She is currently an honorary professor at the Department of Linguistics and English Language of Lancaster University, United Kingdom.
Ivanić taught English language, literacy and study skills to children and adults in Devon, London and Stockton, California between 1970 and 1985.
She was a lecturer in adult literacy, language and learning at Garnett College for teachers in further and higher education before joining the staff at Lancaster in 1986.
Ivanić was a full-time member of the Department of Linguistics and English Language of Lancaster University between 1986 and 2008.
She has been an Associate Director of the Literacy Research Centre of Lancaster University since 2002 and she was appointed Professor Emerita in September 2008.