March 2018

Director, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

Program Director, Level 13

Duke Continuing Studies and Summer Session

Salary Minimum: $48,592

Requisition # 401393633

The Office of Continuing Studies and Summer Session (OCS&SS) is an administrative unit of Duke Trinity Arts and Sciences that encompasses both credit and non-credit students and programs. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Duke University (OLLI, or OLLI at Duke) is one of the noncredit units of the office. It is currently staffed by a Program Director (Level 13), a Staff Specialist (Level 8) and three Clerk positions (part time).

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is a liberal arts program for people of retirement age. Begun in 1977, it now serves more than 2,300 people a year through its courses and activities scheduled in three terms (fall, winter, and spring). Approximately 150 classes are offered in each fall and winter term and approximately 90 classes offered each spring term. OLLI is a membership organization with an elected Board of Advisors. The Director of OLLI works closely with the Board and its various committees. One of the most important responsibilities of the Director revolves around interpreting OLLI to a wide variety of constituencies and interpreting Duke University and the Office of Continuing Studies and Summer Session to the OLLI membership and officers. Financial support for the program derives from membership fees, course fees, and income from the Osher endowment. The program is financially self-supporting.

The Director of the program functions as a program director within the Office of Continuing Studies and Summer Session. He/She reports directly to the Director of DCS&SS.

Specific responsibilities for the Director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute include the following.

Overall Program Development

The Director is responsible for the following:

  • planning, developing, implementing, and coordinating a variety of programs for older adults;
  • setting the tone and developing a true community of learners;
  • working closely with members, including the Board of Advisors, to carry out portions of the work;
  • recognizing and developing talent among the members, including the development of volunteer leadership; and
  • managing the strategic planning process and subsequent implementation, in coordination with OLLI’s Strategic Planning Committee.

Curriculum Development

The heart of the OLLI program is its curriculum. The Director is responsible for:

  • ensuring that the entire OLLI program is varied, balanced, and responsive to the desires of the membership;
  • working closely with the Chair and members of the Curriculum Committee to develop courses suitable for an educational program of Duke University;
  • work with the Curriculum Committee, catalog designer, and printer to produce three large catalogs per year;
  • overseeing scheduling and program coordination; and
  • paying teachers, renting outside space, and other contractual duties related to curriculum.

Board of Advisors

The Director will:

  • serve as an ex-officio member of the Board and of all Standing Committees: Board Development, Communications, Curriculum, Executive, Instructor Relations, Legacy, Membership and Activities, Space, and Volunteer Relations; serve as an ex-officio member of all Task Forces, for example (and current ones) Catalog Redesign, Nominations, Visioning the Next Ten Years, and Strategic Planning;
  • facilitate the logistics of the Board and its committees as necessary; and
  • interpret and promote the policies and interests of the University to the Board and committees.

Community and University Relations

The Director will:

  • represent OLLI in the community and in the University;
  • serve on both community and University committees and, on occasion, deliver speeches;
  • serve as liaison to other units of the University, such as the Preparing Future Faculty Program, Duke Postdoctoral Services, and individual departments, as appropriate;
  • meet with newcomers and prospective members and help to develop, with the Membership Committee, avenues for attracting new members to OLLI; and
  • partner with community organizations and agencies to co-sponsor classes and activities.

Community Outreach

The Director is responsible for facilitating potential alliances between OLLI members and community organizations and needs. This may include:

  • development of specific OLLI projects in the community;
  • serving as a liaison between organizations and OLLI;
  • organization of a training function for volunteers;
  • attracting diverse and underserved populations;
  • overseeing expanded use of the OLLI website and other technologies for the purpose of communications and public relations; and
  • service to the national community of lifelong learning and to the study of aging.

Administration

The Director is responsible for the day-to-day administrative activities. He/She will:

  • oversee registration, serve as a central resource for both members and instructors on activities at OLLI, and facilitate members’ integration into the program;
  • oversee all financial operations – develop a budget, monitor revenue and expenses; administer the OLLI fund code, the endowment and endowment distribution accounts, and the Development Fund;
  • prepare term and annual reports;
  • prepare quarterly financial variance reports for the office’s Director;
  • oversee advertising, develop promotional materials, course catalogs and newsletters, and coordinate evaluations;
  • represent OLLI at Duke at national conferences, with the Osher Foundation, and at regional and national meetings of the OLLI Network or other Lifelong Learning Institutes; \
  • supervise the Staff Specialist and part-time workers; and
  • monitor the technological needs of the program, arranging for the procurement or upgrade of current technologies with IT staff, and arranging for training, as needed.

Financial Development

The Director will be responsible for developing new funding sources and overseeing grants and their related projects. He/She will develop internal leadership (staff or volunteer) for these new projects.

Space

The Director will:

  • continually assess the space needs of OLLI as they relate to teaching, socialization, administration, and parking;weigh the advantages and disadvantages of central space vs. off-campus space that may be more convenient to the members;
  • work with Duke Real Estate and the Director of DCS&SS to negotiate favorable leases of off-campus space and to oversee spaces rented for OLLI use;and
  • pay careful attention to ADA issues.

New Programs

The Director will identify and nurture new programs and partnerships that will add value to existing programs.

Position requirements (minimum):

-bachelor’s degree (advanced degree preferred).

-four years experience in continuing education, curriculum design, marketing, administrative management or business.

-if possible, experience in working with older adults.

-excellent oral and written communication skills.

-precision and attention to detail.

-ability to work well with others.

-ability to work in a situation in which he/she is often interrupted.

TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION: Please send a cover letter, a resume, and the names and contact information of three individuals willing to serve as references. A search committee will review applications beginning in April. Applications may be sent by email to , or mailed to –

Search Committee—OLLI Director

Duke OCS & SS

Box 90700

Durham, NC 27708-0700

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer.