2027 NGLA Call for Volunteers
NGLA is seeking volunteers for the 2026 – 2027 NGLA Volunteer Team that plans the NGLA Annual Conference, supports our Association, and advances the mission of NGLA!
All NGLA Volunteers are expected to attend regularly scheduled meetings and are encouraged to participate in programs to support the NGLA Fund.
This application is NOT intended for undergraduate students who have not yet had professional work experience. The NGLA Call for Student Staff opens in the fall and offers undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to volunteer with the Association.
Know someone who would be a good fit? Please share this application.
Applications are due by Monday, May 11 at 11:59pm ET
On-Site Conference Committee Positions
These individuals must be available for on-site support during the 2027 NGLA Annual Conference, February 10 – 14, in Boston, MA. NGLA covers the cost of travel, lodging, registration, and meals. The estimated time commitment is 10 – 20 hours per month, year-round. The Monthly Task Summary in the detailed Volunteer Team Position Overview (viewable by clicking a link in each position description) is subject to change.
The Conference Operations Coordinator focuses on logistical support and requires administrative precision to ensure the NGLA Team is supported during the NGLA Annual Conference. Alongside the Volunteer Leadership Team (VLT), this person serves as an on-site resource and liaison to the venue. Primary responsibilities for the NGLA Team include arranging lodging, coordinating travel, orchestrating delivered meals, and managing the on-site office. The Coordinator also plays a key role in managing the event schedule and reconciling it to the venue event orders. The peak busy period for this position occurs from January through February. During this time, the Coordinator must take initiative and change context often to provide operational support for the NGLA Team and the event. Click here to learn more about the position.
The Educational Programming Chair is responsible for the intellectual and educational heart of the NGLA Annual Conference, overseeing the selection, scheduling, and execution of all NGLA Annual Conference program sessions. Key responsibilities include designing and managing the “Call for Programs” process, coordinating the program review committee, and ensuring that all speakers—from keynote guests to workshop presenters—are prepared and supported. This position is responsible for coordinating selected keynotes and providing direct support in the lead-up to and throughout the NGLA Annual Conference. This position will be responsible for the initial input and maintenance of the educational programming aspect in Guidebook. The peak busy periods for this role occur in two distinct phases: August to October and January to February. In the early fall, the Chair must manage the intensive review and selection of program proposals and finalize the structure of the educational track. In the late winter leading up to the conference, the workload intensifies again as the Chair manages speaker logistics, finalizes the Master Schedule, and prepares on-site support for programs and speaker-introduction scripts. Click here to learn more about the position.
The Educational Programming Operations Coordinator is responsible for the administrative and logistical management of the conference’s educational presenters and the program review infrastructure. Key duties include managing the “Speaker Tracker” to ensure all presenters are registered, coordinating the distribution of session proposals to the review committee, and maintaining clear communication with speakers regarding their logistical requirements. The peak busy period for this role runs from November through February. During the fall, the Coordinator must manage the high-volume data distribution for the program review process. As the conference approaches in January and February, the workload shifts to an intensive focus on speaker registration compliance, troubleshooting speaker registration issues, and finalizing all presenter data for the Master Schedule. This position also oversees the Educational Partnership process in collaboration with the Sponsorship Team. Click here to learn more about the position.
The Registration Chair is responsible for the end-to-end management of the conference registration process, serving as the primary liaison between attendees and the organization’s logistical framework. Key duties include managing the registration platform, overseeing the financial reconciliation of payments, executing the initial setup of access to Guidebook for registrants, monitoring “Attendee Exchange” requests, and leading the on-site registration desk operations, including its staff. This position also provides direct support on-site to the Info Desk. The peak busy period for this position is heavily concentrated from January through February. In January, the workload involves managing a high volume of registration data, auditing attendee records, and finalizing seating plans for major meal functions. February demands intense on-site leadership to execute the Registration Desk Plan, manage badge and material distribution, and troubleshoot real-time attendee access issues during the NGLA Annual Conference. Click here to learn more about the position.
