Become an Academy Chair

In collaboration with NAFSA Staff, the Academy chair:

• Leads the Academy coaches in the achievement of the program’s goals.
• Manages and leads training and meetings of the Academy coaches.
• Supports the trainee recruitment and application review process.
• Guides and advises coaches in their work with Academy trainees.
• Promotes the Academy at NAFSA conferences and meetings.
• Facilitates Academy trainings and meetings throughout the program, including Coaches’ Orientation , Academy learning events, coach and trainee meetings at Annual Conference, virtual Coach training, and at Regional Conferences.
• Trains Comprehensive Internationalization and Advocacy workshops and facilitates other all Academy trainings.
• Serves as a resource to Academy coaches, trainees, and alumni.

All NAFSA leaders are expected to foster an inclusive environment and seek to learn and understand the multicultural perspectives of the committee/team, our constituents, and stakeholders to align with the NAFSA Diversity and Inclusion Statement. An expression of leadership in this area includes:

• Engaging the committee/team to identify and implement strategies for increased personal outreach, recruitment, and onboarding for all, especially diversity-focused and underrepresented groups;
• Increasing accessibility and participation from underrepresented groups, individuals, and institutions; and
• Expanding educational content within the committees’ purview through intentional outreach and recruitment of diverse presenters and institutional types in partnership with various NAFSA groups.

NAFSA: Association of International Educators is a professional association driven by its Strategic Plan as established by the Board of Directors.  The success of the association depends on the productive engagement of three key constituencies: the Board, member-leaders, and staff. Member-leaders are advocates for the association’s mission, vision, values, diversity and inclusion, and ethical principles. They align their work closely with the Board through its vice presidents and with staff to carry out the Strategic Plan. Member-leader roles are guided by objectives assigned by the Strategic Plan, by outcome accountabilities outlined in the Standing Rules, and by position descriptions for specific roles.

Workload varies by month. On lighter months, Chair may spend only 5 hours dedicated to the Academy. During heaving months the Chair may spend up to 20 hours. All trainings and events are virtual unless otherwise noted. Workload distribution is as follows:

• Monthly – Two 60-minute conference calls with NAFSA staff per month
• August – preparing for and delivering Academy Coach Orientation
• Ongoing in Fall – recruiting and accepting new Academy Class, leading Coach Training workshops
• November/December - application review and cohort assignments
• January/February - onboarding Academy trainees and guiding coaches
• Before and during Annual Conference – preparing for and leading the Academy meeting in person
• Virtual Coaches Training Sessions – preparing for and facilitating 12 virtual coach training sessions throughout the course of the program

Term
The position is for a two-and-a-half-year term, with the first year as chair designate. The term begins July 1, 2026 and ends December 31, 2028. The Academy Chair must be committed to attending the following events:

Benefits

As Chair, you will  enhance your leadership skills, influence the components of the Academy program, design and deliver marketing messages, design and deliver training, share knowledge and expertise, connect with coaches and trainees from other regions, contribute to the development of skilled international educators, and invest in the future of the international education field.

The Academy Chair, Chair Designate will also recieve complimentary NAFSA Annual Conference registration for the duration of their term.

Support

The Chair receives the following support:

• Intensive position training by shadowing the Chair during the Chair-Designate year.
• Close collaboration with NAFSA staff in planning of all aspects of the program.
• NAFSA staff co-facilitation of Coach Trainings, Academy Orientation, and Academy workshops at the Annual Conference and other Academy events there, and other virtual trainings.
• NAFSA staff management of program and coach meeting logistics, registration, national marketing, etc.

Please note: Travel to/from the NAFSA Annual Conference along with meals and lodging for meetings before/during the conference, is not covered. Other operating expenses members incur in offices/at home, such as copies, phone calls, etc. are not reimbursed. Regular conference calls are set up by NAFSA staff and covered by the association.

Required Qualifications:

• NAFSA membership
• Previous experience with the Academy, preferably as a coach
• Demonstrated ability to lead a group of volunteers and coordinate efforts with NAFSA staff
• Significant training/instructional experience
• 5-7 years’ experience in management
• Willingness and availability to participate in Academy discussions (conference calls and online)
• Willingness to work in online/virtual workspaces

Selection Process

The Vice President for Professional Development and Engagement appoints the Academy Chair in consultation with the Director, Professional Development Programs.