Talent Acquisition Specialist

Department

Human Resources - Talent Management

Position Summary

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.

The talent acquisition and recruitment responsibilities for this position include conducting intake conversations, proactively sourcing and posting job openings, screening resumes, conducting interviews, recommending candidates for advancement, attending career events, and maintaining communication with candidates throughout recruitment lifecycle.

In addition to managing daily recruitment activities, the Talent Acquisition Specialist will contribute to strategic initiatives such as process enhancement, data-driven decision-making, and workforce planning. This role requires a proactive approach to developing talent pipelines by leveraging technology, utilizing data-informed strategies, and fostering strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to promote a sense of community. 

By aligning talent acquisition efforts with the university’s CADRE values and Strategic Plan, this position supports the development of a diverse and high-performing workforce that advances MSU Denver’s mission and vision.

Responsibilities

Talent Acquisition

• 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, LinkedIn, Indeed, and HigherEdJobs. 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.

Compliance with University, State Policies and Employment Law

• 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.

Collaboration and Customer Service

• 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.

Position Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage relationships with third-party advertising vendors such as LinkedIn, 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 positions and elevate MSU Denver’s visibility in alignment with Pilar V of the 2030 Strategic Plan. Collaborate with Marketing and Communications to ensure messaging is consistent and aligned with branding guidelines.
• Create recruitment visuals and promotional materials in compliance with MSU Denver’s brand guidelines. Use tools such as Adobe Creative Cloud to design content that supports outreach efforts and enhances candidate interest.
• Contribute to employer branding initiatives that support the university’s strategic goals, including those outlined in Pillar V of the 2030 Strategic Plan. Partner with internal stakeholders to develop narratives and campaigns that reflect MSU Denver’s values and culture.
• Coordinating with Payroll and departments for consolidating invoices.
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience (2 years of experience equals one year of education)
• Previous experience managing or leading full cycle recruitment 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and searches with confidentiality
• Previous experience engaging with prospective candidates, relationship building, and customer service. 
• Experience with an HRIS system

Important Note: Successful applicants will ensure their resumes clearly demonstrate that their work experience describes how they meet ALL required qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a Human Resources office in Higher Education 

• Experience analyzing and evaluating job postings and writing effective job descriptions  

• Experience with Workday
• Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud
• Experience using LinkedIn Recruiter
• Experience with Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and experience with confidentiality

We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every preferred qualification. We are most interested in candidates who will best contribute to the University. 

Skills

• Advanced knowledge of full-cycle recruiting and sourcing strategies.
• Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Proficiency in Workday and Microsoft Office Suite.

Our commitment to CADRE

At MSU Denver, we are committed to our CADRE values: Community, Access, Diversity, Respect, and Excellence. We strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where all community members are valued and belong. Our dedication to breaking down barriers to education, fostering open dialogue, and promoting world-class scholarship ensures that we provide exceptional services and innovative learning opportunities for our students, faculty, and staff.

Salary for Announcement

Under Colorado law, MSU Denver is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account a variety of factors including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The anticipated hiring range is $65,462.50- $72,736.00.

This position is paid monthly and is eligible for MSU Denver benefits.

Instructions to Apply

For full consideration, please submit the following documents:

Resume
Cover letter describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position
Professional references and their contact information will be requested from the finalist/s. At least one reference provided must be a supervisor (either current or former).

Official transcripts may be required of the candidate selected for hire. 

Deadline

Applications accepted until position filled; priority given to applications received by Tuesday, December 2, 2025.

Schedule Information

Full-time, 40 hours per week
Exempt
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Evenings and Weekend Work: Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for career fairs or recruitment events.
Schedule: Hybrid schedule requiring 3 days in person 2 days remote work
Travel: Rarely; Some local travel may be needed for recruitment events and career fairs

Closing Date

Open Until Filled

Posting Representative

Sophia J Montano

Posting Representative Email

smontan7@msudenver.edu

Benefits

The University’s benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as access to a long-term disability (LTD) plan. Visit MSU Denver’s benefits website to learn more.   

For a brief overview, please see: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf. 

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at totalrewards@msudenver.edu.

Background Checks

Metropolitan State University of Denver is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors.  To Assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks on all finalists for positions at the University prior to employment.

Diversity Statement

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.

We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.