Committee: International Education Leadership Knowledge Community (IEL KC)
Position: Member, Communications & Engagement
Term Dates: January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2027
The International Education Leadership Knowledge Community (IEL KC) addresses the needs of senior international officers (SIOs), those international education leaders who are engaged in envisioning, leading, and building commitment for internationalization by working at the nexus of administration, faculty, and international education services.
This position is a member of the IEL KC leadership team and serves as the liaison to the NAFSA regions. This position also works closely with the IEL KC Communications & Engagement member responsible for oversight of the Leading Internationalization network (LIZN), the IEL KC's professional network and primary vehicle for disseminating knowledge and information relevant to SIOs and International Education Leaders.
Position 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:
- Collaborate and communicate regularly with the IEL KC Regional Liaisons, including:
- Serving as the conduit for information between the IEL KC leadership team and the regional liaisons from the 11 NAFSA regions;
- Hosting meetings for regional liaisons to discuss trends, needs, and issues, and facilitate communication; and
- Disseminating information about IEL KC projects, resources, and events to IEL KC Regional Liaisons.
- Communicate regularly with the IEL KC leadership team and NAFSA staff partner about activity and opportunities in the NAFSA Regions.
- In collaboration with the LIZN Network Leader, develop and disseminate relevant resources for international education leaders.
- Encourage new and experienced SIOs and International Education Leaders to get involved with the IEL KC.
- Review IEL KC session proposals for the NAFSA annual conference.
- Work on other IEL KC team projects and work plan items as assigned.
- Collaborate with the NAFSA staff partner to achieve these goals.
Sample Projects
In recent years, this position has coordinated projects such as:
- Collaboration with IEL KC partners to support IEL-related sessions being proposed to regional conferences.
- Facilitation of discussions at IEL KC Community Dialogues at the NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo.
- Creation and dissemination of resources in collaboration with the Network Leader of the Leading Internationalization network.
Commitment
- Assure NAFSA membership through the length of the leadership term.
- Confirm for a two-year term, renewable once, upon agreement with the IEL KC leadership, for a maximum term of four years.
- Dedicate three to five hours per month. Busiest time in January and April to prepare for team meetings.
- Participate in conference calls and email communication with IEL KC leadership and NAFSA staff partner.
- Prepare for and attend IEL KC leadership meetings throughout the year, virtually and in person, including at the NAFSA annual conference in late May.
- Foster an inclusive environment in alignment with the NAFSA Diversity and Inclusion Statement.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Experience as an SIO or international education leader.
- Knowledge of existing IEL KC resources.
- Ability to identify and develop relevant resources that will be useful to SIOs.
- Demonstrated skill in leading a committee and managing committee work.
- Demonstrated experience with effective strategic planning, management, networking, and delegation.
- Active interest in assisting colleagues with professional and leadership development.
- Willingness to adopt organization-wide perspectives and strategic priorities including perspectives on volunteer development and management.
- Strong coordination, analytical, oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively with a team in an outcomes-based environment.
- Commitment to access and respond to email in a timely fashion, as well as to communicate using online electronic tools/systems plus 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.
