Talent Acquisition Specialist

Job Title

Talent Acquisition Specialist

Agency

Tarleton State University

Department

Talent Acquisition

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Stephenville, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Tarleton State University, a distinguished Doctoral National Comprehensive University, invites applications for the position of Talent Acquisition Specialist in the Division of Human Resources. As part of a vibrant academic community dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service, this role offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a university that values innovation, collaboration, and inclusive growth. Join us in advancing knowledge and transforming lives—on campus and beyond. Tarleton State University continues to grow its impact across Texas, with four distinct campuses located in Stephenville, Fort Worth, RELLIS-Bryan and Waco, along with a robust online community that extends our reach even further.

At the heart of it all is Stephenville, where Tarleton State offers a dynamic environment for faculty and staff. From a lively live music scene and numerous local festivals to rich traditions rooted in the surrounding community, Stephenville provides a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.

No matter where you're located—on campus or online—you are part of a mission that transforms lives and makes a difference across the state of Texas and beyond.

Under the general direction of the Talent Acquisition Manager and in alignment with the strategic vision of the Director, the Talent Acquisition Specialist performs specialized human resources management work with a focus on leadership and strategic execution. This position serves as the executer of the vision and mission of the Talent Acquisition team, actively partnering with the manager to understand the team’s strategic direction and taking decisive action to carry plans to fruition.

This role plays a pivotal part in advancing the university’s workforce initiatives by overseeing end-to-end talent acquisition processes and supporting foundational position management tasks. As the lead partner in talent acquisition, the incumbent provides guidance to fellow talent acquisition partners, hiring managers, and HR teams; develops recruitment strategies; and ensures positive candidate experience. The position also contributes to organizational alignment and compliance by maintaining accurate position descriptions and related data.

This position serves as a collaborative resource and subject matter expert in recruiting and position management, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and adherence to institutional policies.

Location & Work Schedule
The position is based at our Stephenville campus. A hybrid work schedule is available, requiring a minimum of two on-site workdays per week at the Stephenville campus following successful completion of training requirements. Standard hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., with occasional after-hours or weekend work during peak periods. No visa sponsorship is available for this role.

Rank & Classification

This posting represents one position that may be filled at the HR Specialist II or HR Specialist III level. The final classification will be determined by the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Talent Acquisition Leadership

• Serves as the lead partner in talent acquisition, supporting the Talent Acquisition Manager and collaborating closely with the Director of Employment.

• Provides strategic guidance to hiring managers on staffing needs and long-term talent planning.

• Leads intake planning meetings to align hiring goals with university objectives.

• Recommends third-party recruiting venues and ensures job postings are placed across multiple platforms.

Job Description and Requisition Management

• Reviews and consults on job profiles, position descriptions, qualifications, and compensation targets.

• Ensures alignment of position descriptions with job profiles and institutional standards prior to requisition creation.

• Partners with HR Contacts to update position descriptions and develop sourcing strategies.

Recruitment Strategy and Execution

• Develops and implements recruitment strategies to attract qualified applicants.

• Leads employer branding and outreach initiatives.

• Trains hiring managers and search committees on recruitment processes and candidate evaluation.

• Coordinates job postings and recommends new sourcing channels.

• Evaluates recruitment effectiveness and candidate experience.

Candidate Screening and Interview Coordination

• Reviews resumes and conducts phone screens to identify top talent for key positions.

• May coordinate interview schedules and may participate in interviews for key positions.

• Develops interview questions and ensures timely communication with applicants.

Offer and Onboarding Support

• Coordinates pre-employment processes including background checks and reference screenings.

• Prepares and extends employment offers and offer letters.

• Supports onboarding processes and advises hiring managers on department-specific onboarding procedures.

Foundational Position Management Responsibilities

• Assists in creating, updating, and maintaining accurate position descriptions aligned with organizational structure.

• Processes foundational position management requests such as title changes, reclassifications, and reporting structure updates.

• Collaborates with HRIS and classification teams to ensure data integrity.

• Reviews position attributes including FLSA status, job codes, and compensation ranges.

• Maintains documentation and tracks position changes for compliance and audit readiness.

Consultation and Coordination

• Serves as a liaison between departments and HR teams for position-related updates.

• Provides guidance on position management policies and procedures.

• Supports workforce planning by ensuring accurate position data is available for analysis.

