Talent Acquisition Specialist

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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.

• 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, Linked In, Indeed, and Higher Ed Jobs . 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Manage relationships with third‑party advertising vendors such as Linked In, 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…