Talent Acquisition Specialist

Position Overview

Metropolitan State University of Denver is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. The Talent Acquisition Specialist will lead and support full-cycle recruitment efforts, collaborate with hiring managers, and enhance employer branding to attract top talent aligned with the university’s strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement efficient and effective recruiting methods and talent acquisition strategies tailored to each role and aligned to MSU Denver’s strategic goals; continuously evaluate and refine methods to meet evolving organizational needs and industry standards.
• Develop strategies to ensure the university attracts, hires, and retains top talent, including participating in employer branding initiatives, career recruitment events, and promoting MSU Denver as Colorado’s most desired place of employment as part of Pillar V of the 2030 Strategic Plan.
• Lead process improvement discussions and initiatives to align recruitment practices with industry standards and university objectives, offering input on system enhancements and workflow efficiencies for a better candidate and hiring manager experience.
• Assist hiring managers, search committees, candidates, and HR colleagues with troubleshooting recruitment issues in Workday (HRIS system), providing timely and effective solutions to ensure smooth hiring processes.
• Collaborate with departments to review and update job descriptions, ensuring qualifications and responsibilities accurately reflect each role, and support hiring managers in creating inclusive and compelling job postings; develop and implement behavioral-based interviews aligned with the leadership competency framework.
• Source and recruit candidates using platforms such as Workday, LinkedIn, Indeed, and HigherEdJobs, engaging both active and passive candidates to maintain a robust talent pipeline.
• Provide full search assistance including resume review, initial interview screening, candidate communication, and scheduling to ensure a seamless recruitment process.
• Assist with executive-level searches by coordinating with internal stakeholders and external search firms, partnering with HR colleagues and university leadership during in-house executive searches.
• Maintain candidate data and records in compliance with state, federal, and institutional regulations, ensuring all recruitment activities adhere to the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and related laws.
• 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.
• Deliver training and guidance to hiring managers and search committees on equitable and compliant recruitment practices, conducting search trainings and offering individualized support as needed.
• Assist Senior Business Partners as a backup in talent acquisition processes, stepping in as necessary to support continuity of talent functions.
• Manage relationships with third-party advertising vendors such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and the Chronicle of Higher Education, ensuring advertising strategies are cost-effective, targeted, and aligned with the university's employer branding goals.
• Assist in developing and executing advertising campaigns to promote open positions and elevate MSU Denver’s visibility in alignment with Pillar V of the 2030 Strategic Plan, collaborating with Marketing and Communications to ensure consistent messaging and branding.
• Create recruitment visuals and promotional materials in compliance with MSU Denver’s brand guidelines using tools such as Adobe Creative Cloud to support outreach efforts and enhance candidate interest.
• Contribute to employer branding initiatives that support the university’s strategic goals by partnering with internal stakeholders to develop narratives and campaigns that reflect MSU Denver’s values and culture.
• Coordinate with Payroll and relevant departments to consolidate invoices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience (with two years of experience equating to one year of education).
• Previous experience managing or leading full-cycle recruitment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and searches with confidentiality.
• Proven experience engaging with prospective candidates, relationship building, and customer service.
• Experience with an HRIS system.
• Experience working in a Human Resources office within Higher Education.
• Ability to analyze and evaluate job postings and write effective job descriptions.
• Proficiency with Workday.
• Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud.
• Proficiency in using LinkedIn Recruiter.
• Understanding of the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and strong commitment to confidentiality.

Benefits & Perks

• Medical
• Vision and Dental
• Free RTD pass
• Tuition reimbursement
• Life and supplemental insurance plans
• Retirement plans
• Long-term disability (LTD) plan