Position: Chair, Regional Hub Conferences
Committee: Regional Chairs Cohort (2027)
Term: January 2027 - December 2027

The Regional Hub Conference Chair serves as the primary leader for one of the four Hub Conferences and is responsible for the delivery of a successful multi-region conference. The role exercises authority delegated by participating Regional Chairs. Working in close partnership with the Hub Leads (Hub Conference Planner, Hub Treasurer), regional chairs of participating regions, NAFSA staff, local volunteers, and event partners, the Hub Chair translates the Hub’s goals into an inclusive, fiscally responsible, engaging, accessible, and well-executed conference.

Major Functions and Responsibilities

Within the framework of the NAFSA Strategic Plan, this position will:

• Serve as the lead authority for planning and executing the Hub Conference from initial planning through post-conference evaluation.
• Drive conference operations, including programming, logistics, attendee experience, scheduling, and meeting planning milestones.
• Supervise and align the work of the Hub Conference Planner and Hub Conference Treasurer. Delegate tasks appropriately and collaborate with team members to ensure successful execution.
• Ensure that the hub conference supports the professional-development, knowledge-building, and networking needs of all participating regions. Translate priorities from participating regions into conference programming, engagement opportunities, and attendee experiences. Approve themes, learning goals, and major content decisions.
• Work with the Hub Conference Treasurer to ensure responsible financial stewardship and adherence to established financial models and expectations.
• Provide regular updates to Regional Chairs and NAFSA staff regarding conference progress, risks, decisions, and outcomes.
• Facilitate collaboration across participating regions and foster a positive, unified conference culture.
• Partner with relevant regional leaders to cultivate sponsor, exhibitor, and stakeholder engagement that supports conference objectives.
• Lead post-conference assessment activities and document lessons learned for future Hub Conferences.

Sample Projects

• Led planning and execution of a multi-region Hub Conference serving attendees across participating NAFSA regions.
• Coordinated conference leadership teams across multiple regions to meet critical planning milestones.
• Implemented attendee engagement initiatives that improved conference satisfaction and participation.

Qualifications

• Strongly preferred: previous experience on a NAFSA regional executive team (chair, conference planner, treasurer). Required: previous NAFSA volunteer/presentation experience.
• An active interest in supporting international education colleagues with professional and leadership development.
• Excellent communication skills. Experience working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and facilitating decisions in a volunteer leadership environment.
• Project management experience.
• Willingness to adopt organization-wide perspectives.
• Comfort using shared documents, spreadsheets, virtual meeting platforms, and project-management tools.

Required Commitment

• Attend leadership onboarding and standing meetings with Regional Chairs and NAFSA staff.
• Lead ongoing planning activities throughout the full conference lifecycle.
• Maintain transparent communication with participating regions and conference stakeholders.
• Attendance at the Hub conference is required.
• Model and uphold the principles, standards, and expectations outlined in NAFSA's Governance Documents.

Benefits and Appreciation

• Build high-level leadership and stakeholder management experience while giving back to your international education community. 
• Expand your professional network across NAFSA, the Hub, and the international education community.
• Hub Conference Chairs receive 100% complimentary registration to the regional hub conference and reimbursed travel costs to and from the regional hub conference, as provided through the hub conference budget. NAFSA Regional Affairs staff implements a standardized policy on travel reimbursements to/from the Hub Conference for all leaders in this role across the four Hub Conferences. 
• Volunteers in this role receive recognition from NAFSA for their leadership service.
• Volunteers in this role participate in leadership networking, onboarding, and professional development opportunities from NAFSA Regional Affairs.

For questions or additional information, please contact the NAFSA Regional Affairs team.

Position description updated August 2026.

Accepting applications and nominations through November 15, 2026.