Director, Think Tank

Think Tank is a centralized academic support center in the Student Success division. The Think Tank Director leads a large team of professional and student staff in providing academic support services to university students and serves as a resource to faculty and staff. The Director must clearly articulate a vision for enhancing student success through learning center services and foster relationships within the department and across campus.

The Director is responsible for strategic planning, maintaining partnerships, staff development, and fiscal & policy management.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for its innovative work‑life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocation services, .

• Provide vision and leadership for the department. Coordinate strategic planning that involves all staff and ensure completion of department goals. Oversee a department of 7‑8 student support programs, 25‑28 professional staff members, and over 200 student workers. Directly supervise and provide work direction for 2 Associate Directors and an Administrative Services Coordinator.
• Support ongoing learning and development of all professional staff. Coordinate and/or facilitate staff meetings, training, and professional development opportunities. Manage the creation and implementation of employee policies. Ensure the department’s compliance with university policies and procedures.
• Oversee the implementation and maintenance of quality training programs for graduate assistants and student workers, including but not limited to the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) certification and UMKC Supplemental Instruction (SI) certification.
• Oversee the design and implementation of academic support services that reflect student development & learning theory, current research, and best practices. Work with the entire Think Tank team to coordinate the efficient and effective delivery of academic support services.
• Ensure the provision of safe, accessible & inclusive learning environments for all students. Guide the staff in using strength‑based approaches and university procedures to address student conduct issues and safety concerns.
• Work with Think Tank staff and the Chief Retention Officer & Associate Vice Provost, Student Success to set ethical and transparent policies and procedures for programs and services.
• Assess the effectiveness of all programs and services in coordination with Think Tank staff. Work with the Student Success Central Office Assessment Team to design and implement departmental assessment efforts.
• Oversee partnerships between Think Tank and academic departments, colleges, and other campus partners. Foster and maintain collaborative relationships with campus colleagues to effectively support students.
• Serve as the department liaison to university units as well as local, state, and national agencies. Represent the department, division, and university within relevant professional associations that provide support networks and resources that will develop Think Tank’s work.
• Serve as a member of the Student Success leadership team, participating in the strategic planning and decision‑making for the division. Collaborate with Student Success colleagues to provide and streamline student success services. Support the division through relevant committee work.
• Manage $3.0‑3.5M budget that includes staff wages/ERE, student wages/ERE, and operational expenses.
• Create staffing and funding plans that anticipate cuts and/or expansion. Analyze financial data to see where cuts can be made or expenses can be reduced and communicate about/carry out financial decisions. When cutting or expanding programs, provide direction to the staff on how to adjust services/staff.
• Coordinate leadership team’s involvement in budget management…