Committee: Annual Conference Committee (ACC)
Volunteer Role: Co-Chair, Local Arrangements Team (LAT)
Term Dates: Eight-month term, October 2025 - June 2026
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 2025
To apply for this position, please email your resume and letter of interest to [email protected]. The deadline to apply is September 30, 2025.
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.
Commitment
- 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
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
- May: direct and manage all volunteer teams at the annual conference; this includes a time commitment away from attending conference programming
- June: 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 (Orlando, Florida), 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.
