Program Manager

Widener University is currently seeking a dynamic, forward‑thinking Program Manager to lead and expand the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI). This role is responsible for driving day‑to‑day operations, strengthening program impact, and advancing strategic growth in alignment with the Osher Foundation’s vision and guiding principles.

The Program Manager for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) will oversee all aspects of the Institute’s operations, housed within the Center for Graduate & Continuing Studies (CGCS). This role requires strong strategic and analytical thinking, as well as the ability to navigate complex organizational needs.  Serving as a key liaison among OLLI members, the Advisory Board, and CGCS, the Program Manager supports a vibrant community of adult learners aged 50 and older through OLLI’s non‑credit workshops and programs. The ideal candidate demonstrates exceptional customer service and interpersonal skills, along with outstanding organizational and time‑management abilities and meticulous attention to detail.  Success in this position also depends on the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, approaching challenges with creativity, professionalism, and a solutions‑focused mindset.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):

Essential Duties:

Membership Development

• Lead annual membership‑growth initiatives, including marketing campaigns, community recruitment, and membership‑structure enhancements.
• Identify and secure community sites to support program expansion.
• Manage OLLI volunteer committees, including recruitment, meeting coordination, and agenda development.
• Build and maintain systems to track membership data and produce annual reports aligned with Osher Foundation requirements.

Marketing & Community Engagement

• Develop and execute community outreach strategies to strengthen partnerships on campus and across the region.
• Cultivate strong relationships with members and volunteers; implement strategies to enhance engagement and retention.
• Produce and distribute semester catalogs outlining OLLI programs and activities.
• Serve as the primary liaison between OLLI and community organizations.
• Expand access to diverse and underserved populations; increase program reach beyond campus.
• Lead communication strategies, including social media, digital marketing, and promotional campaigns.
• Oversee website content, social media presence, and communication technologies.
• Build and sustain relationships with local and national partners, stakeholders, and resources.

Program Development

• Design, coordinate, and deliver workshops, seminars, events, and learning series for members and the broader community.
• Oversee member registration processes and serve as a central resource for members and staff.
• Develop and deliver volunteer leadership training to ensure alignment with OLLI’s mission and Widener’s values.
• Conduct outreach to support member education and strengthen connections with the University community.

Administration & Leadership

• Manage OLLI members, Advisory Board, and committees to ensure mission alignment and operational excellence.
• Represent OLLI at national conferences, OLLI network meetings, and University events.
• Ensure compliance with University policies and Osher Foundation guidelines.

Financial Management & Fundraising

• Oversee all financial operations of OLLI, including budgeting, revenue monitoring, and expense management.
• Develop and manage fundraising initiatives that support Osher Foundation and University priorities.
• Translate program initiatives and research into compelling cases for donor support and funding agencies.
• Develop communication strategies that support recruitment and fundraising goals.
• Maintain an up‑to‑date portfolio of donors and funding commitments.

Curriculum & Content Development

• Develop the annual curriculum for enrichment courses across on‑campus and community locations.
• Recruit, hire, and supervise faculty and instructors.
• Build course schedules that meet community needs, including online, evening, and weekend offerings.
• Create and manage evaluation systems to assess course quality, marketability, and participant satisfaction.
• Strengthen connections between OLLI members and Widener faculty/students through experiential learning and collaborative programming.

Operations & Reporting

• Direct daily operations of OLLI across all locations, including scheduling, staffing, and coordination with community partners.
• Manage the annual program budget to ensure revenue targets and compliance with Osher Foundation guidelines.
• Prepare grant proposals and secure additional funding as appropriate.
• Produce and submit annual reports to University leadership and the Osher Foundation.
• Oversee registration and billing processes in collaboration with the Registrar and Bursar.
• Develop metrics, assessment tools, and reporting systems to evaluate program performance.
• Analyze member feedback and translate insights into actionable improvements for CGCS.

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Perform other job-related duties as assigned or directed to support departmental needs and align with the mission, values and goals of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Business, or related field.
• Minimum of three years of experience in an academic or non-profit setting.  An equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered.
• Demonstrate strong organization, adaptability, and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and learn new software systems quickly, including Datatel and the University’s learning management system.
• Bring enthusiasm, initiative, and a collaborative spirit; able to work independently or as part of a team supporting creative professionals.
• Proactively anticipates challenges and recommends effective solutions.
• Exhibit exceptional organizational and communication abilities, meticulous attention to detail, and a solid command of English grammar and usage (critical qualities for success in this role).
• Deliver outstanding verbal and written communication across all channels, including phone, email, letters, voicemail, and in-person interactions.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree.
• Experience in continuing education program development and delivery.
• Background in marketing and recruitment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:

• Primarily office-based with occasional walk‑in visitors and frequent interaction with colleagues, students, and external partners via phone, email, and in-person.
• Extended periods of computer-based work.
• Ability to lift and transport files or materials weighing up to 20 lbs.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Willingness and ability to travel within a 50‑mile radius.
• Mobility to move between workstations and multiple campus buildings as needed.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends based on program demands.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.

Some positions may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement that may include a partially or fully remote work location, consistent with Widener’s Flexible Work policy.

Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.

EOE M/F/V/D