Chair, International Education Leadership (IEL) Knowledge Community

Within the framework of NAFSA's Strategic Plan, this position will:

• Lead the IEL KC to achieve the outcomes described in Standing Rule VII, Section A
  • Provide leadership for the conceptualization, development, and dissemination of quality resources, programs, events, and services that serve international education leaders. 
  • Provide leadership for articulating and promoting the theory, practice, and significance of effective international education leadership.
  • Encourage the development and cultivation of member-leaders, including the recruitment of potential members for open IEL KC team positions, and supporting the NAFSA Diversity & Inclusion Statement in outreach efforts.
  • Bring innovative people, concepts, structures, and ideas to NAFSA conferences and other educational programming. 
  • Review IEL proposals for the NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo
  • Manage the work of the IEL KC team and support its completion of IEL KC deliverables in the annual work plans.
  • Collaborate with NAFSA staff partner(s) to achieve these goals.

Chair-Elect (Year 1):

• Develop a strategically-driven work plan to guide the IEL KC in the following year, to include addressing the interests and needs of the IEL community at large.
• Meet and work with the IEL KC Communications & Engagement team to fulfill work plan items.
• Assist with organizational and project management duties and assume duties of Chair in their absence.

Chair (Year 2):

• Lead the planning and successful implementation of IEL KC activities to achieve outcomes of the work plan.
  • Monitor progress of work plan activities and report status updates to the VP SIS twice a year.
  • Partner with other team members, staff, and the VP SIS to refresh IEL KC priorities and initiatives as needed.
• Represent the IEL KC in its engagement efforts, especially leading up to and at the NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo.
• Compose Chair Update messages to distribute to the IEL community at key points throughout the year.
• Meet and work with the IEL KC Program & Events team to fulfill work plan items, including the development and implementation of the Symposium on Leadership, a signature program at the NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo.

Past Chair (Year 3):

• Meet and work with the IEL KC Resources & Networking Subcommittee to fulfill work plan items.
• Support the Chair and assist with organizational and project management duties as needed.
• Lead IEL KC diversity & inclusion outreach, recruitment, and engagement efforts.

In recent years, the IEL KC Chair has coordinated IEL KC team projects such as:

• Representing and leading IEL at virtual and in-person events.
• Developing and implementing an annual work plan for the IEL KC in response to identified priorities and proposed initiatives.
• Creating opportunities and recruiting volunteers to contribute to the IEL community through service on subcommittees, task forces, and special projects.
• Facilitating and leading IEL open meetings, sessions, activities, and events at the conference. 

• Confirm for a three-year, nonrenewable term with assurance of NAFSA membership throughout the length of the leadership term.
• Dedicate three to five hours per month, depending on designated role and time of year. 
• Prepare for and participate in leadership and team meetings, programs and events throughout the year, including the NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo, virtual events, as well as virtual conference calls and email communication with the IEL KC team and NAFSA staff.
• Foster an inclusive environment in alignment with the NAFSA Diversity and Inclusion Statement.

Required Qualifications:

• Experience as an SIO or in a role of leading campus internationalization.
• Demonstrated experience with effective strategic planning, management, networking, and delegation with strong coordination, analytical, oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated dedication to professional development for colleagues in the field.
• Willingness to adopt organization‐wide and strategic priorities, including perspectives on volunteer development and management.
• Ability to work effectively with a team and with NAFSA staff in an outcomes-based environment, with awareness and management of unconscious bias.
• Commitment to access and respond to e-mail in a timely fashion as well as communicate using online electronic tools/systems plus the online workspace structure.
• Valid NAFSA membership through the length of the leadership term.
• Ability to meet the volunteer commitment outlined and planning calendar deadlines.

Desired Qualifications:

• Previous engagement with IEL KC activities, or other NAFSA regional or national leadership experience, preferably within the last five years.
• Recognized by peers for being energetic, innovative, and visionary.

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

• The KC Chair-Elect and Chair receive 100% complimentary registration for the NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo. The past-chair receives a discount on conference registration in appreciation of their service.
• 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.