Chair-Designate/Chair, Regional Affairs Committee (RAC)

• During Chair-Designate Year (2025)
  • In collaboration with the RAC Chair, plan and co-facilitate virtual RAC meetings, observing and supporting the RAC Chair where necessary.
  • With the RAC Chair, attend RAC “workplan group” calls and full-RAC conference calls and develop agendas for the calls in collaboration with NAFSA staff partner.
  • Engage RAC cohort members in 1:1 calls as needed throughout the year to provide individualized guidance and support.
  • Provide regional Chair cohort with updates on RAC’s work and take note of resources and support needed by regional Chairs.
  • Share observations from one’s own experience as a regional leader to provide insights about mitigating challenges in the leadership role.
  • Represent RAC at Summer Coordination Meeting, participating with other NAFSA volunteer leaders to ideate on workplan items for the year ahead.
  • Draft 2026 RAC Work Plan that aligns with the Board’s strategic plan and addresses priority regional needs, in collaboration with regional leaders, national committees and teams, and Regional Affairs staff.
• During Chair Year (2026)
  • Actively monitor progress of RAC work plan items and ensure their success. Report twice a year on RAC progress through mid-year and year-end reports.
  • Plan and lead RAC meetings in collaboration with the RAC Chair-Designate and NAFSA staff partner.
  • With the RAC Chair-Designate, co-facilitate RAC “work plan group” calls and full-RAC conference calls and develop agendas for the calls in collaboration with NAFSA staff partner.
  • Share observations from own experience as a regional leader to provide insights about mitigating challenges in the leadership role.
  • Partner with RAC Chair-Designate, regional executive team cohort coaches, and NAFSA staff to identify insights, experiences, and expertise that inform leadership development priorities.
  • Represent RAC as needed and inform regional Chair Stream groups on matters discussed.

All NAFSA leaders are expected to foster an inclusive environment and seek to learn and understand the multicultural perspectives of the committee/team, our constituents, and stakeholders to align with the NAFSA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement. An expression of leadership in this area includes:

• Engagement of the committee/team to identify and implement strategies for increased personal outreach, recruitment, onboarding for all; especially diversity-focused and underrepresented groups
• Increasing accessibility and participation from underrepresented groups, individuals, and institutions
• Expansion of educational content within the committees’ purview through intentional outreach and recruitment of diverse presenters and institutional types in partnership with various NAFSA groups.

• Estimated 5-10 hours per month needed to complete ongoing work, which includes the following:
  • Periodic “workplan group” calls with cohort members.
  • Quarterly full-RAC conference call preparation and facilitation.
  • As needed, 1:1 calls with cohort members throughout the year.
• Foster an inclusive environment in alignment with the NAFSA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement. 

• Current NAFSA membership throughout length of the leadership term.
• Demonstrated commitment to NAFSA regional leadership, including completion of a successful three-year term in a regional Chair Stream.
• Strong leadership skills in communication, organization, and project management, with an interest in teamwork and collaboration.
• Willingness to adopt association priorities and perspectives on volunteer development and management.
• Strong management skills, including delegation and group facilitation.
• Ability to work effectively with a team and with NAFSA staff in an outcomes-based environment.
• Manage unconscious bias in the assessment and decision-making process.
• Ability to meet the volunteer commitment outlined and planning calendar deadlines.
• Institutional support for this volunteer commitment.
• [Preferred but not required] Ability to attend, and if applicable, travel to the NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo and closest NAFSA Regional Conference for duration of the leadership term. 

With other NAFSA Members and Leaders

• Collaborate with current RAC Chair, as well as future RAC Chair Designate, to share strategies or plan calls and initiatives.
• Coach and support Regional Past-Chairs to ensure they develop and accomplish workplan items. 
• Towards end of term, begin working with successor to develop transition plans.
• Collaborate with other NAFSA leaders to enhance work efforts across the association.
• Represent cohort among representatives of other leader groups as needed, including at the Summer Coordination Meeting with Chair-Designates of other national committees. 

With NAFSA Staff and Vendors

• This position partners closely with the NAFSA staff partner assigned. NAFSA staff assists the coach in preparing for any face-to-face meetings and in planning “office hour” meetings and full-cohort virtual calls. Additional needs may be identified and addressed by staff on the RA staff unit.

NAFSA appreciates its volunteer leaders with a strategy that develops, celebrates, and supports them throughout the year: 

• Each year, leaders in this role receive complimentary access to two NAFSA e-learning courses, during quarter 1 and quarter 4.
• Leaders in this role are invited to an invite-only appreciation reception at the NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo. 
• Leaders in this role are asked to attend online and onsite leadership community gatherings throughout the year, with themes focused on the NAFSA International Education Professional Competencies 2.0. 
• Leaders in this role are recognized with special signage at the NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo.