Committee: Board of Directors
Position: Member at Large
Term Dates: Three Years
Overview
Members-at-Large are elected volunteer leaders who serve as full members of the NAFSA Board of Directors. This role carries fiduciary responsibilities and focuses on contributing to governance, policy development, and the overall strategic direction of the association.
The Board, according to the bylaws, is responsible for governing the association, developing its policies and priorities, and providing stewardship of its resources via the Strategic Plan.
Position updated April 2025
NAFSA is not currently accepting applications for this position. Applications and nominations will reopen in Spring 2026. Please visit NAFSA Volunteer Leadership: Open Positions to learn about available opportunities.
Major Responsibilities
- Attend all board meetings and actively engage in discussions and decisions.
- Serve on at least two board committees or task forces.
- The board’s standing committees include Organizational Advancement, Scholarship and Institutional Strategy, Finance and Audit, Governance, Professional Development and Engagement, and Public Policy.
- Provide fiduciary oversight and ensure effective leadership of the association.
- Help set policy, direction, and the strategic priorities for the association.
- Uphold NAFSA’s vision, mission, and values.
- Support fundraising and partnership efforts when appropriate.
- Make an annual financial contribution based on personal giving capacity.
- Protect the integrity of NAFSA’s programs, services, and initiatives.
- Assist the board’s Governance Committee with identifying and nominating potential board members.
- Review and respond to NAFSA communications and deadlines in a timely manner.
- Board members act as individuals rather than as representatives of their institutions or organizations.
Meeting Attendance and Commitments
- Serve a full three-year term
- Attend three annual board meetings either in person or virtually (two meetings are held in person in Washington, D.C.)
- Attend additional virtual board meetings upon request
- Participate in committee meetings throughout the year (either virtual or in-person)
- Participate in the Annual Conference & Expo (typically the last week of May; location varies)
- Attend one regional conference each fall as a board representative, if requested
- Attend a virtual new board member orientation
NAFSA covers travel expenses related to board service.
Additional Expectations
- Review and respond to emails promptly, taking action when needed (e.g., providing requested information, addressing action items, etc.)
- Participate in advocacy events such as NAFSA’s Day of Action or Advocacy Day
- Engage with NAFSA members and stakeholders at major association events
- Complete board self-assessments and executive assessments bi-annually
- Completing annual 990 reviews, conflict of interest form, and board surveys
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Experience on an educational or nonprofit board with fiduciary responsibility
- Experience in management roles requiring strategic and operational planning
- Effective communication skills
- Strong cross-cultural and interpersonal competence
- Familiarity with budget oversight
- Commitment to international education
- Availability to travel
- No conflicts of interest with competing organizations
Desired Qualifications
- Understanding of nonprofit finance, audits, compliance, or fundraising
- Leadership in NAFSA (regional or national level) in the past five years
- Service on task forces, committees, or other volunteer positions within NAFSA
Sample Meeting Calendar
| Month | Responsibilities |
| January | - Complete conflict of interest form and
- Respond to governance committee requests
|
| March/April | - Attend board meeting in Washington, D.C.
- Attend advocacy event (e.g., Day of Action or Advocacy Day)
- Complete board inventory
|
| April - June | - Nominate colleagues for NAFSA leadership positions
|
| May | - Attend annual conference:
- Participate in board reception and meeting (Monday)
- Attend plenary sessions and meet with speakers
- Tour exhibit hall and meet with partners
- Attend Annual Business Meeting
- Fulfill representational duties as assigned
|
| August | - Attend virtual board meeting to approve candidates slate
|
| September | - Attend board meeting (typically virtual)
|
| October - November | - Attend regional conference (if requested)
- Complete board and executive assessment (bi-annually)
|
| December | - Attend board meeting in Washington, D.C.
|
