OLLI Midlife Transition Course Developer/Instructor

The Adjunct Teaching Specialist is a temporary (per course), part-time, non-tenured position for our Professional Development and Lifelong Learning Programs. The Adjunct Teaching Specialist will be responsible for developing the first course in a series focused on mid-to-late career and life transitions.

The Adjunct Teaching Specialist will collaborate with an instructional designer and program manager to develop a 6 week non-credit course during the first approximately six months of the position.

After developing the course, the Adjunct Teaching Specialist will teach the course using the developed curriculum. The course meets live, with 6 two hour in person sessions, and 6 one hour Zoom sessions. The course will also include asynchronous learning through the university's learning management system, Canvas. This course is highly experiential, and will include facilitated discussions and nurturing of a cohort group experience. The Adjunct Teaching Specialist will need to develop materials and exercises, as well as create an environment that promotes reflection, open sharing, and interaction.

Dates have been set for the first offering of this series: Tuesday, May 6 - Thursday, June 12, 2025. The cohort will meet in person on campus on Tuesdays, 6-8 (5-6 networking) and via Zoom on Thursdays, 6-7.

During the instructional phase of this position, the Adjunct Teaching Specialist is expected to be engaged and available for a total of 14 weeks, including the 3 weeks prior to the course start date and 3 weeks after the course end date.

Work for a phenomenal team and College that's learner centered!

The search committee will begin reviewing applications the week of December 2 and will continue until the position is filled.

1. Create clear, succinct, and specific outcomes for the course.
2. Identify, sequence, and structure the topics the course will address in each session.
3. Develop learning activities and course media that support the course learning outcomes.
4. Develop relevant topics, prompts, and exercises to spark group discussions.
5. Collaborate with an instructional designer, program manager, and other university staff throughout the course development process.
6. Follow the requirements for course development laid out in the course development handbook.

1. Record and post introduction video.
2. Send course introduction email.
3. Verify dates and contents of course site are correct. Make any needed updates and corrections.

1. Prepare for weekly in person and Zoom sessions following a structure provided by the pre-designed curriculum.
2. Facilitate weekly in person and Zoom sessions as scheduled by the department and following the expectations in the instructor handbook.
3. Guide the group through discussions, facilitating participation and engagement.
4. Create a safe and open environment for sharing ideas and experiences.

1. Respond to learner questions about course content and logistics by email or other communication means within the learning management system.
2. Meet with learners by Zoom as needed and at mutually agreed upon times to provide assistance in understanding course content and activities.

REQUIRED:

1. Bachelor's degree from an accredited university and at least 4 years experience in adult development, midlife transition, or similar discipline
2. Extensive knowledge about midlife transitions, including life transitions, career development and change, and retirement transitions
3. Experience in designing learning experiences for adult learners
4. Experience teaching adult learners
5. Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skills
6. Demonstrated ability to facilitate groups
7. A demonstrated commitment, knowledge, and skills to promote and enhance a climate that is supportive of diversity, equity, and inclusion
8. Availability to teach during evenings when the courses are offered is required

PREFERRED:

1. Master's degree and/or significant work experience related to midlife transitions
2. Demonstrated experience coaching/advising individuals at midlife and beyond
3. Experience teaching and facilitating courses for adult learners in both in person and online contexts

Are you excited about this job and meet the required qualifications, but your past experience does not align perfectly with every preferred qualification? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. If this is you, we strongly encourage you to apply because you just may be the right candidate for this role.

This position is part of a larger initiative in CCAPS, to create a series of programs targeting those at midlife and beyond. We are creating a place to explore, launch the next stage, and spark insights and action as people navigate midlife pivots and mid- to late career transitions.

In CCAPS you'll find a flexible, hybrid work environment and supportive colleagues who are committed to empowering lifelong learners to achieve their educational goals in a learner-centric environment where diverse ideas, backgrounds, and identities are embraced.

CCAPS has a large and diverse portfolio of program offerings, including bachelor's and master's degrees, professional development offerings for practitioners, pre-college programs for high school students, English language programs, and lifelong learning for personal enrichment. Across all the work done in and by CCAPS, we strive daily to live our core values of Access, Learning, Inclusivity, Collaboration, and Excellence.

Compensation is paid on a per course basis. For development, the Adjunct Teaching Specialist will be paid $5,400. For instruction, the Adjunct Teaching Specialist will be paid either $2,584 or $2,888, depending on experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Please address all required qualifications in either your cover letter or CV/Resume in order to be fully considered for the position. Submit a letter of application (Cover Letter), resume, and the names, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of three current professional references.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.