Job Application Advice for Candidates with an International Education Perspective:

If you’re interested in applying for the International Risk Manager position at Iowa State University, it’s important to emphasize your expertise in global safety, international education, and risk management in a way that resonates with the university’s mission to offer transformative global opportunities. Here are some tips to guide your application process:

1. Highlight Experience with International Education:

– Emphasize any work you’ve done in supporting study abroad programs, international partnerships, or global research projects, especially if you’ve contributed to their safety, risk management, or compliance strategies. If you’ve worked in diverse cultural or international settings, be sure to frame this as a strength in your application.
– Showcase a strong understanding of challenges students, faculty, and staff might face while traveling abroad and your ability to create strategies to mitigate such risks.

2. Focus on Crisis Management and Safety Protocols:

– Detail your experience in developing and implementing comprehensive safety protocols and how those protocols kept people safe in international environments. Maybe you’ve managed medical, political, or natural disaster crises abroad – this is your chance to show how you excel in handling emergencies in challenging cross-cultural or international contexts.
– Explain your ability to lead incident responses, including coordination with international partners, government agencies, or other stakeholders.

3. Demonstrate Your Knowledge of International Compliance:

– Showcase your familiarity with legal frameworks and compliance requirements relevant to international travel, such as U.S. State Department travel advisories, Clery Act regulations, or FERPA in the context of study abroad. Be specific about how you’ve ensured compliance in your past roles.

4. Leverage Your Multilingual or Multicultural Skills:

– If you’re multilingual or have extensive experience working across cultures, make sure this is included in your application. This role requires occasional international travel, so being adept at communicating across cultural and linguistic boundaries is a valuable asset.

5. Use Quantifiable Achievements:

– Share specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your success in managing international programs or risks. For instance, “Developed and implemented international risk protocols, reducing program incidents by X% in X years” makes a meaningful impact.

6. Tailor Your Cover Letter Thoughtfully:

– Clearly articulate why you’re passionate about global education and why Iowa State University’s commitment to providing transformative international experiences aligns with your goals. Use the cover letter to tell a compelling story about your contributions to international risk management.

7. Mention Collaborative Leadership Skills:

– This role requires working with various stakeholders, including faculty, students, university leadership, and external partners. Highlight your ability to build relationships internationally, strengthen collaboration, and lead diverse teams with empathy.

8. Be Open About Your Willingness to Travel:

– Since the job involves occasional international travel, explicitly state your excitement and readiness to travel, ensuring you approach this with a mindset of flexibility and adaptability.

Additional Information:

• Salary/Pay Grade: The position is listed at the PS810 pay grade, so research the university’s pay structure to ensure your expectations align.
• Location: While based in Ames at Iowa State University, the global nature of this position requires adaptability and an understanding of the university’s reputation and goals in international education.
• Closing Date: Submit your application by September 13, 2025. It’s always a good idea to apply early to demonstrate enthusiasm and proactive planning.

Pair Your Application with Networking:

• Reach out to the hiring committee or professionals in similar roles at Iowa State University to express your interest and learn more about the university’s global programs. Building a connection (even indirect) may give your application additional visibility.

Final Step – Reflect the University’s Values:

• Iowa State University emphasizes intellectual development and promoting global citizenship. Your resume and cover letter should reflect how your experience, values, and vision align with these goals in the context of international risk management.

Good luck tailoring your application to this exciting and impactful opportunity!