Committee: International Education Leadership Knowledge Community (IEL KC)
Position: Member, Programs & Events
Term Dates: January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2026
The International Education Leadership Knowledge Community (IEL KC) addresses the needs of senior international officers (SIOs), those international education leaders who are engaged in visioning, leading, and building commitment for internationalization by working at the nexus of administration, faculty, and international education services.
This position assists in the development of the Symposium on Leadership, a NAFSA Signature Program of the IEL KC, conference programming to support the needs of SIOs, and other programs and events throughout the year. This position works closely with the Programs & Events team, which consists of four members (two Member, Programs & Events, the IEL KC Coordinator for the annual conference, and the IEL KC Chair).
Position updated August 2024
NAFSA is not currently accepting applications for this position. Visit NAFSA Volunteer Leadership to learn about available opportunities.
Major Functions and Responsibilities
Within the framework of NAFSA's Strategic Plan, this position will:
- Serve on the IEL planning team for the Symposium on Leadership, assisting with the development of the theme, potential speakers, and the most effective format to deliver the topic. The planning team will participate in conference calls August-May to ensure the program is of the highest quality.
- Year 1: Support the planning of the Symposium on Leadership and shadow the program chair.
- Year 2: Lead the development of the Symposium on Leadership and serve as program chair.
- Develop high-quality and timely programs and events throughout the year to meet the needs of SIOs at all levels.
- In collaboration with the IEL KC, ensure that conference offerings meet the needs of SIOs from all institution types and regions, including international participants.
- Review IEL KC session proposals for the NAFSA annual conference.
- Represent the IEL KC team at the NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo by participating in events such as the Symposium on Leadership, the IEL KC Welcome & Update Meeting, and IEL KC networking activities.
- Communicate regularly with the IEL KC leadership team and NAFSA staff partner about activity and opportunities for international education leadership programming.
- Encourage new and experienced SIOs to get involved with the IEL KC.
- Work on other IEL KC team projects and work plan items as assigned.
- Collaborate with the NAFSA staff partner to achieve these goals.
Sample Projects
In recent years, this position has coordinated projects such as:
Commitment
- Assure NAFSA membership through the length of the leadership term.
- Confirm for a two-year term, renewable once, upon agreement with the IEL KC leadership for a maximum term of four years.
- Dedicate approximately three to five hours per month, depending on the time of year. Busiest time in the spring leading to the Symposium on Leadership.
- Prepare for and attend IEL leadership meetings throughout the year, virtually and in person, including the annual conference in late May.
- Foster an inclusive environment in alignment with the NAFSA Diversity and Inclusion Statement.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- Experience as a SIO or international education leader.
- Knowledge of existing IEL KC programs. Previous attendance at the Symposium on Leadership a plus.
- Demonstrated experience developing virtual and in-person programming.
- Willingness to adopt organization-wide and strategic priorities, including perspectives on volunteer development and management.
- Demonstrated experience with effective strategic planning, management, networking, and delegation of tasks.
- Strong coordination, analytical, oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively with a team and with NAFSA staff in an outcomes-based environment.
- Commitment to access and respond to email in a timely fashion, as well as to communicate using online electronic tools/systems plus the online workspace structure.
- Ability to meet the volunteer commitment outlined and planning calendar deadlines.
Desired Qualifications:
- Previous attendance at the Symposium on Leadership a plus.
- Previous experience developing in-person programming and virtual events.
Benefits and Appreciation
NAFSA appreciates its volunteer leaders with a strategy that develops, celebrates, and supports them throughout the year:
- Leaders in this role receive 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.
