Committee: International Education Leadership Knowledge Community (IEL KC)
Position: Member, Communications & Engagement (LIZN Leader)
Term: 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 envisioning, leading, and building commitment for internationalization by working at the nexus of administration, faculty, and international education services.
This position is a member of the IEL KC leadership team and provides oversight of the Leading Internationalization network (LIZN), the IEL KC’s professional network and primary vehicle for disseminating knowledge and information relevant to SIOs. This position also works closely with the IEL KC Communications & Engagement member responsible for engagement with the NAFSA Regional Liaisons.
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 as an active IEL KC team member and point person for the Leading Internationalization network (LIZN).
- Coordinate the content of the LIZN network, including:
- Reviewing, revising, and promoting resources relevant to the IEL audience.
- Proactively creating a schedule for posting to the network.
- Identifying critical trends and issues, and championing responses and initiatives that advance international education and shape the field; and
- Collaborating with other network leaders on cross-network resources and discussions.
- Monitor and manage the discussion forum on the LIZN network, including:
- Seeding discussions and exchange on the discussion forum, as appropriate;
- Responding promptly to issues and requests from subscribers and notifying the staff partner of technical issues as they arise;
- Ensuring adherence to the Network.NAFSA Code of Conduct; and
- Promoting connections among stakeholders, partners, and other organizations at the regional, national, and international level to ensure success of the international education field.
- Communicate regularly with the IEL KC leadership team and NAFSA staff partner about activity and opportunities in the Leading Internationalization network, and ways to facilitate the dissemination of resources.
- Coordinate the identification of timely and relevant article topics and possible sources for the IEL Practice Area Column in the International Educator magazine in collaboration with the IEL KC leadership team.
- 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.
- Review IEL KC session proposals for the NAFSA annual conference.
- 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:
- Blog series on Diverse Pathways to International Education Leadership
- Partnering with NAFSA’s Public Policy and Advocacy Team to encourage advocacy among the IEL community
- Seeded discussions on the Leading Internationalization network
- Creation and dissemination of resources on the Leading Internationalization network
- Identification of possible topics and sources for the IEL Practice Area Column in the International Educator magazine
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 three to five hours per month, depending on the volume of activity on the Leading Internationalization network. Busiest time in January and April to prepare for team meetings.
- Prepare for and attend IEL KC leadership meetings throughout the year, virtually and in person, including at the annual conference in late May.
- Foster an inclusive environment in alignment with the NAFSA Diversity and Inclusion Statement.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Experience as an SIO or international education leader.
- Ability to identify and develop relevant resources that will be useful to SIOs. Knowledge of existing IEL KC resources a plus.
- Active interest in assisting colleagues with professional and leadership development.
- 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
- Experience with using online communication tools and managing a discussion forum.
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.
