Talent and Engagement Specialist

Overview

The Talent and Engagement Specialist plays a key role in building the people power that drives our mission. This position leads full-cycle recruitment and onboarding efforts while overseeing volunteer engagement across the Association. From candidate experience to employee engagement, data analytics to community partnerships, this role strengthens our workforce and volunteer pipelines to ensure the YMCA remains a safe, welcoming, and high-performing organization.

• Associate’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field required;
  Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• At least one year of HR and/or recruiting experience strongly preferred.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Analytical skills with proficiency in Excel and experience using data to drive decisions.
• Ability to influence and collaborate with leaders at all levels.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and the YMCA mission.

• Lead Talent Acquisition
  • Manage the full recruitment cycle, including posting positions, screening applicants, coordinating interviews, and supporting hiring managers to ensure timely and effective staffing.
  • Deliver an exceptional candidate experience through responsive communication and streamlined processes that position the YMCA as an employer of choice.
• Oversee Employee Onboarding and Engagement
  • Coordinate the onboarding process, including offer documentation, background checks, new hire paperwork, and orientation facilitation to ensure a smooth and welcoming transition for employees.
  • Enhance employee engagement through participation in the Culture Committee and providing routine employee relations support. Serve as the Learning Champion through management of the LMS system.
• Drive Workforce Insights
  • Develop and analyze human capital dashboards and metrics to identify trends, support leadership decision-making, and promote continuous improvement in HR practices.
• Lead Volunteer Engagement
  • Oversee the Association’s volunteer program, including application management, placement support, record maintenance, and reporting to ensure meaningful and compliant engagement.
  • Build and sustain community partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and local organizations to strengthen volunteer pipelines and expand YMCA visibility.
• Ensure Compliance & Safety
  • Monitor employment and volunteer regulations to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local requirements.
  • Administer background screenings and safeguarding processes to uphold YMCA abuse prevention standards and maintain a safe environment for all.

• Accountability:
  Takes ownership of work outcomes and consistently meets commitments with minimal supervision. Proactively identifies and corrects mistakes, communicates progress and challenges, and ensures responsibilities are fulfilled accurately and on time. Holds self and others to high standards of performance to ensure organizational goals are achieved.
• Collaboration:
  
  Works cooperatively with colleagues and managers by sharing information, seeking input, and supporting shared goals; contributes actively to team solutions.
• Customer-Focused:
  Anticipates and responds to the needs of candidates, employees, managers, and volunteers; delivers timely, service-oriented solutions that enhance their experience.
• Communication:
  Communicates clearly and professionally, tailoring messages to different audiences; asks clarifying questions and confirms understanding to ensure accuracy.
• Prioritization / Multi-Tasking:
  Manages multiple responsibilities simultaneously, organizes workload effectively, and adjusts priorities in response to changing needs.
• Urgency:
  Acts promptly on time-sensitive tasks, meets deadlines consistently, and takes initiative to move processes forward without sacrificing accuracy.
• Relationship-Building:
  Builds trust and rapport with internal and external partners by demonstrating professionalism, empathy, and follow-through; maintains productive long-term relationships.