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
Applications now open through October 15, 2025.
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.
