Executive Director, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

Florida Atlantic University; Boca Raton (FL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Florida Atlantic University invites applications for the Executive Director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. This role seeks a dynamic leader with a strong community orientation and proven record in program innovation and engagement, overseeing strategic initiatives to enhance lifelong learning opportunities.

Qualifications

• Master's or Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• 7-10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience required.
• Experience in nonprofit management and community engagement beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Oversee program operations and daily functions of OLLI.
• Manage budget and fundraising efforts to support OLLI.
• Drive membership enrollment goals and community partnerships.

Skills

Leadership

Community Engagement

Program Development

Fundraising

Strategic Planning

Education

Master's degree in appropriate specialization

Bachelor's degree in appropriate specialization

Job description

Apply now to join FAU on its race to excellence.

For more information on everything FAU has to offer, please visit www.fau.edu/jobs.

Note: Current FAU employees must apply as an internal applicant by logging into their existing Workday employee account.

Position Summary:

Florida Atlantic University is seeking an Executive Director for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute - Boca Raton, FL

Florida Atlantic's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) seeks an engaging and mission-driven leader to serve as its next Executive Director. The ideal candidate brings energy, innovation, and a strong community orientation to the role, along with the strategic mindset needed to grow impact and engagement. The successful candidate will thrive in a goal-driven environment, with a proven track record of setting and achieving measurable benchmarks and consistently increasing participation, philanthropic support, and financial performance.

The Executive Director will bring an entrepreneurial mindset to a nonprofit educational environment, demonstrating initiative, creativity, and a proactive approach to program development and community engagement. This leader will identify new opportunities, build partnerships, and drive innovation while remaining aligned with the Institute’s mission of lifelong learning and enrichment for the adult community.

Summary of responsibilities:

• Serve in various leadership functions as assigned by the Assistant Provost for Online and Continuing Education.

• Oversee and evaluate program operations and daily operations of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) locations, including academic and non-academic activities.

• Develop, manage, and implement the strategic plan for OLLI at FAU, as well as the OLLI emergency plans, such as the University Continuity of Operations Plan (UCOOP) and the Unit Emergency Response Plan (UERP).

• Assist the Assistant Provost with ensuring that the goals and objectives of the university are communicated and met; provide leadership and policy direction as assigned and as appropriate.

• Manage the budget, oversee contracts in consultation with the Office of General Counsel, and ensure expenditures stay within guidelines. This includes all operating, foundation, and endowment accounts.

• Supervise and lead the OLLI administrative staff at all OLLI locations, including training and cross-training.

• Manage, strategize, and help staff implement membership enrollment goals, including recruitment, maintenance, and retention, and engage with community partners to increase membership.

• Manage and oversee fundraising and development programs in cooperation with the university development offices. Devise, implement, and manage a strategy to foster and continually increase patron donations to annual giving campaigns, program endowments, naming opportunities, and legacy gifts.

• Represent OLLI in the community and build collaborative relationships with the university and external stakeholders.

• Serve as a liaison between OLLI, the university, the Osher Foundation, and other external parties.

• Manage and provide data needed for planning and external reporting, and oversee the OLLI online registration and reporting system.

• Complete and submit the annual Osher Endowment report.

• Manage, build, and sustain collaborative, respectful, and productive relationships with the Advisory Boards (i.e., facilitating communication, incorporating Advisory Board input into strategic initiatives, and fostering engagement through trust, transparency, and shared goals).

• Establish and revise policies and procedures as needed in accordance with the university.

• Assess and implement technology to enhance administrative and financial efficiency.

• Manage usage of the Boca Raton and Jupiter auditoriums, assessing the logistical viability and appropriateness of outside usage. Oversee event productions and outside rentals of the auditorium, and retain assets to ensure successful events. Coordinate and collaborate on projects between OLLI and other Florida Atlantic departments with faculty and administrators.

• Oversee the graphic elements and distribution of electronic and print materials, including catalogs, promotional materials, membership drives, etc.

• Build brand recognition and community participation in Jupiter, Boca Raton, and Palm Beach County.

• Oversee OLLI facilities regarding space rentals, daily use, traffic and parking needs, building maintenance, repairs and upgrades, emergency management, among other duties related to the position.

• Foster an environment of innovation, leading the expansion of OLLI’s impact by developing strategies to attract new audience demographics.

• Design and implement data-driven goals for increasing membership, revenue, and philanthropic gifts.

• Maintain and grow donor and membership pipelines through relationship-building, engagement events, and targeted outreach in partnership with development staff.

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to pilot intergenerational learning opportunities and partnerships with degree-seeking students.

• Strengthen the relationship between OLLI members and Florida Atlantic University by fostering a deeper connection to the institution’s mission, research, academic excellence, and campus life.

• Collaborate with university partners to showcase faculty research, student achievements, and academic programs through lectures, events, and cross-promotions.

• Promote institutional pride by connecting members with Florida Atlantic’s athletic programs, arts performances, and cultural initiatives.

• Develop pathways for OLLI members to support university priorities through scholarships and student mentorship.

• Travel to Jupiter and Boca Raton campuses, OLLI locations, and off-site events to oversee operations and supervise staff.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master's degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate area of specialization and seven years of appropriate experience or Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate area of specialization and nine years of experience required.

Travel to Jupiter and Boca Raton campuses, OLLI locations, and off-site events to oversee operations and supervise staff.

Preferred Qualifications/Skills:

Master’s degree in public administration, nonprofit management, higher education, or a related discipline, or Doctorate preferred.

Minimum of 7–10 years of progressively responsible leadership in continuing education, lifelong learning, community engagement, nonprofit management, or related sectors

Demonstrated success leading a complex, multi-location, or cross-functional organization.

Track record of growing membership, donations, or program participation through innovation and outreach.

Experience working with advisory boards or governance bodies in a collaborative, diplomatic manner.

Salary:

$120,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year.

This position is eligible for a performance-based incentive plan tied to measurable outcomes, to be discussed at the interview stage.

College or Department:

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

Location:

Boca Raton

Work Days and Hours:

Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., including some evenings and weekends as needed.

Application Deadline:

2025-07-01

Special Instructions to Applicant:

APPLICATION DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:

Resume
Cover letter

OFFICIAL SEALED TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED:

The final candidate will be required to have official, sealed transcripts and, if applicable, an original NACES evaluation sent from their educational institution to Human Resources prior to the start of employment.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENINGS REQUIRED:

Selected candidates must successfully complete and pass all employment screenings prior to the start of employment. Employment screenings may include a criminal background check (Level I and Level II), a motor vehicle check, a credit check, reference checks, and an alcohol and drug screening check.


REQUEST FOR ACCOMMODATIONS:

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations may contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX at 561-297-3004 or send an email at [e-mail]. To contact Human Resources, please call 561-297-3057. For communication assistance, call 7-1-1.