The Registration Operations Coordinator is responsible for the administrative precision and data integrity of the conference registration process. This position focuses heavily on registration reports and managing the technical check-in infrastructure. Key duties include producing weekly “Registration Pace Reports” to inform leadership of enrollment trends, managing specialized check-in lists for speakers and sponsors, and executing the digital check-in process via the Guidebook platform. While on-site, this position will provide support to the Info Desk. The peak busy period for this position is from January through February. In January, the workload is driven by high-frequency reporting and database auditing as registration reaches its capacity. In February, the focus shifts to intensive on-site logistics, including printing check-in sheets, managing attendee exchanges, and ensuring every participant is accurately accounted for in the system during the conference. Click here to learn more about the position.
The Sponsor Liaison is responsible for cultivating and managing Association partnerships and for the successful execution of the NGLA Sponsorship Program. Key responsibilities include overseeing the marketing and logistics for sponsored non-educational programs via the NGLA Program Planner, managing logistics for the NGLA Village at the NGLA Annual Conference, and ensuring all NGLA Sponsorship Program benefits are delivered as promised. This person serves as the primary on-site resource for NGLA Sponsors at the NGLA Annual Conference. Additionally, the Sponsor Liaison participates in preparing scripts and slide shows for large-group gatherings. The peak busy period for this position runs from December through February, when the workload is driven by strict deadlines and the need to troubleshoot time-sensitive inquiries. Click here to learn more about the position.
The Sponsor Operations Coordinator is responsible for the administrative management and logistical coordination of the NGLA Sponsorship Program. Key responsibilities include onboarding NGLA Sponsors, including associated communications and resources; supporting logistics for sponsored non-educational programs via the NGLA Program Planner; and managing the “Sponsor Tracker” to monitor the status of benefit fulfillment for each agreement. This person serves as an on-site resource for NGLA Sponsors at the NGLA Annual Conference and ensures that physical and digital marketing materials are executed in accordance with their plans. Additionally, the Sponsor Operations Coordinator leads the implementation of information related to the NGLA Sponsorship in the event management mobile app and participates in preparing scripts and slideshows for large-group gatherings. The peak busy period for this position runs from December through February, when the workload is driven by strict deadlines and the need to troubleshoot time-sensitive inquiries. Click here to learn more about the position. Click here to learn more about the position.
The Student Staff Chair is responsible for recruiting, selecting, training, and supervising the volunteer Student Staff Team that provides essential operational support during the NGLA Annual Conference. Key duties include creating and managing the selection process for the Student Staff Team, including the Captain; coordinating the team’s shift schedules in collaboration with the Conference Committee; and supporting on-site logistics, such as session room management, evening rounds, and attendance tracking. The peak busy periods for this position occur in October through November and again in January through February. During the fall, the Chair must manage a high volume of applications and conduct interviews to finalize the team. In the winter, the workload intensifies with the creation of complex shift schedules, the development and facilitation of training, and the direct management of the student team during the event’s 24-hour operations. Click here to learn more about the position.
Remote-Only Positions with Complimentary Registration to 2027 NGLA
The Remote-Only Positions are not required to volunteer at NGLA events and are eligible to apply for NGLA Scholarships. The estimated time commitment ranges from 10 hours total to 10+ hours per month. The Monthly Task Summary in the detailed Volunteer Team Position Overview (viewable by clicking a link in each position description) is subject to change.
The CompReg Positions are not required to volunteer at NGLA events. This position is invited to participate in the upcoming NGLA Annual Conference with complimentary registration (excluding lodging and travel).
The NGLA Ambassador Chair plays a pivotal position in expanding the reach and impact of NGLA by leading the NGLA Ambassadors. This person spearheads initiatives to broaden participation in NGLA programs – specifically the NGLA Annual Conference – by cultivating relationships with campus professionals, students, and headquarters staff. The Chair thrives in a high-connection environment and is responsible for recruiting, training, and supervising the NGLA Ambassadors. The peak busy periods for the NGLA Ambassador Chair are between July and February, aligning with the recruitment of the Ambassador cohort and the primary promotion window for the NGLA Annual Conference. Click here to learn more about the position.
