Senior Talent Strategy & Optimization Specialist

Senior Talent Strategy & Optimization Specialist page is loaded## Senior Talent Strategy & Optimization Specialist remote type:
Hybrid locations:
Springfield, ILtime type:
Full time posted on:
Posted 6 Days Agotime left to apply:
End Date:
February 17, 2026 (4 days left to apply) job requisition :
R26 00009

It is inspiring to work in an organization where individuals are deeply committed to the mission and values that drive our success.
We are dedicated to delivering expert pension service to Illinois public educators as they earn their promised retirement security.

The Senior Talent Optimization Specialist is a strategic human resources leader responsible for advancing the organization’s workforce effectiveness through integrated talent optimization and oversight of talent acquisition. The role is responsible for ensuring that workforce investments translate into measurable business performance. This role partners closely with HR Business Partners, business leaders, Learning & Development, and Communications to design, implement, and sustain data-driven talent strategies that attract, develop, and retain high-performing talent.

In addition, this position provides leadership and direction for recruitment and selection activities to ensure a consistent, equitable, and future-focused hiring approach.
This position operates at the intersection of workforce analytics, organizational design, and change enablement – translating data and strategy into scalable, high-impact talent initiatives.
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* Essential Functions:

*** Drive integrated talent optimization by connecting workforce planning, skills and role design, talent acquisition, learning and development, succession planning, and performance and retention. This includes working with HR Business Partners and leaders to assess current and future talent needs,  + align roles and capabilities with business priorities  + hire for both present and future skills  + develop employees to meet emerging organizational requirements  + prepare internal talent for critical roles  + foster engagement and growth of high-performing employees
* Identify gaps, inefficiencies, and risks across the talent lifecycle hiring, development, performance, engagement, and retention) and translate insights into targeted interventions.
* Analyze workforce and talent data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities; translate insights into actionable strategies and recommendations.
* Contribute to organizational change initiatives by assessing talent impacts and supporting readiness, capability building, and adoption.
* Provide strategic oversight for talent acquisition and recruitment activities, ensuring alignment with organizational values, diversity objectives, and workforce priorities.
* Establish and maintain recruitment standards, processes, and metrics to promote consistency, efficiency, and a high-quality candidate experience.
* Partner with hiring leaders to support effective workforce planning, position scoping, and selection strategies.
* Monitor recruitment outcomes and labor market trends to continuously refine sourcing and hiring approaches.
* Provide daily operations and leadership oversight to the TRS recruiting team.
* Serve as a subject matter expert on recruitment best practices, employment branding, and selection methodologies.
* Collaborate cross-functionally with Communications, Learning & Development, and Change Management to support integrated talent initiatives.
* Partner with Learning & Development to develop and deliver HR training that strengthens skills, drives consistency, and supports organizational performance.
* Develop tools, resources, dashboards, and guidance to support leaders in making informed talent decisions.
* Communicate complex talent insights in a clear, compelling manner to diverse stakeholders, including senior leadership.
* Ensure compliance with applicable employment laws, policies, and internal standards across all talent programs.
* Continuously assess and refine approaches based on outcomes, feedback, and evolving business needs.
* Perform other duties as required or assigned.
** Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
*** Demonstrated ability to think beyond…