Chair, Leadership Development Committee (LDC)

• Lead the committee in managing the member-leader nominations process described in Rule IV;
• Develop and deploy a work plan—linked to the association’s Strategic Plan—addressing the committee’s goals and initiatives for the year serving as chair;
• Update VP PDE at least twice a year on the status of work plan goals;
• Encourage members from underrepresented constituencies (e.g. geographic, organizational, demographic, etc.) to get involved in volunteer leadership;
• Educate Knowledge Community and Committee Chairs about available resources to support their search for qualified candidates for appointed positions;
• Ensure the execution of a leadership orientation program for new national leaders, in coordination with the Membership Engagement Committee (MEC) and the Regional Affairs Committee (RAC).

All NAFSA leaders are expected to foster an inclusive environment and seek to learn and understand the multicultural perspectives of the committee/team, our constituents, and stakeholders to align with the NAFSA Diversity and Inclusion Statement. An expression of leadership in this area includes:

• Engaging the committee/team to identify and implement strategies for increased personal outreach, recruitment, and onboarding for all, especially diversity-focused and underrepresented groups
• Increasing accessibility and participation from underrepresented groups, individuals, and institutions
• Expanding educational content within the committees’ purview through intentional outreach and recruitment of diverse presenters and institutional types in partnership with various NAFSA groups

NAFSA: Association of International Educators is a professional association driven by its Strategic Plan as established by the Board of Directors. The success of the association depends on the productive engagement of three key constituencies: the Board, member-leaders, and staff. Member-leaders are advocates for the association’s mission, vision, values, diversity and inclusion, and ethical principles. They align their work closely with the Board through its vice presidents and with staff to carry out the Strategic Plan. Member-leader roles are guided by objectives assigned by the Strategic Plan, by outcome accountabilities outlined in the Standing Rules, and by position descriptions for specific roles.

Relationships with Other Members
The Chair collaborates closely with the other KC and committee Chairs, as well as the VP PDE, to enhance work efforts across the association. The LDC Chair will lead the LDC in developing partnerships with knowledge communities, leadership committees, member groups, and regional teams.

Relationships with the NAFSA staff
The Chair partners closely with the NAFSA staff partner assigned to this Committee. Effective relationships reflect and include responsiveness to phone calls/e-mail correspondence, timely delivery of responsibilities, open communication and mutual respect among other characteristics.

The chair serves a two-year term and is elected every year. During the first year as chair-elect, s/he serves the committee with organizational and project management duties, assumes the duties of the chair in their absence, shadows the sitting chair, prepares a strategically driven work plan for the following year, and then serves as chair in the following calendar year. Upon election in mid-September, the incoming chair-elect should begin shadowing in the position by supporting and interviewing the sitting chair of the LDC.

On average, 15 hours per month will be needed to complete the ongoing work. This will increase to at least 20 hours per month during the heaviest period of work, in February, March, and May when committee members solicit names for potential candidates, review applications, interview applicants, and gather and review references. Peak months and duties are:

• December/January/February: Assist with orientation, onboarding new members, and recruitment of new leaders; prepare for and attend the Washington Leadership Meeting;
• March/April/May: Oversee elected-positions application vetting, interviewing, and finalist selection; prepare for and attend leadership meetings before the NAFSA Annual Conference and organizing LDC conference activities;
• June: Finalize recommended Elected Position Ballot (the election slate) and forward to VP PDE;
• July/August/September: As chair-elect, attend the Summer Coordination Meeting; collaborate on LDC regional conference assignments, prepare a work plan for subsequent year; and
• October/November: Submit a conference poster session proposal; debrief with team on accomplishments and identify future activities; complete an end of year work plan report.

NAFSA Meetings
Chairs/chairs-elect/past chairs are asked to attend key leadership meetings: Washington Leadership Meeting, Summer Coordination Meeting (chair-elect only), and NAFSA Annual Conference as well as virtual meetings convened throughout the year by their committee/knowledge community. For the Washington Leadership Meeting, NAFSA provides reimbursement for travel, per diem, and lodging expenses.  The Summer Coordination Meeting is held virtually for chairs-elect.  For the Annual Conference, NAFSA provides complimentary registration to the chair and chair-elect; any costs for travel to/from the annual conference, as well as meals, and lodging for meetings before/during/after the conference, are the responsibility of the chair/chair-elect/past-chair and are not reimbursed by NAFSA.  Other operating expenses members incur in their offices/at home, such as copying, phone calls, etc. are not reimbursed. Large copying jobs should be referred to staff. Conference calls are set up by staff and covered by the association as necessary.

Please Note: If you are elected chair-elect of the Leadership Development Committee, you are not eligible to serve in another elected position until one full year after your term as chair of the Leadership Development Committee has ended. 

• Understanding of NAFSA and overall knowledge of the governance structure
• Knowledge of, ability to articulate, and promote the benefits and responsibilities of volunteer leaders
• Willingness to adopt association priorities and perspectives on volunteer development and management
• High strategic planning, management, networking, and delegation experience
• 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 e-mail in a timely fashion as well as communicate using online electronic tools/systems plus the online workspace structure
• Willingness and ability to travel for participation and representation at NAFSA meetings
• Manage unconscious bias in the assessment and decision-making process
• Recognized by peers for being energetic, innovative, and visionary
• Three or more years membership in NAFSA and current NAFSA membership
• Valid NAFSA membership through the length of the leadership term
• Ability to meet the volunteer commitment outlined and planning calendar deadlines

Desired Qualifications

• Previous NAFSA Leadership experience on more than one national committee or subcommittee.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office suite.
• Skill and/or experience in presenting, facilitating, marketing, mentoring, and leadership training.
• Previous committee leader experience in NAFSA (local, state, regional, and/or national).
• Ability to represent the LDC by attending regional conferences (or conferences outside the U.S.)