Talent Acquisition and Training Lead

Introduction

Are you an experienced Human Resources professional who enjoys solving problems, developing people, and finding better ways to attract and support a talented workforce? The City of New Haven is seeking a Talent Acquisition and Training Lead to join our Human Resources team in a dynamic, hands‑on role that extends well beyond traditional recruitment. This position works across a broad range of HR functions, including talent acquisition, Civil Service recruitment and testing, job analysis and classification, employee training and development, employee relations, workplace investigations, and manager coaching.

The successful candidate will be a resourceful and adaptable HR professional who can independently manage complex assignments, build effective partnerships, apply sound judgment, and develop practical, cost‑conscious solutions in a fast‑paced public‑sector environment. We are looking for someone who brings substantial professional HR experience, strong communication and relationship‑building skills, and an interest in using data, technology, and evolving HR practices to improve how we recruit, develop, and support the City’s workforce.

This is professional level work in the administration and operation of human resource management programs critical to the fulfillment of departmental goals and objectives. Incumbent will be expected to perform or manage functions and/or activities of a variety of specialty areas including but not limited to administering compliance programs, training, recruitment, merit system testing, classification, investigations, and other human resource related programs as the department determines important to implement based on industry trends and forecasted priorities.

Work is performed under the general supervision of the Manager of HR and Benefits and the Personnel Director and is often performed independently requiring effective judgment and reference to policy, law, or precedent.

Independently plans, prioritizes, and implements both long- and short-term projects in the areas assigned. Responsible for Recruitment, Screening, and Testing functions across a variety of industries with a full understanding of how to attract and retain top talent within the confines of Civil Service. Plans or assists in developing processes to attract qualified and diverse applicant pools using existing, new, and creative sources of recruitment.

This includes attending career fairs and creating and developing partnerships with City organizations and educational institutions. Prepares and coordinates conditional employment offers and related hiring documentation; communicates offer terms and pre-employment requirements to selected candidates and works with departments to facilitate the hiring and onboarding process. Conducts job analyses and reviews position duties, responsibilities, organizational relationships, and qualification requirements to support classification and recruitment activities.

Develops, reviews, and revises job descriptions and class specifications in consultation with departments to accurately reflect assigned duties, minimum qualifications, knowledge and skills, and organizational needs. Develops and administers merit-based Civil Service examinations and selection processes, including examination development, assessment methods, scoring criteria, administration, and evaluation of results. Provides information to City departments concerning established departmental practices, procedures, or policies as it relates to the City’s hiring process.

Advocates for and creates policies, practices and systems which help attract and retain talent to support City priorities. Creates and/or executes…