"Talent Acquisition Specialist"

Talent Acquisition Specialist

Metropolitan State University of Denver

Department: Human Resources - Talent Management

Position Summary

This position exists to lead and support full-cycle recruitment efforts at MSU Denver, ensuring the attraction and hiring of top talent aligned with the university's strategic goals. The Talent Acquisition Specialist collaborates with hiring managers, HR colleagues, and external partners to develop and execute effective sourcing strategies, enhance employer branding, and ensure compliance with employment laws. This role plays a key part in promoting MSU Denver as an employer of choice and contributes to a positive candidate experience and inclusive hiring practices.

The talent acquisition and recruitment responsibilities for this position include conducting intake conversations, proactively sourcing and posting job openings, screening resumes, conducting interviews, recommending candidates for advancement, attending career events, and maintaining communication with candidates throughout recruitment lifecycle.

In addition to managing daily recruitment activities, the Talent Acquisition Specialist will contribute to strategic initiatives such as process enhancement, data-driven decision-making, and workforce planning. This role requires a proactive approach to developing talent pipelines by leveraging technology, utilizing data-informed strategies, and fostering strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to promote a sense of community.

By aligning talent acquisition efforts with the university's CADRE values and Strategic Plan, this position supports the development of a diverse and high-performing workforce that advances MSU Denver's mission and vision.

Responsibilities

Talent Acquisition

• Implement efficient and effective recruiting methods and talent acquisition strategies tailored to each role and aligned with MSU Denver's strategic goals. Continuously evaluate and refine these methods to ensure they meet evolving organizational needs and industry standards.
• Develop strategies to ensure MSU Denver attracts, hires, and retains top talent. This includes participating in employer branding initiatives, participating in career recruitment events, and promoting the university as Colorado's most desired place of employment in alignment with Pillar V of the 2030 Strategic Plan.
• Lead process improvement discussions and initiatives to align recruitment practices with industry standards and university objectives. Provide input on system enhancements and workflow efficiencies to improve the experience for candidates and hiring managers.
• Assist hiring managers, search committees, candidates, and HR colleagues with troubleshooting recruitment issues in Workday (HRIS system). Provide timely and effective solutions to ensure smooth hiring processes.
• Collaborate with departments to review and update job descriptions, ensuring that qualifications and responsibilities accurately reflect the role and its level. Support hiring managers in creating inclusive and compelling job postings that attract a diverse pool of candidates. Create, develop and implement behavioral based interviews aligned with our leadership competency framework.
• Source and recruit candidates using platforms such as Workday, LinkedIn, Indeed, and HigherEdJobs. Engage both active and passive candidates to build relationships and maintain a robust pipeline of talent.
• Provide full search assistance including resume review, initial interview screening, candidate communication, and scheduling. Ensure a seamless experience for candidates and hiring teams throughout the entire recruitment process.
• Assist with executive-level searches by coordinating with internal stakeholders and external search firms. Partner with HR colleagues and university leadership to facilitate the entire search process when executive searches are managed in-house.

Compliance with University, State Policies and Employment Law

• Maintain candidate data and records in compliance with state, federal, and institutional regulations. Ensure all recruitment activities adhere to the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act (EPEWA) and other applicable laws.

Collaboration and Customer Service

• Provide outstanding customer service to applicants, search committees, and internal stakeholders by responding promptly to inquiries and offering clear, informative coaching and guidance throughout the recruitment lifecycle.
• Provide training and guidance to hiring managers and search committees on equitable and compliant recruitment practices. Conduct search trainings and offer individualized support to ensure all participants have a clear understanding of the recruitment processes.
• Assist Senior Business Partners as a backup in talent acquisition processes; step in as necessary to ensure continuity and support talent functions.

Position Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage relationships with third-party advertising vendors such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and the Chronicle of Higher Education. Ensure advertising strategies are cost-effective, targeted, and aligned with MSU Denver's employer branding goals.
• Assist in the development and execution of advertising campaigns to promote open positions and elevate MSU Denver's visibility in alignment with Pilar V of the 2030 Strategic Plan. Collaborate with Marketing and Communications to ensure messaging is consistent and aligned with branding guidelines.
• Create recruitment visuals and promotional materials in compliance with MSU Denver's brand guidelines. Use tools such as Adobe Creative Cloud to design content that supports outreach efforts and enhances candidate interest.
• Contribute to employer branding initiatives that support the university's strategic goals, including those outlined in Pillar V of the 2030 Strategic Plan. Partner with internal stakeholders to develop narratives and campaigns that reflect MSU Denver's values and culture.
• Coordinating with Payroll and departments for consolidating invoices.
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience (2 years of experience equals one year of education)
• Previous experience managing or leading full cycle recruitment
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and searches with confidentiality
• Previous experience engaging with prospective candidates, relationship building, and customer service.
• Experience with an HRIS system

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a Human Resources office in Higher Education
• Experience analyzing and evaluating job postings and writing effective job descriptions
• Experience with Workday
• Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud
• Experience using LinkedIn Recruiter
• Experience with Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and experience with confidentiality

Skills

• Advanced knowledge of full-cycle recruiting and sourcing strategies.
• Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Proficiency in Workday and Microsoft Office Suite.

Salary for Announcement

The anticipated hiring range is $65,462.50 - $72,736.00. This position is paid monthly and is eligible for MSU Denver benefits.

Instructions to Apply

For full consideration, please submit the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover letter describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position

Professional references and their contact information will be requested from the finalist/s. At least one reference provided must be a supervisor (either current or former).

Official transcripts may be required of the candidate selected for hire.

Deadline

Applications accepted until position filled; priority given to applications received by Tuesday, December 2, 2025.

Schedule Information

Full-time, 40 hours per week
Exempt
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Evenings and Weekend Work: Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for career fairs or recruitment events.
Schedule: Hybrid schedule requiring 3 days in person 2 days remote work
Travel: Rarely; Some local travel may be needed for recruitment events and career fairs

Posting Representative: Sophia J Montano
Posting Representative Email: smontan7@msudenver.edu

To apply, please visit: https://msudenver.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/MSUDenver/job/Denver-Colorado/Talent-Acquisition-Specialist_JR104719