Operations Manager, OLLI
Job No: 498676
Work Type: Staff Full-Time
Location: Denver, CO
Categories: Business Operations / Services, Admin / Executive / Office Support
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 Operations Manager oversees day-to-day operations for all OLLI programs across multiple sites and formats, ensuring efficient, high-quality program delivery and an exceptional member experience. The role blends strategic operational leadership with hands-on coordination of facilities, logistics, volunteers, and special programs including travel.
Reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with the Director of Programming, the Operations Manager supervises the Member Services Specialist and the Digital Communications and Technology Coordinator. The position oversees operations at five metro Denver sites and online, leads volunteer recruitment and retention, manages the travel program, and provides essential operational support.
Reporting Relationship
This position reports to the Executive Director and includes direct supervision of the Member Services Specialist and the Digital Communications and Technology Coordinator.
Essential Functions
Site Operations & Logistics Management
Multi-Site Oversight: Oversee program logistics for all metro Denver sites, online and hybrid programs, OLLI FIT, and periodic community-based programs, ensuring seamless delivery and excellent member experiences across all locations and formats
Site Contracts & Expenses: Negotiate site contract terms subject to Executive Director approval; monitor and report site-level expenses to ensure cost-effective use of resources
Course Logistics: Assign classrooms for all courses and locations based on attendance, AV requirements, and facilitator preferences; provide final approval of course logistics for catalog publication
Staffing & Coverage: Ensure staff and volunteer coverage as needed for in-person and online courses, programs, and events
Community Programs: In collaboration with the Executive Director and Director of Programming, organize and coordinate programs at senior communities, manage logistics, and assess program effectiveness to support successful implementation and expansion
Friday STEM: Provide operational oversight for Friday STEM webinar series and manage related logistics
Volunteer Program Management
Volunteer Program: Manage the volunteer program, including recruiting, training, scheduling, recognizing, and retaining all volunteers across all programs and sites
IT Volunteers: Manage, organize, and train IT volunteers at each site, ensuring technical support coverage and volunteer readiness
Class Assistants: Recruit class assistants for in-person and online classes
Special Events: With guidance from the Executive Director, oversee registration and volunteer staffing for senior fairs and special events
Travel Program Management
Program Oversight: Manage the travel program, recommending destinations for Executive Director approval, overseeing travel company partnerships, coordinating marketing, and collaborating with the Director of Programming to align related course offerings and facilitators
Event Coordination: Schedule and host travel company presentations; coordinate pre-event planning calls and post-event group gatherings; conduct member satisfaction surveys
Collaborative Travel: Coordinate with Colorado State University and other OLLI programs for collaborative travel program opportunities
Financial & Administrative Operations
Budget Management: Manage budget and expenses for the travel program, volunteer program, site management, and facilitator payments
Supervision & Collaboration
Team Supervision: Supervise the Digital Communications and Technology Coordinator and Member Services Specialist, providing guidance, support, and coordination of member-facing services
Technology Evaluation: Evaluate and recommend technology platforms in collaboration with the Digital Communications and Technology Coordinator, ensuring systems support seamless program delivery
Organizational Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with the Director of Programming and other staff to ensure integrated operations and a positive member experience
Leadership & Collaboration
Strategic Planning: Contribute to strategic planning and shape OLLI's vision for operations, member services, and volunteer engagement
Growth Opportunities: Identify strategic expansion opportunities, secure Executive Director approval, partner with the Director of Programming to recruit presenters, and arrange logistics
Team Culture: Foster a collaborative team culture and model commitment to OLLI's mission and member-centered values
Policy Implementation: Implement operational policies and procedures to ensure consistency, quality, and organizational alignment
Site Operations & Member Support
On-Site Coordination: Serve as on-site coordinator approximately two days per week during terms, overseeing facility access, AV and room setup, troubleshooting facilitator issues, and member greeting to ensure smooth operations
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Strong operational and project management skills with ability to oversee multiple sites, programs, and stakeholders simultaneously
Experience managing contracts and budgets and making strategic facility decisions
Demonstrated success recruiting, training, and retaining volunteers; ability to build engaged volunteer communities
Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail in logistics, scheduling, and coordination
Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with stakeholders including site partners, volunteers, vendors, and members
Experience managing travel programs or coordinating complex multi-day events
Problem-solving skills with flexibility to address operational challenges and changing circumstances
Technical proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, database systems, and facility management tools
Proven ability to effectively use AI-powered tools to streamline workflows, generate insights, and support program delivery
Commitment to operational excellence and creating positive experiences for members, facilitators, and volunteers
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or equivalent training and experience
2-4 years of experience in project management, event coordination, or related field
Demonstrated experience managing volunteers, including recruitment, training, and retention
Experience with budget management and contract negotiation
Ability to travel to multiple sites across metro Denver
Preferred Qualifications