The Assessment Chair is responsible for designing, implementing, and analyzing all organizational assessment and feedback mechanisms to support continuous improvement. Key duties span three major areas: collaborating on the design of the NGLA Awards rubric, managing the annual Volunteer Cycle Assessment, and, most critically, designing and executing the NGLA Annual Conference Feedback process. The peak busy period for the Assessment Chair is concentrated in March and April. This peak is defined by the close of the Conference Feedback Survey (late February/early March), followed by intensive data collection, analysis, report creation, and the presentation of findings for both the Conference and Volunteer Cycle Assessments. The beginning of the year (July-November) focuses on foundational planning and system design, while the end of the year (May-June) involves final reporting and transition. Click here to learn more about the position.
The Awards Chair is responsible for the overall execution and management of the organization’s annual awards program, overseeing the entire cycle from initial planning through selection, presentation, and post-event documentation. Key duties include defining and updating award criteria, managing the application launch, recruiting and coordinating the selection committee, and leading the final distribution of awards. The peak busy period for the Awards Chair is concentrated in late January and throughout February, as this time involves the critical and time-sensitive tasks of closing the application forms (typically mid-to-late January), managing the application review and selection process, formally notifying all applicants, and coordinating the logistics for the physical distribution and presentation of awards plaques at the NGLA Annual Conference. Click here to learn more about the position.
The Communications Coordinator collaborates with the NGLA Team and external marketing support vendors to prepare publications, guides, and strategic resources shared with the NGLA community. This dynamic position is responsible for the Association’s content management, including creating new copy and proofreading established content to ensure brand consistency. The Coordinator serves as a primary steward of the “NGLA Voice,” translating complex organizational goals into engaging narratives for newsletters, reports, and announcements. The peak busy period for this position occurs from October through January, driven by the high volume of recruitment campaigns (Awards, Scholarships, Student Staff) and the preparation of the NGLA Annual Report required for 501(c)3 compliance. The Communications Coordinator works most closely with the Marketing Team to sync the vision and timing of announcements, including messages to attendees of NGLA events. Click here to learn more about the position.
The Business Analyst partners with the Operations Manager to drive the Association’s documentation and process improvement initiatives. This position is responsible for documenting complex workflows, policies, and procedures while identifying opportunities for operational efficiency that align with NGLA’s strategic initiatives. Additionally, the Business Analyst provides critical support to the Assessment Program, assisting in the development of the internal NGLA Annual Conference Report and the external-facing NGLA Annual Report. This person collaborates with NGLA Volunteer Team members to develop position-transition materials, ensuring institutional knowledge is preserved and accessible across the team. The peak busy periods for this position occur in two phases: June and July, during the year-end reporting and transition cycle; and January through March, during the intensive preparation and evaluation phases of the NGLA Annual Conference. Click here to learn more about the position.
The Graphic Designer is a vital member of the NGLA Marketing Team, leading the creation of visual content that promotes the NGLA brand and programs across digital platforms. This position focuses on designing engaging, accessible, and brand-aligned graphics to support marketing initiatives throughout the year. The Graphic Designer collaborates closely with all functional areas of the NGLA Volunteer Team. Key responsibilities include designing campaign graphics (e.g., calls for programs, registration, awards), organizational branding assets (e.g., Zoom backgrounds), and promotional content for platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn. The Graphic Designer also plays a critical role in capturing NGLA events by developing the “shot list” for volunteer and professional photographers/videographers, preparing designs of physical and digital signage, and event management mobile app assets. Click here to learn more about the position.
The NGLA Membership Coordinator is responsible for end-to-end management of the NGLA Membership Program and serves as the primary liaison between member institutions, the Association, and the membership platform support team. This role is multi-faceted: it focuses on executing the current membership cycle – including managing the membership platform, auditing records, and overseeing financial reconciliation – while also providing strategic input on program design and offerings. The NGLA Membership Coordinator will work closely with the Executive Director to ensure the program aligns with NGLA’s long-term goals and the Operations Manager to implement platform logistics. By gathering member feedback and analyzing trends, this person will help shape the future of the NGLA Membership Program. The peak busy periods for this position are heavily concentrated in July, December, January, and February. The workload involves managing high volumes of data throughout the year. Click here to learn more about the position.
