Director of Programming, OLLI

University of Denver•Quinte West, ON

4d•$75,000 - $78,000•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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
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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Provide leadership and oversight for courses across five locations and online, ensuring high-quality content, delivery, diverse curriculum, and continuity.
Lead site and core curriculum committees, engaging members as strategic partners in curriculum development, facilitator recruitment, and program quality.
Review program data including enrollment, cancellations, and trends to inform strategic decisions and curriculum development.
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.
Lead organization-wide special events and major program initiatives.
Provide leadership for the Membership Committee, participating in committee meetings to ensure delivery of high-quality, consistent member experiences.
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.
In collaboration with the Operations Manager, identify, develop, and schedule academic content and facilitators to align with and enhance the travel program.
Research and explore potential new initiatives for OLLI at DU, providing recommendations and analysis while securing Executive Director approval before implementation.
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.
Screen all facilitator candidates, guide them through course proposal development, and provide individualized support.
Develop and deliver pre-term training workshops and coordinate “How to Facilitate an OLLI Class” training for prospective and new facilitators.
Lead facilitator engagement initiatives including mentor program, communications, and recognition strategy to build community and encourage retention.
Review facilitator evaluations and surveys; provide supportive and constructive feedback to facilitators.
Supervise the Program Coordinator, providing guidance, professional development, and ongoing support.
Collaborate effectively with the Executive Director, Operations Manager, and other staff to advance OLLI’s mission and strategic priorities.
Prepare reports and presentations on program performance, enrollment trends, and strategic initiatives for the Executive Director.
Manage payment and honoraria for paid speakers, ensuring timely and accurate processing.
Provide input on and manage the annual budget dedicated to program delivery and facilitator recruitment and retention.
Contribute to strategic planning and shape OLLI’s vision for programs, member engagement, and growth.
Foster a collaborative, supportive team culture and model commitment to OLLI’s mission, values, and member-centered approach.
Work collaboratively across the organization to advance shared goals and respond to emerging needs and opportunities.
Develop and implement program policies and procedures to ensure consistency, quality, and alignment with organizational standards.
Stay current on trends in lifelong learning and adult education to inform program innovation and best practices.
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.
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.