Chair, Teaching, Learning and Scholarship Knowledge Community (TLS KC)

Within the framework of NAFSA’s Strategic Plan, this position will lead the TLS KC to achieve the outcomes described in Standing Rule VII, Section A by:

• Providing leadership for the conceptualization, development, and dissemination of quality resources, programs, events, and services that serve the international education community, including partnerships with other knowledge communities, leadership committees, member groups, and regional teams
• Identifying and making accessible, within and beyond NAFSA, research and knowledge of crucial importance to international educators
• Encouraging the development and cultivation of member-leaders, including the recruitment of potential members for opening team positions, and supporting the NAFSA Diversity & Inclusion Statement in outreach efforts
• Bringing innovative people, concepts, structures, and ideas to NAFSA conferences and other educational programming
• Reviewing TLS proposals for the NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo
• Managing the work of the TLS KC team and support its completion of TLS KC deliverables in the annual Work Plans
• Collaborating with NAFSA staff partner/s to achieve these goals

Chair-Elect (Year 1):

• Develop a strategically-driven work plan to guide the TLS KC in the following year, to include assessing the interests and needs of the TLS community at large and subsequently planning for responsive conference offerings and other professional resources
• Meet and work with the TLS KC team’s member leaders responsible for programs and events to fulfill Work Plan items, identify and address noted gaps from research and scholarly conversations, and engage diverse populations with the TLS community
• 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 TLS KC activities to achieve outcomes of the Work Plan. Monitor progress of Work Plan activities and report to VP SIS twice a year, and partner with other TLS KC team members, NAFSA staff, and the VP SIS to refresh TLS KC priorities and initiatives as needed
• Represent the TLS KC in its engagement efforts, especially up to and at the NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo
• Meet and work with the TLS KC team’s member leaders responsible for outreach to fulfill Work Plan items and address TLS priorities, identify and address noted gaps from research and scholarly conversations, and engage diverse populations with the TLS community
• Compose Chair update messages to distribute to the TLS community at key points throughout the year

Past Chair (Year 3):

• Serve on the Innovative Research in International Education Research Award Review Committee
• Oversee engagement with TLS KC Regional Liaisons to fulfill Work Plan items, address TLS priorities, and engage diverse populations with the TLS community
• Oversee engagement with emerging scholar-practitioners
• Consult with the Leadership Development Committee related to the nomination of potential Chairs‐Elect and the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required of candidates
• Support the Chair and assist with organizational and project management duties as needed
• Lead TLS KC diversity and inclusion efforts

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

• Representing and leading TLS at virtual and in-person events
• Creating opportunities and recruiting volunteers to contribute to the TLS community through service on subcommittees, task forces, and special projects
• Developing and implementing an annual Work Plan for the TLS KC in response to identified priorities and proposed initiatives
• Reviewing finalists’ submissions and selecting the recipient for the TLS KC’s Innovative Research in International Education Research Award
• Facilitating and leading TLS community dialogues, sessions, workshops, activities, and events at the NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo

• Assure NAFSA membership through the length of the three-year, nonrenewable term
• Dedicate approximately 5-10 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 but not limited to the NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo, virtual events, as well as virtual conference calls and email communication with the TLS KC team and NAFSA staff 
• Foster an inclusive environment in alignment with the NAFSA Diversity and Inclusion Statement

• Experience and expertise in the field of international education, particularly in areas of teaching, learning, and/or applied research and scholarship
• Knowledge of current and seminal research and practices in intercultural/international education, including research methods and analysis
• Demonstrated experience with effective strategic planning, management, networking, and delegation with strong coordination, analytical, oral and written communication skills
• Willingness to adopt organization‐wide and strategic priorities, including perspectives on volunteer development and management
• Ability to work effectively with a team 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 and the online workspace structure
• Recognized by peers for being energetic, innovative, and visionary
• Ability to meet the volunteer commitment as outlined and planning calendar deadlines
• Previous engagement with TLS KC activities, including team activities, or other NAFSA regional or national leadership experience (preferably within the past five years) is recommended

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 KC past-chair receives a discount on conference registration for the NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo 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.