Phone/Zoom screener Flashcards
Tell us about your background, particularly in higher ed?
9 years at C, 8 at E
Started as a web administrator, became mag editor, and social media director and admissions and editorial photographer.
E is a college that was about 20% international when I was there, and they probably made up about half of the stories we put out because they were such great students.
What interests you about this position?
- the mission, working with international students again
- impact on individuals
- fulfilling work is challenging, meaningful work
- feel like i can do more, feel like I am doing about 50% of what I do well
Why do you want to work for our organization? What attracted you to this particular role?
I know that KU International Affairs plays a vital role in promoting global engagement and supporting international students, faculty, and programs. Your emphasis on collaboration and innovation aligns with my values and expertise.
Tell me about your most recent role and responsibilities.
What are your greatest strengths?
Why are you looking for a new position right now?
I feel like I have more to offer. I love what I do now and the people there, but I am seeking a job where I can contribute more and do more that is in line with my capabilities.
What do you know about our organization/department?
Can you walk me through your experience in strategic communications and how it aligns with this role?
I have over 20 of experience in strategic communications, with a strong background in public relations, marketing, and digital content strategy. My expertise includes crafting multi-channel messaging that aligns with institutional goals and strengthens brand identity.
How have you managed internal and external communications in previous roles? What are the keys to doing this well?
- Ensure consistent messaging.
- Understand audience needs.
- Practice proactive transparency. (What does that mean?Actively sharing information and updates with stakeholders before issues arise or questions are asked. It involves anticipating concerns, providing clear explanations about decision-making processes, and openly communicating both successes and challenges to build trust and maintain accountability.)
- Align departmental communications.
- Tailor messages for engagement. (means customizing your communication to resonate with diverse audiences such as international students)
- Build trust in crises.
- Coordinate with campus partners.
- Use diverse channels.
- Strengthen internal and external reputation.
What interests you about this position and IA?
I am excited about this role because I am passionate about global engagement and international education, and I see communications as a powerful tool for advancing the university’s internationalization efforts.
Can you share an example of a strategic communications plan you developed? What were the key components, and how did you measure success?
- Set clear global goals.
- Identify key audiences.
- Craft consistent compelling messages.
- Use multi-channel outreach.
- Emphasize authentic storytelling.
Have you worked within an established institutional brand? How did you ensure consistency across different departments and communication channels?
- Centralize communications strategy.
- Set clear style guidelines.
- Hold regular meetings.
- Train teams consistently.
How would you communicate the impact of internationalization efforts to stakeholders who may not immediately see its value?
- Craft key international messages.
- Create content showcasing impact.
- Share global success stories.
- Engage campus and community.
- Coordinate messaging with stakeholders.
Can you provide an example of a press release or major publication you’ve worked on?
Have you managed social media strategies for an organization? What platforms have you used, and how did you engage the audience?
What is your experience with working with media outlets and handling press inquiries?
Have you led a team or supervised staff? How do you support and develop those you supervise?
How have you worked across multiple departments or with various stakeholders to execute a communications initiative?
This role involves working with several units of the university, and academic unit communicators. How do you ensure effective collaboration across different units?
Can you describe a time when you had to manage a large communication project with multiple contributors? How did you keep things on track?
This role involves crisis communication, particularly related to international events. Have you handled crisis communications before? If so, can you walk us through an example?
- Death of a student
- Death of a staff member
- Tabletop exercises of all crisis task members
- All publicly available COVID communication
How do you prioritize and manage competing deadlines, especially when multiple units require communication support?
Not everything that is urgent is important. What most important and urgent? is the questions I’d ask. If that we’re unclear, I think it would wise to talk to others and my boss seeking clarification.
What experience do you have with web management and CMS platforms like Drupal?
Started in higher education as a web administrator, so everything from content to governance to training to working with the content management system. I’ve worked extensively with WordPress and Drupal.
Have you used Adobe software like Illustrator, Photoshop, or InDesign for communications projects?
Yes, daily user of Adobe software for many years.
How do you approach email marketing, newsletters, and analytics in a communications strategy?
This role requires engaging with diverse stakeholders, including international students, faculty, and global partners. Can you share an experience where you worked with international or diverse communities?
interviews
program coordinators
admissions personnel
stories
How would you ensure that IA’s communications are inclusive and resonate with a global audience?
Highlight diverse global perspectives
Adapt messaging for cultural sensitivity
Engage international communities actively
Utilize multiple communication channels
Why are international experiences transformational?
They challenge individuals to
- step outside their comfort zones,
- engage with diverse perspectives
- develop intercultural communication skills,
- and gain firsthand experience in global problem-solving.
They foster
- personal growth, adaptability, and a deeper understanding of the world,
- ultimately shaping more open-minded, skilled, and globally competent individuals.
What are the most important considerations for crisis communications?
- Verify facts, respond quickly.
- Protect privacy, show sensitivity (family).
- Coordinate with key stakeholders.
- Ensure clear, consistent messaging.
- Demonstrate empathy and action.
What crisis communications have you been a part of?
- Death of a student
- Death of a staff member
- Tabletop meetings of all crisis task members
- All publicly available COVID communication
What do you excel at?
Following through. Understanding what needs to be delivered and what the creative concept should be, and then going out and doing it. Setting people up to succeed.
Tell us what you know about KUIA
1700 students
7 percent of overall students
3.5 percent of undergrads
nearly 20% of graduate students
5 area studies centers
