Educational Engagement Director

University of Illinois - Urbana, IL

Full-time

Urbana, IL

Educational Services

About the position

The Educational Engagement Director at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) is responsible for managing educational programs and engagement initiatives for older adults. This role involves strategic planning, program development, and fostering community engagement to enrich the intellectual lives of OLLI members. The director will collaborate with the OLLI Director to enhance program offerings and ensure they meet the diverse needs of the community.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Requirements

• 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.)

Nice-to-haves

• 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.