Director of Programming, OLLI
About The University Of Denver
The University of Denver (DU), a private university, is the oldest independent university in the Rocky Mountain region, with over 12,000 students in undergraduate and graduate programs. DU is classified as an R1: Doctoral University. As a top-tier private institution, we are dedicated to making positive change in the world through innovative education, lifelong learning, and community contribution.
About OLLI
At DU OLLI at DU is a vibrant lifelong learning community serving over 2,000 members annually — adults aged 50 and older. Our mission is to enrich the lives of our members through a high-quality learning and social environment. We offer a wide range of courses, lectures, webinars, social events, and travel opportunities across five metro Denver locations and online. Our member-driven organization relies on volunteer facilitators who share their expertise and passion with fellow learners. OLLI at DU, part of a national network of more than 120 Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes, is the College of Professional Studies’ community-centered home for lifelong learning.
Position Summary
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.
Essential Functions
Program Leadership & Curriculum Oversight
Portfolio Oversight: Provide leadership and oversight for courses across five locations and online, ensuring high-quality content, delivery, diverse curriculum, and continuity
Committee Leadership: Lead site and core curriculum committees, engaging members as strategic partners in curriculum development, facilitator recruitment, and program quality
Data-Informed Planning: Review program data including enrollment, cancellations, and trends to inform strategic decisions and curriculum development
Course Proposal Process: 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
Special Events & Initiatives: Lead organization-wide special events and major program initiatives
Membership Committee: Provide leadership for the Membership Committee, participating in committee meetings to ensure delivery of high-quality, consistent member experiences
Site & Community Programs: 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
Travel Program: In collaboration with the Operations Manager, identify, develop, and schedule academic content and facilitators to align with and enhance the travel program
Innovation: Research and explore potential new initiatives for OLLI at DU, providing recommendations and analysis while securing Executive Director approval before implementation
Facilitator Recruitment, Development & Engagement
Recruitment Strategy: 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
Candidate Support: Screen all facilitator candidates, guide them through course proposal development, and provide individualized support
Training & Development: Develop and deliver pre-term training workshops and coordinate “How to Facilitate an OLLI Class” training for prospective and new facilitators
Facilitator Engagement: Lead facilitator engagement initiatives including mentor program, communications, and recognition strategy to build community and encourage retention
Feedback & Evaluation: Review facilitator evaluations and surveys; provide supportive and constructive feedback to facilitators
Supervision & Collaboration
Supervision: Supervise the Program Coordinator, providing guidance, professional development, and ongoing support
Organizational Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with the Executive Director, Operations Manager, and other staff to advance shared goals and respond to emerging needs and opportunities
Leadership & Collaboration
Strategic Planning: Contribute to strategic planning and shape OLLI’s vision for programs, member engagement, and growth
Team Culture: Foster a collaborative, supportive team culture and model commitment to OLLI’s mission, values, and member-centered approach
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work collaboratively across the organization to advance shared goals and respond to emerging needs and opportunities
Sector Awareness: Stay current on trends in lifelong learning and adult education to inform program innovation and best practices
National Network Engagement: 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
Site Operations Support
On-Site Coordination: 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
Qualifications
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
Proven exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills with the ability to engage, influence, and collaborate effectively across diverse audiences and stakeholder groups
Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and stakeholder relationships
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
Application
To apply, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) July 8, 2026 through jobs.du.edu. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.