Executive Director, National Resource Center for Osher Institutes

Department: Osher National Resource Ctr
Salary/Grade: EXS/11

Target hiring range for this position will be between $130,000 to $140,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Job Summary:

Are you a relationship-focused leader who enjoys helping organizations navigate challenges and inspiring others to succeed? Northwestern University's School of Professional Studies is seeking an Executive Director to lead the Osher National Resource Center (Osher NRC), a national center of excellence supporting more than 120 Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes (OLLIs) across the country. Our mission is to help these vibrant lifelong learning programs thrive by connecting them to resources, expertise, and one another. At the heart of our work is a shared commitment to enriching the lives of older adult learners (age 50+).

The Executive Director serves as a trusted advisor, strategic leader, and enthusiastic champion for the national Osher Network. Working closely with OLLI directors, university partners, and the Bernard Osher Foundation, this leader provides consultation, fosters connections, shapes national strategies and initiatives, oversees Osher Online, and guides the development of resources, research, and national conferences that help institutes succeed. We're looking for someone with sound judgment, exceptional relationship-building skills, and passion for helping others flourish. Join a small, dedicated team that values collaboration, celebrating successes, and finding joy in our work.

*Note: Not all aspects of the job are covered by this job description.

Specific Responsibilities:

Administration

• Designs and administers the National Resource Center (NRC) according to the terms of the Bernard Osher Foundation endowment. Collaborates with the President and Senior Program Officer of the Foundation.
• Develops innovative strategic plan designed to grow and improve existing Osher Institute programs. Implements annual work plan to address these strategies.
• Oversees annual reporting process and collects data from Osher Institutes to determine trends, direct the development of informational resources, and analyze the impact of the Institutes on their members and communities.
• Identifies and assists Osher Institutes requiring any special assistance.
• Manages NRC staff and provides annual performance evaluations. Recruits and trains volunteers and work-study students.
• Creates annual budget, approves expenditures, and reviews monthly financial reports to ensure operational expenses reconcile to organizational budget.
• Prepares and submits accurate and timely reports to the Osher Foundation.

Programs

• Collaborates with NRC staff, SPS staff, contractors and Osher Institute Directors in developing resource material designed to enhance the management and operation of Osher Institutes, including curriculum planning, program evaluation, fundraising, etc.
• Assists NRC staff, contractors and Osher Institute Directors to identify and provide "best-practice" information and resources to enhance education experience for constituent groups.
• Explores and employs technology resources to implement or enhance existing electronic communication, including NRC website, monthly newsletter, resource library and social media outlets.
• Plans and facilitates sesqui-annual national conference

Outreach

• Promotes the Osher Foundation vision and mission at national conferences.
• Develops and implements public relations strategies to promote Osher Institutes to the general public.
• Contributes/co-authors articles/papers for publication.
• Develops and maintains appropriate partnerships and memberships to enhance the programming of Osher Institutes and/or the National Resource Center.
• Oversees the creation of the Center's newsletter, website and social media content.
• Engages in academic research to ensure continued enhancement of programs and services for OLLI members.
• Actively pursues fundraising opportunities to enhance financial resources of Osher Institutes and/or the National Resource Center.
• Participates and addresses selected Osher Institute events and celebrations as requested.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Education, Experience, Certifications, Skills)

• Identify the minimum qualifications required to successfully perform the job. Qualifications include education, experience, specialized knowledge, professional certification.
• Master's degree
• Five years' experience with planning and administration in higher or adult education programming
• Experience managing a network, association, or national consortium of independent programs

Preferred Qualifications (Education, Experience, Certifications, Skills)

• Master's or PhD in education, gerontology, or associated area of study
• Familiarity and experience in the field of older adult education, including solid networking relationships with leaders in the field of aging, social work, adult education, continuing and professional education
• Strong verbal and written communications skills, comfort in public speaking, and highly developed relationship building skills with divergent constituencies and organizations

Benefits:

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.