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintains recruitment records in accordance with records management guidelines.

• Represents the university at recruiting events and builds candidate pipelines.

• Develops partnerships and networks to support recruitment and position management efforts.

• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

​HR Specialist II

• Bachelor’s Degree. Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

• Two years' of related experience in Applicant Tracking Systems, Full-cycle recruiting, using various interview techniques and evaluation methods, Using recruiting platforms to proactively source candidates.

HR Specialist III

• Bachelor’s Degree. Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

• Three years’ proficient experience in: Applicant Tracking Systems, Full-cycle recruiting, using various interview techniques and evaluation methods, Using recruiting platforms to proactively source candidates.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proactive and independent with the ability to take initiative.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Excellent interpersonal skills with good negotiation tactics.

• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.

• Familiarity with social media, C.V. databases, and professional networks.

• Proficient in reading, interpreting, and verifying data in multiple formats.

• Innovative, problem solver and self-motivated, self-disciplined, and able to function independently as well as successfully part of a team.

• Ability to analyze and solve problems.

• Proficiency in documenting processes and keeping up with industry trends.

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

• Familiarity with laws, regulations, and best practices applicable to hiring and recruitment.

Preferred:

• Recent/Current proficient experience working as a recruiting partner

• Proficiency in Applicant Tracking Systems

• A keen understanding of the requirements for each role in the university.

• Experience with full-cycle recruiting, using various interview techniques and evaluation methods.

• Ability to devise and implement sourcing strategies for recruitment for a variety of roles.

• Experience in using recruiting platforms to proactively source candidates.

The responsibilities outlined above are intended to be foundational components for this position. It is not intended to be a tasks list associated with the role of positions. Standard Operating Procedures will need to be compiled and/or updated in accordance with these responsibilities.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Salary Range:

The target base annual salary range is $53,745 up to $61,532 and may be negotiable based on funding availability and candidate experience/skillset in relation to the minimum requirements of this position. Tarleton State University offers a career filled with purpose and opportunity in addition to competitive wages. As part of the Tarleton family, the following benefits are also available to full time and qualifying part time employees:

Educational Benefits - employee perks that help enrich, grow, and foster career and professional development:

• Family Education Benefit (Tuition Scholarship) – scholarship opportunities for Tarleton employees, their spouses, or their dependents available after 6 months of continued full-time employment. Click the link to learn more about this incredible Texan benefit!

• Masters Educational Assistance – is designed to invest in and assist employees further their knowledge, skills, and job effectiveness through 100% of eligible tuition and fees being paid on enrollment. Click link for additional guidelines and details!

Employee Health, Wellness, and Financial Planning

• Fully covered employee health insurance

  • Reimbursement of Insurance Premium Deductions! The State of Texas contributes to eligible employees’ insurance coverages as of the 1st day of the month following 60 days of employment in an eligible position. For those who elect coverage PRIOR to the first of the month after 60 days of employment, Tarleton State University will reimburse employees the State contribution towards health coverage during those first 60 days.

• Dental insurance

• Vision insurance

• Retirement and Insurance programs

Paid Leave

Tarleton employees enjoy one of the greatest PTO packages in the area!

• Paid sick leave

• Holiday pay

• Vacation

• Longevity pay

• Paid Birthday Leave – Tarleton State University awards all leave-eligible employees paid time off for their birthday!

Other

• Complimentary tickets to all Athletic and Performing Fine Arts events!

  • Tarleton Employees enjoy two complimentary general admission tickets for athletics and performing fine arts events on campus! Join Texan Nation on the bleachers or in the auditorium.

• Employee Wellness Release Time

• Staff Gym Membership Discount with Campus Recreation

• and other Tarleton Discounts

Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a completed application for consideration. Initial review of applications will begin immediately and continue until position is filled.

Application Procedure:

During the application process applicants have one opportunity to enter the requested information, upload documents and Submit the application. Applicants will not be able to make changes or add additional documents once the application materials have been submitted via "Submit" action.

Employment applications must include:

• Completed online application

• Cover Letter / Letter of Interest addressing qualifications

• Curriculum Vitae or Resume

• At least 3 current professional references and their full contact information

Applications received by Tarleton State University must have all job application data entered.  Failure to provide all job application data could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application.  “See resume” is not an acceptable entry in the job application.  Incomplete applications will not be considered.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.