Director, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), at Ringling College of Art and Design serves to enrich the lives of mature adults in Sarasota and Manatee counties by providing affordable and outstanding educational programs. OLLI provides lifelong learners with a community where they can engage in learning for the joy of learning. OLLI offers classes with topics as varied as finance, history, science, current events, languages, and more without the pressure of credits or grades. Classes are offered online via Zoom and onsite at the Ringling College Museum Campus.

The Director is responsible for managing the OLLI program at the Ringling College Museum Campus and at various external locations in Sarasota and Manatee counties. OLLI offers intellectual and cultural experiences for its members and students who are primarily age 50+. The Director develops the strategic direction for the programs, oversees curriculum development, develops and manages the programs budgets, supervises staff and committees, develops marketing and promotion plans, and develops a sustaining and supportive coalition of supporters and donors. This position works with the staff of Continuing Studies, and works to align OLLI programming with those of Studio + Digital Arts.

The Director is charged with creating and maintaining a financially viable program.  Reporting to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Director will coordinate and develop the OLLI annual budget, manage routine expenditures, including responsibility for fiscal reporting. In coordination with the Advancement team, the Director provides fundraising leadership for OLLI by developing, planning and implementing annual fundraising campaigns. In coordination with the VP for Enrollment Management and Marketing, the Director will develop an annual marketing campaign, to drive awareness of the programs to the appropriate markets.  The successful candidate will demonstrate evidence of being entrepreneurial and creative, and finding new ways to engage OLLI with the community.

The Director will possess excellent people, communication and organizational skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with a diverse set of constituents.  The Director manages and supervises the day-to-day oversight of the programs, develops curriculum in conjunction with the members of the curriculum committee and the educational program coordinators.  Successful incumbent determines goals and objectives including outcome measurements and strategies, to continually grow and improve programs and to build internal and external engagement to increase program profile, reputation, visibility and support. 

The Director supervises staff including conducting interviews and making recommendations for hire, conducting annual performance evaluations, assigning work, training staff and volunteers. The Director will have advanced interpersonal communication skills when redirecting staff or volunteers, and/or engaging advisory committee members.  The Director adheres to guidelines and policies as outlined by the administrative staff of Ringling College of Art and Design.  The Director will exercise sound judgment, solve problems, meet deadlines, and discern whether to act independently or consult before taking-action.   

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Five years of program administration experience in lifelong learning or other relevant experience. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Five years of program administration in an educational setting.
• Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis on adult education, or lifelong learning.
• Demonstrated experience in learning technologies including learning management systems and virtual learning platforms.
• Knowledge and understanding of an OLLI program.

Application Materials:  Open until filled.  For full consideration apply on-line by October 1, 2021, https://ringling.simplehire.com 

Submit: 1) cover letter highlighting specific qualifications and experiences that address the responsibilities of the position, including your lifelong learning philosophy; 2) resume/CV.   Candidates may be asked to submit additional materials if needed.   

Ringling College of Art and Design is an Equal Opportunity Employer.