The Public Relations Chair contributes to and implements NGLA’s year-round social media strategy to promote Association initiatives and engage the community across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn. This role is a primary architect of the NGLA content calendar, ensuring that promotional materials (countdowns, testimonials, and reminders) are executed consistently with the brand. Key duties include collaborating with the Graphic Designer for visual assets, monitoring platform interactions, and reporting community concerns to the Director of Marketing & Partnerships. The PR Chair also plays a critical role in capturing NGLA events by developing the “shot list” for volunteer and professional photographers/videographers. The peak busy period for this role is October through February, aligning with the heavy recruitment cycle for Student Staff, Awards, and Registration, culminating in the remote management of conference highlights. Click here to learn more about the position.
The Program Coordinator is responsible for overseeing, selecting, and scheduling all NGLA educational content that occurs outside the NGLA Annual Conference. Educational programming includes “The Conversation” and virtual educational programming. The Coordinator also serves as a key member of the Educational Programming Selection Committee to ensure a consistent curriculum across all NGLA platforms. The peak busy periods for the Program Coordinator are August through December (planning phase) and April through June (execution of “The Conversation”). Click here to learn more about the position.
The Project Coordinator partners with the Operations Manager to develop and maintain comprehensive project plans for NGLA. This position is essential to the successful execution of NGLA initiatives, serving as a central monitor for project plans in conjunction with the NGLA Volunteer Leads. The Project Coordinator contributes to organizational documentation, prepares detailed progress reports, and ensures project status is clearly communicated to leadership and stakeholders. The Project Coordinator works most closely with the Operations Manager to refine Asana structures and workflows. They also maintain constant communication with the NGLA Volunteer Leads to ensure tasks are progressing as scheduled. Additionally, they collaborate with the Volunteer Leadership Team (VLT) to provide visibility into project health and resource allocation, ensuring that diverse stakeholder groups remain aligned with the Association’s strategic goals. The peak busy periods for this position occur in July and August during the annual planning phase, and from December through March during the final execution and post-conference reporting cycle. Click here to learn more about the position.
The Project Specialist partners with the Operations Manager to provide targeted project support and administrative infrastructure for NGLA’s educational initiatives and organizational workflows. While the Operations Manager focuses on high-level master planning, the Project Specialist focuses on executing and optimizing specific project components. This position is responsible for identifying innovative ways to streamline recurring tasks and supporting the implementation of project goals. This year’s strategic projects include, but are not limited to, implementing a new event management platform and supporting preparations to host the first NGLA Annual Conference in Boston, MA. The Project Specialist also works closely with the Operations Manager and Project Coordinator to maintain the integrity of NGLA’s project management systems. This position is from June to July with a consistent workload throughout the year. Click here to learn more about the position.
The Scholarship Chair is responsible for the administration and oversight of the organization’s scholarship program, which supports student, professional, and institutional attendance at the NGLA Annual Conference. Key responsibilities include managing the “Call for Scholarships” process, developing tools for a rubric-based selection process, leading the Scholarship Committee in selecting recipients, and overseeing the logistical follow-through for registration and fund distribution. The peak busy period for this position occurs between November and February. In November and December, the Chair manages the high-volume application phase and promotional outreach. Workload intensifies significantly in January and February as the Chair facilitates the review process, notifies recipients, and ensures all scholarship winners successfully register and secure housing before conference deadlines. Click here to learn more about the position.
The Website Manager is responsible for the maintenance, updating, and technical integrity of the organization’s WordPress website. This position serves as a critical communication hub, ensuring that all conference-related information—ranging from registration and hotel details to award applications and speaker bios—is accurate and accessible on the NGLA website. Key duties include managing the home page widgets, updating landing pages for major milestones, and ensuring all external links (registration, Whova, etc.) are functional. The peak busy period for this position is from November through February. In November, the workload is driven by the launch of conference registration and award applications. From January to February, the position requires frequent, time-sensitive updates to home page widgets and the “NGLA Village” (Sponsorship) pages as deadlines pass and the focus shifts to on-site logistics and future event dates. Click here to learn more about the position.
