Committee: Board of Directors
Position: Vice President for Public Policy and Practice
Term Dates: Three Years
Position Overview:
The Vice President for Public Policy and Practice (VPPPP) provides leadership for the association’s communication around public policy and regulatory practice. The VPPPP also has regulatory practice responsibilities, providing strategic, operational and representative guidance to the organization.
This role guides NAFSA’s advocacy goals, primarily supporting Goal 2 of the strategic plan: “NAFSA advocates for public policies that lead to a more globally informed, welcoming, and engaged United States.”
The VPPPP serves as a member of the Board of Directors and the board’s Executive Committee, contributing to the governance of the association and the exercise of leadership.
Position updated May 2025
Major Responsibilities
- Attend all board meetings and actively engage in discussions and decisions.
- Serve on the board’s Executive Committee.
- Chair the board’s Public Policy and Practice Committee.
- Lead the board’s public policy discussions
- Work with NAFSA’s CEO, Deputy Executive Director for Public Policy, senior staff, and other members of the senior management team to support the association’s objectives.
- Provide fiduciary oversight and ensure effective leadership of the association.
- Help set policy, direction, and the strategic priorities for the association.
- Uphold NAFSA’s vision, mission, and values.
- Protect the integrity of NAFSA’s programs, services, and initiatives
- Communicate public policy initiatives and outcomes to members.
- Encourage grassroots participation in advocacy.
- Elevate and amplify advocacy efforts whenever possible.
- Support fundraising and partnership efforts when appropriate.
- Make an annual financial contribution based on personal giving capacity.
- Represent the Board in various venues and communicates with membership.
Meeting Attendance and Expectations
- The term for this role is three calendar years.
- The incoming VPPPP may be requested to shadow the sitting VPPPP a few months before assuming the position in January, which may include attending the December meeting of the Board of Directors as a guest with no voting rights.
- Attend three board meetings each year either in person or virtually (two meetings are held in person in Washington, D.C.)
- Attend Executive Committee meetings and additional virtual board meetings as needed
- Participate in committee meetings throughout the year (either virtual or in-person)
- Participate in advocacy events such as NAFSA’s Advocacy Day
- Participate in the Annual Conference & Expo each May (typically the last week of May)
- Attend one or more regional conference each fall as a board representative, if requested
- Attend a virtual new board member orientation, if requested
NAFSA covers travel expenses related to board service.
Additional Expectations
- Review and respond to emails promptly, taking action when needed (e.g., providing requested information, addressing action items, etc.) and maintaining close communication with leaders and staff.
- Complete board self-assessments and executive assessments bi-annually
- Completing annual 990 reviews, conflict of interest form, and board surveys
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Experience on an educational or nonprofit board with fiduciary responsibility
- Deep understanding of US public policy processes
- Experience in management roles requiring strategic and operational planning
- 10+ years in international education, ideally in more than one area of expertise (e.g. education abroad, immigration, enrollment management, etc.)
- Previous volunteer leadership experience
- Effective communication and relationship-building skills
- Ability to facilitate group decision-making and reach consensus
- Strategic and operational planning experience
- Availability for travel and ongoing engagement
- No conflicts of interest with competing organizations
Desired Qualifications
- Understanding of nonprofit finance, audits, compliance, or fundraising
- Leadership in NAFSA (regional or national level) in the past five years
- Service on task forces, committee, or other volunteer positions within NAFSA
Sample Meeting Calendar
| Month | Responsibilities |
|---|
| January - March | - Lead Public Policy Committee meetings
- Complete conflict of interest form
- Gather input for Strategic Plan updates
- Prepare for full Board Meeting
- Draft Public Policy Committee agenda and report
- Join Advocate of the Year Selection Committee meetings
- Plan role in Advocacy Day or equivalent
- Attend Advocacy Day and related trainings
|
April - June | - Attend Board Meeting in Washington, DC
- Prepare for Annual Conference
- Attend NAFSA annual conference, and participate in events such as: the Annual Business meeting, plenaries, receptions, tour exhibit hall and meet with partners, and fulfill representational duties as assigned
|
July - September | - Prepare agenda and materials for board Meeting
- Draft Board report
- Attend virtual board meeting to approve candidate slate
- Chair Public Policy Committee meeting
|
| October - December | - Attend regional conferences, if assigned
- Prepare December Board Meeting materials
- Attend Board Meeting in Washington, DC
- Chair Public Policy Committee meeting
|
