Committee: Teaching, Learning and Scholarship (TLS) Knowledge Community
Position: Coordinator, Intercultural Communication and Training
Term Dates: January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2027
The Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship Knowledge Community (TLS KC) focuses on curriculum internationalization, research that informs practice, and intercultural communication and serves faculty, administrators, graduate students/post-docs, researchers, intercultural trainers, cross-cultural counselors, and other professionals in international education. The Intercultural Communication and Training Coordinator is a member of the TLS KC leadership team and chairs the Intercultural Communication and Training (ICT) subcommittee to develop resources and networking for professionals interested in intercultural learning, cross-cultural counseling/advising, and intercultural training techniques.
Last Updated: August 2025
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:
- Contribute to and coordinate content for the TLS network.NAFSA community, including:
- Reviewing, revising, and promoting resources;
- Seeding discussion and exchange on the discussion forum, as appropriate;
- Supporting and promoting connections among stakeholders, partners, and other organizations;
- Identifying critical trends and issues and championing responses and initiatives that advance international education and shape the field; and
- Collaborating with the TLS KC team and NAFSA staff partner/s to improve the user experience on the TLS network and partner with other network leaders on cross-network resources and discussions.
- Lead the ICT Subcommittee, including:
- Setting up and leading meetings of the subcommittee at least once per quarter;
- Engaging subcommittee members in developing content and managing discussions on the TLS networks; and
- Promoting ICT resources broadly to international education professionals with related interests.
- Lead the TLS KC team's efforts in organizing and delivering the Next-Generation Strategy Development Challenge at the NAFSA annual conference, including:
- Assisting with the development of the theme and program schedule;
- Setting up and leading meetings with the associated working group of TLS KC member leaders to ensure the program is of the highest quality;
- Identifying and recruiting experienced mentors and judges among conference attendees;
- Developing and implementing a plan for promotion of the program; and
- Managing communications with all participants, mentors, and judges.
- Communicate regularly with the TLS KC leadership team about activities and opportunities to facilitate the dissemination of ICT resources.
- Review TLS proposal submissions for the annual conference.
- Represent the TLS KC team at the NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo by participating in events such as the TLS KC Welcome & Update Meeting, poster fairs, and TLS KC networking activities.
- Work on other TLS KC special projects as needed.
Sample Projects
In recent years, this position has coordinated projects and events such as:
Commitment
- Assure NAFSA membership through the length of the two-year leadership term, renewable once upon agreement with the TLS KC leadership, for a maximum term of four years.
- Prepare for and attend NAFSA leadership and TLS KC leadership team meetings throughout the year. Most meetings are virtual.
- Endeavor to attend TLS meetings, events, and activities at the NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo.
- Review TLS proposal submissions for the NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo.
- Dedicate 5-10 hours per month, depending on the volume of activity from the work plan and engagement on the TLS network.
- Foster an inclusive environment in alignment with the NAFSA Diversity and Inclusion Statement.
Qualifications
- Experience in international education, particularly in the areas of intercultural communication and training and applied research and scholarship.
- Ability to identify relevant ICT resources for the TLS and wider NAFSA community.
- Willingness to adopt organization-wide and strategic priorities, including perspectives on volunteer development and management.
- Demonstrated experience with effective strategic planning, management, networking, and task delegation.
- Ability to work effectively with a team in an outcomes-based environment.
- Strong coordination, analytical, oral and written communication skills.
- Commitment to access and respond to e-mail in a timely fashion, as well as communicate using online electronic tools/systems including the online workspace structure.
- Ability to meet the volunteer commitment outlined and planning calendar deadlines.
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.
