Committee: Annual Conference Committee (ACC)
Position: Content Chair
Term Dates: January 2026 - June 2027
The Content Chair serves on the Annual Conference Committee (ACC), which leads the solicitation and review of annual conference proposals for sessions, workshops, and poster fairs. This position reports to the chair of the ACC and is a member of the ACC Executive Team. In total, this is a one-and-a-half-year commitment.
The Content Chair is responsible for leading the creation of the annual conference professional development program to advance knowledge and skill building for the field of international education and exchange. This position oversees the session and workshop offerings for the 2027 Annual Conference & Expo.
Position updated July 2025
NAFSA is not currently accepting applications for this position. Visit NAFSA Volunteer Leadership to learn about available opportunities.
Major Functions and Responsibilities
- Serve as Chair of the Content Team of the Annual Conference Committee (ACC).
- Determine content priorities for the 2027 Call for Proposals (CFP) and promote the development of proposals.
- Solicit session and workshop proposals that fit the association’s conference theme, while serving the professional development needs of the conference’s audience groups.
- Oversee the review and selection process of sessions and current topics workshops (CTW) and lead the creation of a balanced and comprehensive conference program.
- Help develop sessions and workshops on topics of importance not represented or selected through the proposal process.
- Co-lead twice monthly ACC conference calls.
- Develop resources that help prepare session and workshop trainers.
- Foster an inclusive environment in alignment with the NAFSA Diversity and Inclusion Statement.
Relationships
Relationships with the NAFSA Staff
- The Content Chair works closely with NAFSA staff, particularly the senior director of the Conference Program and additional staff for the Current Topic Workshops.
- Effective relationships reflect and include responsiveness to phone calls, email correspondence, timely delivery on responsibilities, open communication, and mutual respect, among other characteristics.
Commitment
Volunteer Commitment
- The time commitment for this position is 1.5 years, starting in January 2026 and ending in June after the 2027 annual conference.
- The Content Chair will attend virtual volunteer leadership meetings throughout tenure, the in-person ACC Fall meeting in October 2026, and the annual conferences in 2026 and 2027.
- Tasks will take approximately 8-10 hours per month, except during key months. The busiest periods will occur in:
- August–October 2026: review sessions/workshops and co-lead content selection efforts during Fall Meeting
- May–June 2027: attend the annual conference and any ACC meetings
- Timely responses to emails and meeting deadline targets are essential.
- The candidate should also prepare for and attend leadership meetings at NAFSA annual conferences when possible, and commit to visibility and engagement during meetings, events, and activities.
Expense Reimbursement
- Travel and lodging expenses are reimbursed for attendance at the ACC fall meetings.
- Conference registration fees are waived for the conference that the Content Chair helps plan (2027).
- Operating expenses incurred remotely, such as copying or phone calls, are not reimbursed. Large copying jobs should be referred to NAFSA staff.
Qualifications
- Understanding of NAFSA annual conference programs, services, and attendees, gained through attendance at several NAFSA annual conferences and/or previous service on a NAFSA conference committee
- Experience in professional development planning or delivery (e.g., experience leading professional development sessions, seminars, or workshops; study or training in adult learning or professional development delivery models)
- Experience leading a collaborative volunteer team, leading decision-making, and building consensus
- Demonstrated strategic planning, management, networking, and delegation experience
- Strong coordination, analytical, oral, written, and virtual communication skills
- Awareness of a broad range of international education issues
- Understanding of NAFSA and its leadership structure
- Willingness to adopt organization-wide perspectives and strategic priorities
- Ability and willingness to travel to conferences and meetings
- Five or more years of membership in NAFSA and NAFSA membership throughout the length of volunteer service
Desired Qualifications
- Previous service on the Annual Conference Committee, a NAFSA Knowledge Community team or in Trainer Corps
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.
