Leading a think tank is both a privilege and a challenge. It requires balancing research excellence, financial sustainability, policy influence, and team leadership—all while navigating shifting political and funding landscapes.
This one-on-one advisory programme will provide structured but flexible support, helping leaders find the right people, knowledge, resources and inspiration to address the challenges they and their organisations face. Through this process, think tank leaders will gain access to key lessons from other think tanks, as well as practical advice, curated learning opportunities, and an exclusive network.
What does the programme cover?
Every think tank leader faces unique challenges, but common themes emerge across organisations. This programme will provide:
- Learning from experience – Insights from successful think tanks worldwide and what can be applied in different contexts.
- Strategic guidance – Support in tackling governance, management and team development, funding, influence, organisational growth challenges, internationalisation, partnership development, business model reform and more.
- Expert connections – Identifying who else knows what they need to know and making introductions.
- Case studies – Examples of think tanks that have effectively tackled the issues they are dealing with.
- Policy influence advice – Understanding what works in engaging policymakers and funders.
- Insights – To help understand the fields of evidence informed policy and think tanks.
- Support on other emerging issues.
Additional services are priced separately. Other services may include providing strategic planning, developing and delivering bespoke training for the think tank, evaluating the think tank’s impact, support in key hiring processes, etc. Please see our services for think tanks
The advice is delivered by Enrique Mendizabal, founder of On Think Tanks and will be tailored to each participant’s needs. More advisors will join in the future.
This is not a mentoring or executive coaching service.
Who is the programme for?
This programme is designed for:
- Current think tank leaders such as executive directors, directors of operations, directors of communication, heads of research, partnership directors, board members or other similar roles
- Emerging leaders interested in developing an area of their organisation or preparing for future leadership roles.
If you are a think tank funder and would like a similar service, please contact us directly.
Structure of the programme
The programme can take between 6 and 12 months, depending on participants’ needs.
Phase 1: Needs assessment and advisory roadmap (first month)
- One-on-one consultation to identify challenges, needs, and aspirations.
- Development of a personalised advisory plan, identifying key areas of focus and the programme’s rhythms and approach.
Phase 2: Learning and advise
- Monthly to twice-monthly ~ 2-hour sessions (online), tailored to each participant’s priorities.
- Additional ~ 2 hours of preparation per session, ensuring that discussions are rich in examples, relevant contacts, and actionable advice.
- Ongoing sharing of curated readings and resources, reports, introductions to peers and experts, etc.
Phase 3: Reflection and next steps (final month)
- Review of progress, key takeaways, and remaining challenges.
- Development of a post-programme roadmap, including next steps and connections to further learning opportunities.
Exclusive benefits for participants
Participants will receive additional opportunities beyond one-on-one support:
- Private briefing of the On Think Tanks State of the Sector Report delivered to the participant’s organisation.
- A guaranteed spot at the annual OTT Conference, a global gathering of think tank leaders.
- A 10% discount for one participant at the School for Thinktankers, an intensive learning programme for think tank professionals.
- Access to OTT’s Alumni LinkedIn group.
Investment and fees
- The basic fee for the programme starts at: USD 14,000 (plus VAT if you are UK based)
- Additional support is charged from USD 250 per hour (plus VAT if you are UK based)
- Additional services are priced separately.+
Please contact us if you have any questions or would like to discuss additional services or options.
Fees may vary depending on your needs.
Next steps
- Contact us!
- We will contact you to discuss the service and ensure it fits your needs.
- If it does – we’ll get started as soon as it works for you.
This programme is an opportunity for think tank leaders to leverage On Think Tanks experience, insights, and networks to strengthen their institutions and leadership. With expert guidance, practical case studies, and exclusive networking opportunities, participants will gain the tools and connections needed to take their think tanks to the next level.
