Join Fresno State Continuing and Global Education!

The division of Continuing and Global Education is pleased to open a full-time position for the Executive Director of Fresno State’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI).  The Executive Director leads a dedicated organization serving a vibrant community of learners, aged 50 and over, as they participate in an extensive program of intellectually challenging courses and other learning experiences designed specifically for them. The OLLI program is separate from the university’s matriculated educational programs.

We seek a growth-minded, dynamic leader gifted in program development and skilled at community engagement. Reporting directly to the Dean of Continuing and Global Education, our Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day and strategic management of the Fresno State’s OLLI. The successful incumbent will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, be creative, and exercise strong organizational and time-management skills with exceptional attention to detail. Essential for this role is the adeptness to work independently as well as part of a team with a collaborative approach to problem solving.

The Executive Director oversees every aspect of OLLI operations. The OLLI Advisory Council also assists the Director in fulfilling some assigned responsibilities, providing input and assistance. The Director serves as an ex officio member of the Advisory Council and its Committees.  The Director must build collegial relationships with members, instructors, sponsors, donors and the university community.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Administration - 20%

• Supervise daily operations of the OLLI program and its staff and meet all deadlines
• Implement and follow all applicable Fresno State policies
• Review and approve documents prepared by staff or volunteers
• Manage the use of all OLLI facilities and equipment
• Establish an annual budget and compile mandated and special reporting to the Advisory Council, the University and the Osher Foundation
• Ensure the OLLI program meets guidelines established by the Osher Foundation and operate within its established budget
• Approve all purchases, timesheets and related business documents
• Plan, organize and attend OLLI events and keynote talks; drop-in to observe OLLI courses as time permits
• Maintain collegial relationships with the Osher Foundation, other OLLIs, and the OLLI National Resource Center
• In conjunction with Dean, acts as OLLIs point of contact with the Osher Foundation
• Work with University departments to identify instructors and resources for the OLLI program
• Serve as an ex-officio member of the OLLI Advisory Council and all committees
• Identify and pursue grant and other funding opportunities in collaboration with the division’s development director.
• Develop and implement an strategic plan to identify goals, resources, instructors and creative additions to OLLI offerings

Programs - 30% 

• Develop offerings including keynote talks, courses, outings and special events that attract and retain members
• Develop innovative programming ideas to further strengthen OLLI offerings
• Establish pricing for courses and other program offerings
• Locate appropriate venues for OLLI offerings held away from Fresno State as necessary
• Oversee development, editing, scheduling, production and distribution of course catalogs (print and/or electronic media) to members and supporters
• Recruit, train, evaluate, and nurture course instructors and activity leaders
• Implement appropriate methods to recognize contributions of instructors and activity leaders

Members - 25% 

• Develop and implement an effective membership recruitment/retention strategy, including approaches to encourage a diverse membership
• Recruit, train, and nurture volunteers for myriad roles supporting OLLI
• Establish member database of skills and passions to match with volunteer opportunities
• Devise methods to recognize contributions of volunteers
• Develop and implement feedback system to collect member input on OLLI operations 

Outreach - 25% 

• Develop collaborative alliances and partnerships with key individuals, companies, organizations, and local communities as well as other institutions to advance the mission of OLLI and build membership
• Develop and implement an effective plan to publicize OLLI events and activities throughout the university service area including paid and unpaid media, social media and other outreach strategies
• Recruit OLLI sponsors to provide financial or in-kind contributions in support of OLLI activities and programs
• Identify public speaking opportunities for groups aligned with  the OLLI target audience and make presentations to those groups
• Market the benefits of OLLI membership to target populations in the Fresno State service area Develop and implement annual giving and capital campaigns in cooperation with the Fresno State Division of University Advancement
• Devise and implement appropriate methods to recognize contributions of sponsors and donors
• Explore innovative ideas to grow and improve OLLI programs