Committee: International Student and Scholar Services Knowledge Community (KC ISSS)
Position: Chair-Elect/Chair/Past Chair
Term Dates: Three-year term: January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2028.
The chair leads the International Student and Scholar Services Knowledge Community leadership committee (KC ISSS) to achieve the objectives as outlined in NAFSA Standing Rule VII, Section A. KC ISSS contributes to NAFSA’s strategic objectives by hosting ongoing and community-wide discussions about leading issues in International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) and disseminating resources and knowledge needed for professionals engaged in ISSS. The KC ISSS chair reports to the Board of Directors through the Vice President for Professional Development and Engagement (VP PDE).
Year 1, as KC ISSS Chair-Elect, is focused on shadowing and assisting the existing chair and preparing a plan of KC ISSS projects for the following year.
Year 2, as KC ISSS Chair, is focused on leading the KC through virtual and in-person meetings to achieve the assigned outcomes of the work plan, monitoring progress of KC ISSS activities, supporting members of the KC ISSS leadership team, and representing KC ISSS in its engagement efforts, especially leading up to and at the NAFSA Annual Conference.
Year 3, as KC ISSS Past Chair, is focused on supporting the current chair, leading recruitment efforts for open volunteer roles, assisting with organizational and project management duties, and assuming duties of the chair in their absence.
Position updated May 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 Functions and Responsibilities
Within the framework of the NAFSA Strategic Plan, this position will:
- Lead the Knowledge Community (KC) to achieve the outcomes described in Standing Rule VII, Section A;
- Produce an up-to-date overview of all knowledge development and dissemination activities.
- Project medium- and long-term professional development needs for the KC.
- Demonstrate an up-to-date understanding of member needs related to the KC based on systematic assessment.
- Prioritize work and request and allocate resources in accordance with member needs and the Strategic Plan. KC work may include training programs, information management, and websites, etc., designed and delivered through task forces, subcommittees, and networking among members.
- Produce a work plan each year.
- Develop, maintain, and refresh a publicized set of model practices.
- Update the VP PDE at least twice a year on the status of work plan goals; and
- Collaborate with NAFSA staff partners to achieve these goals.
Sample Projects
In recent years, the KC ISSS Chair has coordinated projects such as:
- Setting the KC ISSS committee’s agenda both in terms of creating the annual work plan, leading KC ISSS meetings, and attending regional liaison meetings, as necessary.
- Managing collaborations with other KCs and committee chairs, leadership committees, member groups and regional teams to complete objectives within the KC ISSS work plan.
- Hosting sessions at the NAFSA Annual Conference each year including a KC ISSS update and welcome event.
Commitment
- Assure NAFSA membership through the length of the three and a half year, nonrenewable term.
- Foster an inclusive environment in alignment with the NAFSA Diversity and Inclusion Statement.
- Prepare for and attend NAFSA leadership and KC ISSS meetings throughout the year. Most meetings are virtual.
- Endeavor to attend meetings, events, and activities at the NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo.
- For the chair year, dedicate on average 3-5 hours per week.
- For the chair-elect year & past chair year, dedicate on average 1-2 hours per week.
Qualifications
- Demonstrated expertise in the field of international student and scholar services
- History of staff management and engagement
- Recognized by peers for being energetic, innovative, and visionary
- Highly skilled in strategic planning, management, networking, and delegation in an outcomes-based environment
- Willingness to adopt organization-wide strategic priorities and perspectives on volunteer development and management
- Awareness and management of unconscious bias within their NAFSA communities
- Valid NAFSA membership through the length of the leadership term
- Ability to meet the volunteer commitment outlined and planning calendar deadlines
Desired Qualifications
- Previous engagement with KC ISSS activities, including team activities, or other NAFSA regional or national leadership experience, preferably within the past five years.
- Strong coordination, analytical, oral and written communication skills.
Benefits and Appreciation
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. The past-chair receives a discount on conference registration 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 invitation-only appreciation reception at the NAFSA Annual Conference.
- 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.
