Director, Think Tank

Director, Think Tank

University of Arizona – Student Success Division

Position Overview: Think Tank is a centralized academic support center in the Student Success division. The Director leads a large multidisciplinary team, articulates a vision for student success through learning center services, and fosters relationships campus‑wide. Responsibilities include strategic planning, partnership maintenance, staff development, fiscal & policy management, and ensuring safe, inclusive learning environments.

• Provide vision and leadership for the department; coordinate strategic planning and ensure departmental goals are met.
• Directly supervise two Associate Directors and an Administrative Services Coordinator; oversee a team of 7–8 student support programs, 25–28 professional staff, and >200 student workers.
• Support staff development: coordinate meetings, trainings, professional development, policy creation, and compliance with university policies.
• Maintain quality training programs for graduate assistants and student workers (e.g., CRLA and SI certification).
• Design and implement academic support services grounded in learning theory, current research, and best practice; coordinate efficient delivery with the Think Tank team.
• Ensure safe, accessible, inclusive learning environments; guide staff in strength‑based approaches and university procedures for conduct and safety concerns.
• Work with Think Tank staff and the Chief Retention Officer & Associate Vice Provost, Student Success to set ethical, transparent policies and procedures.
• Assess program effectiveness; collaborate with the Student Success Central Office Assessment Team to design and implement departmental assessment initiatives.
• Oversee partnerships between Think Tank and academic departments, colleges, and other campus partners; foster and maintain collaborative relationships.
• Serve as the department liaison to university units and local, state, national agencies; represent in relevant professional associations.
• Participate in Student Success leadership team, contributing to strategic planning and decision‑making for the division.
• Manage the $3.0–3.5 M budget covering staff wages, student wages, and operational expenses; create staffing and funding plans, analyze financial data, and communicate budget decisions.
• Coordinate leadership team’s involvement in budget management and routinely review reports.
• Oversee department development initiatives; secure gifts and other funding sources to support financial and programming goals.
• Prepare utilization reports; report trends and problems; implement solutions collaboratively with staff and university colleagues.
• Facilitate cooperation with Student Success Central Office teams (Administrative Operations, Communications & Marketing, Tech Resources). Regularly communicate progress and outcomes to the Chief Retention Officer & Associate Vice Provost.

• Working knowledge of learning theory, best practices, and postsecondary learning support.
• Knowledge of instructional strategies, current research findings, and legal precedents in learning assistance.
• Leadership, management, and supervision principles.
• Team management experience with multi‑disciplinary professionals.
• Budget development, management, and presentation skills.
• Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and openness to new approaches.
• Program and curriculum design and implementation.
• Inclusive student excellence application in learning environments.
• Strong communication, collaboration, mediation, presentation, public‑speaking, and writing skills.
• Fundamental postsecondary reading, writing, mathematics and science instruction skills.
• Understanding of student success and retention philosophy and its integration into support services.
• Knowledge of FERPA and ethical principles when working with students.
• Familiarity with University of Arizona procedures and policies.

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent advanced learning) plus a minimum of 9 years of related work experience, including 5 years in managerial roles.
• Experience leading a team, project, program, or function.