

• Negotiable, but ideally 7/6/2026

Submission Instructions

• Please submit a cover letter and resume to Executive Director Phillip Berg at: apply [at] mainlib.org (apply[at]mainlib[dot]org).
• Please do not call the Main Office in regard to this job posting.