Director of Programming, OLLI

Director Of Programming

The Director of Programming provides leadership and oversight for OLLI at DU's full program portfolio, ensuring high-quality educational experiences and strong member engagement across classes, events, trips, and special programs. Reporting to the Executive Director and supervising the Program Coordinator, this position is critical to OLLI's sustainability and growth, combining strategic program planning with hands-on facilitator recruitment, development, and retention.

The successful candidate will oversee curriculum quality while building relationships with facilitators, educators, subject matter experts, and community partners, and will support member engagement initiatives that foster a vibrant learning community.

Essential Functions

• Program Leadership & Curriculum Oversight
• Portfolio Oversight: Provide leadership and oversight for courses across five locations and online, ensuring high-quality content, delivery, diverse curriculum, and continuity
• Committee Leadership: Lead site and core curriculum committees, engaging members as strategic partners in curriculum development, facilitator recruitment, and program quality
• Data-Informed Planning: Review program data including enrollment, cancellations, and trends to inform strategic decisions and curriculum development
• Course Proposal Process: Redesign, launch, and manage a streamlined course proposal process including editing, member review, and approval to ensure high-quality offerings, compelling course descriptions, and a positive facilitator experience
• Special Events & Initiatives: Lead organization-wide special events and major program initiatives
• Membership Committee: Provide leadership for the Membership Committee, participating in committee meetings to ensure delivery of high-quality, consistent member experiences
• Site & Community Programs: In collaboration with the Executive Director and Operations Manager, identify potential sites and speakers, support program planning, and contribute to the evaluation of programs at senior communities to advance OLLI's growth
• Travel Program: In collaboration with the Operations Manager, identify, develop, and schedule academic content and facilitators to align with and enhance the travel program
• Innovation: Research and explore potential new initiatives for OLLI at DU, providing recommendations and analysis while securing Executive Director approval before implementation
• Facilitator Recruitment, Development & Engagement
• Recruitment Strategy: Develop and implement a comprehensive facilitator recruitment strategy drawing from OLLI members, education retirees, DU faculty and staff, school districts, community organizations, museums, cultural institutions, and businesses
• Candidate Support: Screen all facilitator candidates, guide them through course proposal development, and provide individualized support
• Training & Development: Develop and deliver pre-term training workshops and coordinate "How to Facilitate an OLLI Class" training for prospective and new facilitators
• Facilitator Engagement: Lead facilitator engagement initiatives including mentor program, communications, and recognition strategy to build community and encourage retention
• Feedback & Evaluation: Review facilitator evaluations and surveys; provide supportive and constructive feedback to facilitators
• Supervision & Collaboration
• Team Supervision: Supervise the Program Coordinator, providing guidance, professional development, and ongoing support
• Organizational Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with the Executive Director, Operations Manager, and other staff to advance OLLI's mission and strategic priorities
• Reporting: Prepare reports and presentations on program performance, enrollment trends, and strategic initiatives for the Executive Director
• Financial & Administrative Operations
• Honoraria & Payments: Manage payment and honoraria for paid speakers, ensuring timely and accurate processing
• Budget Management: Provide input on and manage the annual budget dedicated to program delivery and facilitator recruitment and retention
• Leadership & Collaboration
• Strategic Planning: Contribute to strategic planning and shape OLLI's vision for programs, member engagement, and growth
• Team Culture: Foster a collaborative, supportive team culture and model commitment to OLLI's mission, values, and member-centered approach
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work collaboratively across the organization to advance shared goals and respond to emerging needs and opportunities
• Policy Development: Develop and implement program policies and procedures to ensure consistency, quality, and alignment with organizational standards
• Sector Awareness: Stay current on trends in lifelong learning and adult education to inform program innovation and best practices
• National Network Engagement: Actively engage with the OLLI National Resource Center and peer institutes to exchange best practices, explore collaborative opportunities, and bring innovative ideas to OLLI at DU
• Site Operations Support
• On-Site Coordination: Serve as on-site coordinator approximately two days per week during terms, overseeing facility access, AV and room setup, welcome table preparation, coffee service as applicable, facilitator support, member greeting, and end-of-day cleanup; conduct brief check-ins during sessions to ensure smooth operations and class quality

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to engage diverse stakeholders including members, educators, community partners, and volunteers
• Strong program management experience with demonstrated ability to ensure curriculum quality across multiple sites and delivery formats
• Experience recruiting, training, and supporting volunteers or facilitators in educational or nonprofit settings
• Data analysis skills with ability to inform strategic decisions and improve program outcomes
• Excellent communication skills with ability to provide constructive feedback, recognition, and deliver training programs
• Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and stakeholder relationships
• Ability to work collaboratively, supervise effectively, and contribute as a team member
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and database or learning management systems
• Proven ability to effectively use AI-powered tools to streamline workflows, generate insights, and support program delivery
• Commitment to lifelong learning, adult education, and creating inclusive learning environments

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred
• Minimum 7 years of experience in program management, curriculum development, adult education, or nonprofit leadership
• Demonstrated experience recruiting, training, and supporting volunteers, facilitators, or instructors
• Experience managing multiple programs with proven ability to ensure quality and consistency
• Proven exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills with the ability to engage, influence, and collaborate effectively across diverse audiences and stakeholder groups

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in education, nonprofit management, or related field
• Experience in lifelong learning, adult education, or senior programs
• Demonstrated success building community partnerships with cultural institutions, businesses, or educational organizations

Working Environment

• Standard office environment with regular travel to program sites across metro Denver
• Occasional evening and weekend work for events, training sessions, and program observations
• Moderate stress level with multiple concurrent priorities and stakeholder needs

Physical Activities

• Ability to sit in front of a computer for extended periods
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds occasionally
• May be required to move office furniture such as tables and chairs for meetings or events
• Occasionally required to travel to multiple sites

Work Schedule

This is a full-time benefited position with flexible scheduling to accommodate site visits, member events, and facilitator meetings. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required. Hybrid work arrangements may be available in consultation with the Executive Director and in accordance with the University's remote work policies.

Reporting Relationship

This position reports to the Executive Director of OLLI at DU and includes direct supervision of the Program Coordinator.