Description

OLLI at UVA’s Mission Statement
Aware that an active mind is as necessary as social relationships and physical exercise to a full life, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Virginia offers educational opportunities and intellectual enrichment to adults in the community. OLLI draws upon its members, as well as other academic and community resources, to organize courses as well as other educational activities. In this stimulating environment, members may acquire knowledge, explore ideas, exercise creativity, and share interests and expertise with others.

Position Summary
This dynamic, welcoming position provides management for OLLI at UVA’s lifelong learning program by supporting instructors and program functionality, coordinating volunteers, expanding community engagement, and organizing events (socials, volunteer appreciation events, partnerships). Volunteers are of paramount importance to the mission and success of the organization. OLLI hosts programming in Charlottesville and Staunton (will require occasional travel). This position works closely with a small team to elevate the daily program operations. The successful candidate will be outgoing, highly organized, tech savvy, compassionate, flexible, and kind. The successful candidate will often represent OLLI and must demonstrate excellent communication skills and professionalism when engaging with diverse constituents.

Job Duties

Program and Volunteer Management

• Create a culture of support and appreciation for OLLI volunteers
• Effectively communicate and implement OLLI’s mission

Ensure Program Functionality
• Establish and maintain the schedule for ongoing programming and volunteers.
• Maintain equipment/technology and monitor during each program.
• Maintain and monitor equipment inventory.
• Ensure each program venue is properly prepared, maintained and wrapped.

Support Volunteer Instructors
• Draft and distribute Faculty Bulletins to instructors prior to each semester, ensuring timely communication of key updates and expectations.
• Update the Instructor Handbook each semester.
• Ensure each course runs smoothly by following and enhancing set procedures.
• Send connector emails to instructors/CMs to facilitate the relationship and expectations.
• Provide set-up and technology training to ensure a successful semester.
• Provide A/V equipment at in-person sites such as projectors, computers, appropriate cables, etc.
• Attend all first-class sessions (ensuring an OLLI presence and smooth program deployment).
• Have a working knowledge of basic technology troubleshooting.
• Recruit and train volunteers to assist in the classrooms.
• Open Online/Zoom courses.

Cultivate Member Volunteers
• Create and maintain a culture of volunteerism. Recruit and support volunteers from the membership and the community.
• Update the Class Moderator Handbook each semester.
• Work with staff to identify volunteer roles and create position descriptions.
• Work with staff to ensure that volunteers are appropriately trained and supported in volunteer roles.
• Track volunteer time, attendance, and performance in their roles. Provide feedback to recognize, problem solve and support volunteers.
• Recruit, train, and manage Welcome Desk volunteers.
• Prepare volunteer and event related text and photos for the course catalog and e-blasts.
• Maintain and manage catalog distribution team and location list.

Plan and Manage Events
• Collaborate with team to plan and manage events throughout the year.
• Events include Taste of OLLI, volunteer training and recognition, monthly socials (Happy Hours/Coffee Chats in Charlottesville and Staunton), Annual Board Meeting and other events that may arise through the year.

Community Advocacy
• Serve as Community Advocate through instructor and member recruitment, sponsors, and meetings/presentations in Charlottesville, Staunton and Waynesboro.

Skills Required

Required Qualifications
• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Relevant management experience and familiarity with non-profit organizations is preferred.
• Proven volunteer management.
• Event planning experience.
• Mission-driven outlook and zest for lifelong learning.
• Strong communication skills.
• Highly organized with ability to multi-task, prioritize, and work under deadlines.
• Basic technology and troubleshooting skills, willingness to learn and improve.
• Strong interpersonal skills, flexibility, and intuitive/compassionate/supportive team player.
• Ability to work independently with proficiency.
• High level of competency in Microsoft Office (e.g., Powerpoint, Outlook, Excel) is required.

Physical Demands
• Must be able to lift and maneuver 25 to 50 pounds.
• Must have a driver’s license and own transportation, willing to drive to program venue and transport equipment (mileage reimbursement available).
• This role occasionally requires work outside office hours (8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.) for special events (flex-time available).

Work Schedule

8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. with occasional work required outside of these hours. Flex-time available.

Additional Info

Are you excited about this role and willing to learn? Will you bring value to our team? Our organization embodies lifelong learning and would love to hear from you. Even if you don’t meet every single qualification, your unique perspective might be exactly what we need.

Send C/V or Resume to Tay Strauss, OLLI Executive Director, at ts4aa@virginia.edu. No phone calls. Position open until filled.

For more information, please visit https://www.olliuva.org