Remote-Only Committee Positions
The Remote-Only Positions are not required to volunteer at NGLA events and are eligible to apply for NGLA Scholarships. The estimated time commitment ranges from 10 hours total to 10+ hours per month. The Monthly Task Summary in the detailed Volunteer Team Position Overview (viewable by clicking a link in each position description) is subject to change.
The Committee Positions indicate more than one person will be appointed to the position.
The NGLA Ambassadors are the “face” of NGLA within their respective regions and networks. They collaborate with the Ambassador Chair to spearhead initiatives that broaden participation in NGLA programs. This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy networking, cultivating new relationships, and managing multiple connections simultaneously to drive engagement and conference attendance. The peak busy period for NGLA Ambassadors is from September through February, aligning with the primary recruitment and registration window for the NGLA Annual Conference. Click here to learn more about the position.
The Assessment Committee supports the Association’s comprehensive assessment efforts, including evaluations of educational, sponsor, and volunteer experiences. Reporting directly to the Assessment Chair, the committee collaborates with various stakeholders to ensure that organizational programming aligns with strategic initiatives. The committee’s work is essential for translating raw feedback into actionable insights. The peak busy period occurs in March and April, immediately following the NGLA Annual Conference, when the volume of qualitative and quantitative data requires intensive cleaning, thematic analysis, and synthesis into formal reports for the Board of Directors. The committee works closely with the Assessment Chair to execute the strategic vision and reporting structures for the year. They collaborate with the Association leadership to evaluate the volunteer lifecycle, with the Sponsorship Team to measure the exhibitor experience, and with the Conference Leadership Team to ensure that educational sessions and event logistics are effectively measured against attendee expectations. Click here to learn more about the position.
The Awards Judge assists with the high-stakes selection of NGLA Awards recipients. Reporting directly to the Awards Chair, the Judge is responsible for conducting objective, rubric-based reviews of NGLA Awards applications to support recipient selection and provide constructive feedback to help applicants improve future submissions. The peak busy period occurs in late January and early February. This phase requires Judges to work autonomously and under strict deadlines to complete application reviews after the submission forms close in mid-January, ensuring that the Awards Chair has the necessary data to announce recipients in time for the NGLA Annual Conference. Success in this position relies on high-level coordination with the Awards Chair, who serves as the Volunteer Lead and provides the evaluation rubrics and submission batches. The Judge collaborates indirectly with the broader Recognition & Engagement Team by ensuring the integrity of the selection process, which directly impacts the organization’s flagship recognition event. Click here to learn more about the position.
The Educational Programming Selection Committee assists with the critical evaluation and selection of educational content for the NGLA Annual Conference. Reporting directly to the Educational Programming Chair, the committee is responsible for performing objective, rubric-based reviews of program proposals to help curate a diverse and high-quality educational curriculum. Beyond selection, the committee provides constructive feedback to help applicants improve their proposals for future cycles. The peak busy period occurs in September and October, following the close of the “Call for Programs.” During this time, committee members must work autonomously and meet strict deadlines to ensure the Educational Programming Chair can finalize the conference tracks and notify applicants by the fall deadline. While the work is primarily internal to the Education team, the committee’s output directly shapes the attendee experience and the confirmed session data needed for association programming. Click here to learn more about the position.
The Scholarship Committee assists in selecting recipients for NGLA scholarships, which support student, professional, and institutional attendance at the NGLA Annual Conference. Reporting directly to the Scholarship Chair, the committee is responsible for conducting objective, rubric-based reviews of scholarship applications and providing feedback to inform final selections. The peak busy period occurs in late January and early February. Following the close of the application, committee members must work autonomously to complete high-volume application reviews under strict deadlines, ensuring recipients are notified in time to meet conference registration and housing milestones. While the committee’s work is primarily focused on the selection phase, their timely evaluations are critical to the Registration Team, as scholarship recipients must be cleared to register for the conference by mid-February. Click here to learn more about the position.