Program Assistant Director

The Difference Engine is ASU's venture studio for combating inequality in transformative and unprecedented ways. An initiative supported by the Office of the Provost, Office of the President as well as other ASU institutions and organizations such as ASU’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, The Engine is an applied academic center, a "do tank" that leverages the research and thought leadership of "Difference Engineers" made up of ASU faculty, staff and students to build products with and for communities in order to reduce inequality.

And we are growing!

We are looking for an experienced leader to launch and scale a brand new program that will change the way professionals look at their post-retirement careers while also transforming how these individuals can contribute to student mentorship and learning.

The Program Assistant Director of the Senior Innovation Fellows (SIF) program at The Difference Engine (TDE), will help launch, direct, and scale the groundbreaking SIF program which provides opportunities for individuals over the age of 50 to develop and work on innovative plans for the next phase of their careers in social or business ventures in new or existing organizations. Fellows will also mentor ASU students as they work on projects and products to combat inequality at The Difference Engine.

The successful candidate will take initiative in designing the SIF program, while coordinating closely with the Engine’s Executive Director, and SIF advisor to launch the program’s first ever cohort. The Program Assistant Director will also be a member of the leadership team of the Difference Engine and will work closely with relevant ASU departments.

Initial work will include recruiting the first cohort of fellows, formulating a unique curriculum for them, and helping fellows choose a set of ASU courses relevant to their future plans. Initial work will also involve interfacing fellows with ASU students and Difference Engineers in a mentor/mentee relationship. As the program grows, the Program Assistant Director will facilitate the recruitment of a larger fellowship class, assist in hiring program staff, expanding opportunities for fellows and mentorship opportunities for students.


Qualified candidates must be able to coach and supervise program participants, while fostering and growing good relationships within the Difference Engine and across relevant parts of ASU and with outside entities.

The candidate will also manage the budget for the SIF program under the direction of the Executive Director while potentially identifying and pursuing additional funding opportunities.

This role reports to the Executive Director of The Difference Engine.

**This position is located in Tempe, AZ**