Member-at-large and Financial Aid Subcommittee Chair

• Maintains attentiveness to U.S. financial aid regulations affecting students’ participation in education abroad programs by observing, prompting, and participating in online discussions forums and reading NAFSA.news.
• Collaborate with with NAFSA staff and EA RP Financial Aid Subcommittee on collaboration with government entities or other higher education associations related to financial aid.
• Work with the NAFSA regulatory practice staff on issues and projects related to financial aid and affecting the field of education abroad; specifically regulations related to U.S. Federal Student Aid, VA Benefits, and tax issues.
• Collaborate with EA KC Financing Education Abroad Subcommittee.
• Lead session or workshop on financial aid regulations at the NAFSA annual conference and provide leadership to organize financial aid sessions at regional conferences

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.

• This position collaborates closely with other NAFSA leaders to enhance work efforts across the association.
• This position partners closely with the NAFSA staff partner assigned. Effective relationships reflect and include responsiveness to phone calls/e-mail correspondence, timely delivery on responsibilities, open communication and mutual respect among other characteristics.

• The initial appointment is for two years with the possibility to renew one time for two additional years. Two to four hours of work per month is average. Peak months are January for WLM preparation, May for the annual conference, and June/July for regional conference proposal submissions.
• Attend the Washington Leadership Meeting (WLM), with travel and per diem provided by NAFSA.
• Meet with the EA RP committee at the annual conference during the preconference period if attending the conference.
• Participate in bi-monthly teleconferences with the committee.
• Participate in leadership cultivation for the EARP, its subcommittees, and other NAFSA leadership roles.

• Previous volunteer/presentation experience with NAFSA at local, regional, or national level preferred.
• An understanding of the needs of the field in practice areas related to government issues.
• Knowledge of financial aid regulations affecting students from U.S. institutions of higher education who are studying abroad.
• Ability to communicate with colleagues and government officials in a collegial and diplomatic fashion.
• Demonstrated expertise in education abroad.
• Management skills in delegation and resource management.
• Strong leadership, analytical, communication, and administrative skills.
• Ability to work effectively with a team in an outcomes-based environment.
• Willingness to adopt organization-wide perspectives.