Restructuring for Leadership, Cross-Functional Collaboration, and Capacity

Session Abstract: Many small liberal arts colleges rely on lean IR/IE teams, even as demands for data-informed decision-making continue to grow. This session outlines how one institution strategically restructured its office, shifting to a more collaborative model without adding positions. The change created clearer role alignment, improved communication, and expanded capacity. The session highlights intentional strategies for staff development, including cross-training, engaging with senior leadership, and fostering professional growth through targeted learning opportunities. It also shares how the team built a collaborative culture through open communication, shared project tools, and weekly partnerships with IT to develop greater technical data infrastructure. Participants will leave with practical strategies for team building, talent development, and structuring IR/IE offices to increase institutional impact in resource-constrained environments.

Keywords: Leadership, Collaboration, Development, Small Liberal Arts College, Institutional Effectiveness