Appointed Positions

Qualifications & Eligibility

1. NODA Professional membership throughout tenure of appointment.
2. At least one year professional experience in NODA.
3. Ability to attend Spring Learning conference in 2026.
4. Ability to agree to and follow the following NODA policies:
5. NODA Leadership Standards & Commitments
6. NODA Conflict of Interest Policy
7. Volunteer Accountability
8. Intellectual Property Policy

Desired Experience, Knowledge, Skills, & Attitudes

1. Previous involvement on a regional or annual conference planning committee for NODA or other higher education association.
2. Diverse professional experience with a variety of institution types, OTR roles, supervision lines, etc.
3. Leadership and professional experience which reflect the skills needed to fulfill the responsibilities outlined.
4. Current knowledge and understanding of the field of orientation, transition, and retention.
5. Previous contributions to the scholarship of the Association such as conference presentations, facilitated workshops/webinars, or publication submission.
6. Sufficient interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with association staff, NODA Leadership, and conference members.
7. Organizational skills sufficient to perform multiple tasks while managing and monitoring many aspects of the conference experience and expectations.
8. Ability to communicate effectively.
9. Ability to collaborate with the association staff, program committee members, and NODA leadership. 
10. Ability to assist in creating a unique conference program experience while advancing NODA’s strategic plan.
11. Demonstrate an understanding of NODA’s core purpose, beliefs, values, and core competencies, as well as the knowledge and skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the position as stated below.

Primary Responsibilities & Expectations

Program Chair

1. In consultation with Association staff, interview and select the conference committee.
2. Lead the conference committee to facilitate and implement conference programmatic content.
3. Facilitate and lead regular meetings with the conference committee and meet with individual committee members as needed. 
4. Working in collaboration with the NODA Association Office Staff, support the development and management of the conference budget.
5. Meet regularly with the Association Office Staff. 
6. Attend and participate in the Spring Learning Advisory/Task Force Committee and meetings.

Educational Programming

1. Review deadlines & application for “Call for Programs”.
2. Coordinate the review and selection of educational session proposals.
3. Coordinate and develop educational session schedule as well as session evaluation process.
4. Coordinate with presenter resources and assist with accessibility of presentations including distribution of a presenter guide.
5. Serve as the on-site point of contact for the selected AV company for educational sessions.
6. Attend committee meetings and meet with Association staff / Program Chair as needed.

Attendee Experience

1. Coordinate with the local convention and visitors bureau and/or local hospitality companies for discounts and information regarding local attractions & restaurants
2. Coordinate conference social experiences including the solo traveler programming.
3. Identify and liaison with a community partner to offer a positive impact for the host community.
4. Develop and distribute a conference accessibility guide.
5. Support conference check-in process for general registration
6. Coordinate the recruitment, assignment, training, supervision & recognition of all conference volunteers.
7. Attend committee meetings and meet with Association staff / Program Chair as needed.

Speakers & Special Initiatives

1. Solicit featured speakers (i.e. plenary speakers, panel discussions, etc.).
2. Coordinate additional educational initiatives that will enhance the conference experience of attendees
3. Coordinate opening and closing of the Conference.
4. Attend committee meetings and meet with Association staff / Program Chair as needed.

Communications & Technology

1. Assist with communications before, during, and after the Conference via email, social media, & technology updates.
2. Serve as the on-site point of contact for the selected AV company for large events
3. Solicit, compile, and manage presentations (PowerPoint), videos, and music for large events. Support accessibility efforts for these events.
4. Develop and curate the conference mobile app and other conference related technologies. 
5. Attend committee meetings and meet with Association staff / Program Chair as needed.

Expectations

➢ ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP

Program committee members are required to maintain an active Association membership for the duration of their term.

➢ HIGHER EDUCATION EMPLOYMENT

Program committee members are required to maintain employment at a higher education institution or a non-profit interest in the field of OTR for the duration of their term.

➢ FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS

Financial support (institutional or personal) is required to cover travel costs to attend conferences and meetings. If institutional support is unavailable, email the Association Office about the availability of funding through the NODA Excellence Fund.

➢ TIME COMMITMENT

Program committee members require a commitment through the end of the Spring Learning Conference. During the course of the appointment, program committee members should anticipate an average of 5-10 hours of Association-related calls and project work per month, in addition to attending in-person and virtual meetings. Time commitments ramp up significantly the months prior to the conference.

➢ COMMUNICATION & REPRESENTATION

Program committee members responsibilities require members to be in active communication with other members, Board of Directors, Association staff, and external constituents. Program committee members are expected to engage in discussion and actively participate in committee work. Program committee members are also expected to represent the Association to the membership with clarity, professionalism, and integrity.

Benefits

1. Build connections with current NODA members and leaders.
2. Influence the professional development opportunities for NODA OTR professionals and students. 
3. Deepen understanding of event planning, and professional development.
4. Spring Learning Conference fee waived.