Member-at-Large, Board of Directors

As a board member, a members-at-large will be expected to contribute their expertise and energy to the execution of these functions: 

• serving on at least two board committees or task forces while actively engaging in the work of the association;
• upholding NAFSA’s vision, mission, and values, including NAFSA’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion;
• setting broad policies, direction, and priorities for the association;
• ensuring NAFSA has highly effective leadership;
• actively assisting the Governance Committee in identifying prospective board members;
• providing fiduciary oversight of the association.
• suggesting prospective sources of financial support or business partnerships and working with staff to determine strategies for approaching such prospects, when appropriate;
• maintaining the integrity of the programs, products, and services developed for the benefit of the association;
• making an annual financial contribution to the association, in keeping with the member’s personal giving situation and plans; and
• attending all board meetings.
• review emails from NAFSA in a timely manner and respond promptly to requests and deadlines

In exercising these functions, board members serve as individuals, not as representatives of their organizations, institutions, or constituent groups.

The board’s standing committees include Organizational Advancement, Scholarship and Institutional Strategy, Finance and Audit, Governance, Professional Development and Engagement, and Public Policy.

The term for this role is three calendar years. In each year of tenure, board members are expected to attend all full board meetings. NAFSA’s Board of Directors typically meets three times a year in Washington, D.C., with additional meetings, which may be virtual, as needed. When professional duties make it impossible for board members to attend meetings in person, they can participate virtually.

Board committees may convene either virtually before the board meeting or in person during the board meeting. Members of committees can expect to participate in two to three additional meetings during the year. Incoming board members will attend virtual orientation sessions before the start of their term.

Board members are expected to review email regularly and respond promptly.  Board members are encouraged to attend NAFSA’s annual advocacy event. Board members are expected to attend the NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo. The conference is held in May (typically beginning the day after Memorial Day), and the location varies from year to year. Travel expenses for these board functions are covered by NAFSA.

• Board members may be asked to attend a regional conference each fall to represent the board.
• Board members are expected to review email daily and respond promptly.

Required Qualifications

• Previous experience on an educational or nonprofit board of directors with demonstrated and documented fiduciary responsibility
• Excellent communication strategies and skills
• Strong interpersonal, intergroup, and cross-cultural skills
• Willingness and availability to travel
• Experience in a management position that required strategic and operational planning
• Commitment to advancing the field of international education
• Experience managing budgets
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion efforts
• No conflict of interest in terms of serving in a similar position on board of another organization that competes with NAFSA’s business and advocacy interests

Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity with nonprofit finances, audit reporting, compliance, and development
• Good grasp of NAFSA activities and leadership in the past five years through service in NAFSA regional or national leadership positions, including service on task forces or committees