Committee: Annual Conference Committee (ACC)
Volunteer Role: Co-Chair, Local Arrangements Team (LAT)
Term Dates: Eight-month term, October 2026 - June 2027
Two co-chairs will play a critical role in recruiting and coordinating members of the Local Arrangements Team (LAT), managing volunteers who assist with onsite operations at the NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo, and creating excitement about the annual conference city. The co-chairs bring local city knowledge to the conference planning process. This work is expected to be a priority during the conference.
Position updated July 2026
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:
- Recruit, oversee, and direct all LAT members.
- Moderate LAT meetings, and occasionally attend ACC meetings.
- Report progress to NAFSA staff and ACC on a regular basis.
- Inform NAFSA staff of lodging requirements within allotted rooms for LAT members during conference week.
- Set up and manage an onsite LAT office.
- Troubleshoot and resolve issues onsite alongside NAFSA staff.
- Ensure volunteers are clearly and accurately tracking hours.
- Write and submit a final activity report to NAFSA staff.
- Ensure the LAT functions according to the vision and priorities of the ACC.
- NAFSA membership throughout the length of volunteer service
- Prepare for and attend LAT leadership and ACC meetings throughout the term length. Most meetings are virtual, and meeting deadlines and timely responses are essential.
- Foster an inclusive environment in alignment with the NAFSA Diversity and Inclusion Statement
Commitment
Co-chairs must attend the conference they help plan. The position lasts 8 months with a time commitment of approximately 6-10 hours per month, increasing in the months prior to conference. A month-by-month breakdown is provided:
- October: attend an Annual Conference Committee (ACC) meeting
- November: recruit committee team members
- December: plan the first LAT team meeting
- January – May: lead monthly LAT meetings and ensure LAT members are ready for their onsite conference responsibilities
- June: direct and manage all volunteer teams at the annual conference; this includes a time commitment away from attending conference programming; prepare a report with contributions from all team members of the team's work and submit it to NAFSA staff
Qualifications
- Understand NAFSA annual conference programs, services, and attendees by having attended two or more previous NAFSA annual conferences and/or have previous service on a conference planning committee
- Recruit, lead, and motivate a large volunteer team
- Strong analytical and communication skills, including proficiency in virtual communication
- Ability and willingness to travel to conferences and meetings
- Residency in or near the conference host city (Los Angeles, California), as well as deep knowledge of the host city and its cultural offerings
- Three or more years’ membership in NAFSA
Benefits and Appreciation
NAFSA appreciates its volunteer leaders with a strategy that develops, celebrates, and supports them throughout the year by providing leaders in this role:
- A conference registration fee waiver for the NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo in appreciation of their service.
- Lodging near the conference venue when the conference takes place onsite, and on a limited basis will also provide lodging for the team they recruit during conference week.
- Volunteers in this role are recognized in a letter from NAFSA’s CEO.
- Volunteers in this role receive a certificate of appreciation at the conclusion of their volunteer service.
- Volunteers in this role are named on any resources developed by them.
