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Position Details

Position Information

Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 25414

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Mindy DeCosse

[email protected]

406-994-7957

Classification Title Program/Project Lead

Working Title OLLI at MSU- Education Specialist

Brief Position Overview

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute ( OLLI ) at Montana State University is a vibrant member-based program serving over 800 adults aged 50 and older who seek intellectual engagement and social connection. The Education Specialist reports to the OLLI Director and works closely with the Program Coordinator, Academic Technology and Outreach ( ATO ) staff, and volunteers, the Education Specialist plays a key role in the development, coordination, and execution of high-quality, revenue-generating programs that align with OLLI’s mission and strategic goals.

Position Number 4C2584

Department Extended University

Division Academic Technology & Outreach

Appointment Type Professional

Contract Term Fiscal Year

Semester

If other, specify From date

If other, specify End date

FLSA Exempt

Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining

FTE 1.0

Benefits Eligible Eligible

Salary $53,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications

Contract Type LOA

If other, please specify

Recruitment Type Open

Position Details

General Statement

The Education Specialist supports membership growth and retention, manages volunteer engagement, and leads program-related communication initiatives. Responsibilities include assisting with program research and assessment, coordinating administrative processes, recruiting and training volunteers, and providing on-site support for programs and special events. As the primary public-facing staff member for many OLLI activities, the Education Specialist ensures responsive, community-driven programming. An alternate work schedule will be occasionally required, including evenings, weekends, and overnight travel.

Duties and Responsibilities

Program Development & Implementation

+ Collaborate with the OLLI Director, Program Coordinator, and volunteers to research, develop, and expand classroom-based, travel, event, workshop, outreach, and extension programs.

+ Conduct needs assessments and evaluations to inform future program development.

+ Review and help develop evaluative processes, procedures, and protocols for both existing and new offerings.

+ Work with the Director and ATO Business Operations Manager to budget and plan logistics for programs including travel, vendor contracts, meals, and supplies.

+ Provide proposal support and classroom assistance to instructors and guest presenters.

+ Travel with members on local, national, and international trips as required.

Volunteer Engagement

+ Serve as the primary contact for OLLI volunteers, responsible for recruiting, organizing, and hosting volunteer orientations, trainings, and recognition events.

+ Track volunteer hours, coordinate activities with the Program Coordinator, and attend committee meetings.

+ Continuously assess and improve volunteer systems, documentation, and evaluations.

+ Lead efforts to expand the volunteer base to support current and future programming.

Membership

+ Work with staff and committees to assess member satisfaction and promote engagement, retention, and growth.

+ Assist in creating focus groups of members, faculty, students, and community partners to guide future program development.

Communications

+ Support creation and distribution of internal and external communication materials in collaboration with the OLLI Director and Program Coordinator.

+ Conduct member training (one-on-one and group) for new registration systems and related technologies.

+ Assist with identifying and evaluating marketing strategies, media outlets, and promotional opportunities.

+ Provide content and updates for websites, marketing materials, and social media platforms.

+ Collaborate with ATO communication staff to align messaging and leverage broader outreach opportunities.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

+ Bachelor’s degree in education, communications, public administration, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).

+ Experience coordinating educational or community programs, including planning, logistics, and evaluation.

+ Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and community engagement.

+ Proficiency with office and communication technologies, including Microsoft Office and basic web/social media tools.

+ Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and overnight travel as needed.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

+ Experience in curriculum and program development, coordination, and assessment.

+ Strong background in volunteer recruitment, engagement, and management.

+ Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

+ Excellent public speaking, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.

+ Familiarity with basic marketing tools, strategies, and digital media.

+ Understanding emergency response protocols in a program setting.

+ Strong analytical and organizational skills; ability to create budgets, manage data, and produce reports.

+ High attention to detail and accuracy in recordkeeping.

+ Strong multitasking and time management abilities.

+ Familiarity with audiovisual equipment and presentation systems.

+ Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with a variety of stakeholders.

The Successful Candidate Will

+ Strong Communication – Clear, professional verbal and written communication, including public speaking.

+ Collaboration – Effective team player who works well with staff, volunteers, and community partners.

+ Adaptability – Flexible with scheduling and able to respond to changing priorities and program needs.

+ Organizational Skills – Able to manage multiple programs, events, and deadlines efficiently.

+ Leadership – Confident in leading volunteers and representing the organization publicly.

+ Customer Service Orientation – Responsive and respectful when working people from different backgrounds, often the older adult population.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

+ This job does not always follow a standard work week schedule and may require work during evenings, weekends, and overnight trips.

+ Willingness and ability to attend off-campus programs, meetings, and events.

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Physical Demands

+ This job requires communicating loudly in crowds to gather attention, frequent movement from one building or area of campus to another, and work from one position for long periods of time.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

This position has supervisory duties? No

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies 1

Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search

Position End Date (if temporary)

Open Date

Close Date

Applications will be:

Screening of applications will begin on July 14, 2025; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Special Instructions

EEO Statement

Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.

In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.