Committee: Annual Conference Committee (ACC)
Position: Member, Global Perspectives
Term Dates: January 2026 - June 2027
The Member, Global Perspectives, 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 Member, Global Perspectives, is responsible for contributing to the development of content for the annual conference program from a global perspective, to advance knowledge and skill building for the field of international education, to best serve international attendees, and bring global voices and perspectives throughout the annual conference.
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
- Promote the development of proposals that align with the strategic plan of the association and the conference theme, while serving the professional development needs and interests of the conference’s international audience.
- Recruit international peer reviewers for session, workshop, and poster proposals.
- Review session and current topics workshop (CTW) proposals and contribute to the selection of a balanced and comprehensive set of sessions and workshops that include global perspectives and will be of interest to international attendees.
- Assist in the development of a conference orientation for international attendees and other informational resources and programs for international attendees.
Commitment
- Valid NAFSA membership through the length of the leadership term
- The Member, Global Perspectives, will begin in January 2026. The term ends after the annual conference in 2027. The time commitment for this position is 1.5 years.
- This individual is expected to attend the annual conferences in 2026 and 2027, twice-monthly ACC conference calls, and an ACC Fall Meeting in October 2026 in Orlando, FL.
- Ongoing tasks will take approximately 3 to 4 hours per month, except in key months where more time is necessary. Most work will occur in:
- August–October 2026: reviewing sessions/workshops and participating in the proposal selection meeting in the conference city
- May–June 2026 and 2027: attending the annual conference and any ACC meetings
- Timely responses to requests for assistance and information, as well as meeting deadline targets, will be essential.
- The candidate should also attend debrief meetings at NAFSA annual conferences if needed, and commit to visibility and engagement during meetings, events, and activities.
- Foster an inclusive environment in alignment with the NAFSA Diversity and Inclusion Statement
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.
- Work/residence outside of the United States and an ability to contribute a broad perspective of the needs and expectations of international annual conference attendees.
- Awareness of a broad range of international education issues and understanding of the challenges facing international educators globally.
- Strong oral and written communication skills, including proficiency in using electronic tools of communication.
- Willingness to adopt organization-wide perspectives and strategic priorities.
- Ability to work effectively with a team and with NAFSA staff in an outcomes-based environment.
- Strong commitment to the expansion of global voices and global engagement.
- Ability, willingness, and support to travel to conferences and meetings.
- Membership in NAFSA and NAFSA membership throughout the length of volunteer service.
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.
