Educational Engagement Director

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)

University of Illinois

The University of Illinois is accepting applications for an Educational Engagement Director at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI). OLLI at Illinois is an inclusive community that offers affordable, accessible, high-quality educational programs designed for people fifty or older connected to East Central Illinois with the goal of enriching intellectual engagement and stimulating curiosity. The position manages OLLI programs and engagement initiatives for older adults involving members, instructors, and community partners. The Educational Engagement Director will work collaboratively with the OLLI Director in strategic planning and in the development and implementation of OLLI at Illinois' lifelong learning programs.

Duties & Responsibilities

Strategic Management & Program Development:
• Partner in leading the strategic planning and implementation of lifelong learning programs to meet the intellectual and engagement needs of OLLI members.
• Collaborate with the OLLI Director to set programmatic goals, develop new courses, and expand OLLI’s impact in the community.
• Oversee the development of study groups, lectures, and events, ensuring they align with OLLI’s mission and cater to diverse member interests.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of programs and adjust strategy as needed to ensure continued growth and relevance.

Membership Engagement & Growth:
• Foster a sense of community within OLLI by engaging directly with members, understanding their interests, and responding to their feedback.
• Develop and implement initiatives to increase membership, retention, and satisfaction, including diversity and accessibility efforts.
• Oversee volunteer committees, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to OLLI’s mission.
• Lead membership outreach efforts to maintain and grow the OLLI community, collaborating with university departments and external partners as needed.

External Engagement & Partnership Development:
• Partner in leading efforts to build and maintain strategic partnerships with community organizations, businesses, and educational institutions.
• Represent OLLI in the community and at university functions to raise the program’s visibility and expand its network of partners and supporters.
• Oversee the execution of strategies that enhance OLLI’s presence on social media and other platforms and maintain selected pages of OLLI’s website.
• Develop internal and external communications, promotional materials, and outreach campaigns to inform current members, attract new members and build awareness of OLLI’s offerings.

Operational Oversight & Team Management:
• Oversee the coordination of study groups, speaker programs, and events, ensuring they are delivered at a high standard.
• Lead a team of volunteers, and facilitators, providing guidance, support, and professional development opportunities.
• Ensure efficient day-to-day operations of OLLI programs, including managing logistics, technology, and classroom setups for in-person and online courses.

Instructional Support & Program Delivery:
• Provide guidance in supporting instructors, lecturers, and facilitators in the delivery of high-quality educational content.
• Facilitate training and orientation for instructors and volunteers, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills and tools for effective program delivery.
• Ensure the seamless integration of technology in classrooms and online platforms to enhance learning experiences for OLLI participants.

Evaluation & Continuous Improvement:
• Establish evaluation processes for all OLLI programs, using data and member feedback to inform continuous improvement.
• Stay abreast of trends in adult and lifelong learning to ensure that OLLI programs remain innovative and competitive.
• Regularly assess operational processes and introduce improvements to enhance efficiency and the overall member experience.

The position requires working evenings and weekends, as needed.

Position Qualifications

Required-

• Bachelor’s degree
• A total of three (3) years (36 months) in education, training and/or work experience in planning, development and program management. (Note: Master’s Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year of work experience.

Preferred-

• Master’s degree, preferably in social work, communications, or liberal arts.
• Demonstrated experience working and/or interacting with diverse populations.
• Experience working in higher education.
• Public speaking experience.

Successful candidates will have the following-

• Proven ability to communicate effectively with others.
• Proficiency with standard computer programs and instructional technology and ability to learn new software programs.
• Ability to work well and efficiently with others in OLLI’s 3-person staff.
• Composure and patience to work with members, volunteers, faculty and community experts, and other constituents.
• Ability to prioritize assignments and duties to meet specific deadlines.
• Ability to perform under constraints to maintain confidence in appropriate matters.
• Ability to work independently and anticipate the needs of the director, members, and university and community experts and partners.
• Ability to communicate technical information to non-technical staff, volunteers, and instructors

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5003 - Program Director position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close of the search. Salary range for this position is $60,000-$75,000. We strive to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, collective bargaining agreements, and budget constraints. The final salary offer will be determined through a thorough assessment of these elements. Work authorization sponsorship is not available for this position.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on November 8, 2024. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting and upload a cover letter, resume and contact information for three professional references. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Jennifer Steiling at steiling@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1027618
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu