Talent Management Specialist

Reporting to the Sr. Associate Director of Employee & Labor Relations, the Talent Management Specialist plays a critical role in fostering a positive and productive work environment. This position is responsible for managing a wide range of employee and labor relations matters, supporting the University's performance management and oversight of recruitment efforts. The Talent Management Specialist works closely with the HR Client Services team and partners with supervisors, managers, and staff across the University to ensure effective human resources practices, policy compliance, and talent acquisition strategies. The Talent Management Specialist serves as a collaborative partner across HR functions and contributes to a service-oriented team culture.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Serves as a first point of contact for managers and employees on talent acquisition matters, workplace concerns, University policies, and best practices in employee relations.
• Serves as the subject matter expert for the University's Applicant Tracking System (PeopleAdmin), providing training to hiring managers, ensuring compliance with internal procedures, and coordinating and implementing system enhancements to improve functionality and user experience.
• Coordinates the posting of all positions in the Applicant Tracking System (PeopleAdmin), partnering with hiring managers to review and enhance job descriptions for accuracy, clarity, and competitiveness to effectively attract qualified candidates.
• Manages full-cycle recruitment for L 153 Union and assigned administrative positions, including candidate screening, pre-employment testing, interview coordination, reference checks, and extending offers.
• Supports workplace investigations, prepares documentation and recommendations, and ensures appropriate follow-up and resolution.
• Provides coaching and guidance to supervisors on managing performance, conducting difficult conversations, and addressing behavioral or performance concerns.Collaborates with HR leadership to develop and implement employee engagement strategies that enhance retention, morale, and organizational culture.
• Assists in the design and implementation of performance review processes, including training and consultation with managers and employees.
• Partners with HR leadership to develop and deliver training on sexual harassment prevention, Title IX, effective performance management, respectful workplace practices, and other related topics.
• Oversees temporary staffing requests, agencies, and needs.
• Manages the Talent Acquisition inbox, ensuring timely responses and resolutions to internal and external inquiries.
• Participates in recruiting events such as job fairs to promote University employment opportunities.
• Oversees unemployment claims administration for the University to include processing claims, reviewing monthly charges, responding to inquiries, preparing internal reports and auditing unemployment claims on a monthly basis
• Assists with HR projects and process improvement initiatives as needed.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum 3-5 years of progressive human resources generalist experience, preferably with a focus on employee relations and recruitment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and resolve complex employee relations matters.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build trust and credibility across all levels of the organization.
• Proficient with applicant tracking systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with a high degree of attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Customer-service orientation with a collaborative and proactive approach to problem solving.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in higher education or other mission-driven, service-focused settings preferred.
• Knowledge of PeopleAdmin ATS and Ellucian Banner systems.
• Experience developing job descriptions and recruitment strategies in competitive markets.
• Training in conflict resolution, performance coaching, or employee engagement strategies.
• Familiarity with EEO, ADA, and other employment-related compliance requirements.