SUMMARY: The Talent Acquisition Specialist is responsible for supporting the entire lifecycle of attracting and engaging top talent. The Talent Acquisition Specialist manages the frontline recruiting pipeline, coordinates interviews, conducts initial candidate screenings, and utilizes recruiting technology and applicant tracking systems (ATS). Acting as a brand ambassador, the Specialist ensures a seamless, positive candidate experience and assists the HR team in building proactive talent pipelines for the future.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Think and behave in alignment with the Company’s vision, mission, goals, objectives, and core values.
• Partners with Store Managers and HR Business Partners (HRBP) to strategize and proactively support store staffing needs.
• Actively sources and pipelines candidate for open roles using databases, online job boards, social media networks (e.g., LinkedIn) and employee referrals.
• Reviews incoming resumes, screens applications against job requirements, and identifies promising candidates for further evaluation.
• Coordinates and schedules structured phone, video, and in-person interviews, balancing the calendars of multiple internal stakeholders.
• Conducts initial phone screens to assess candidates’ core competencies, salary expectations, motivation and cultural fit.
• Serves as a daily administrator for the Applicant Tracking System (ATS), updating candidate statuses, maintaining clean data, and organizing interview feedback.
• Serves as the liaison and main point of contact for supporting and partnering with local university HR and business clubs, participating in campus events, and planning company activities to build early-talent pipelines.
• Assists in employer branding initiatives and represents the company at local career fairs, university events, and community activities.
• Supports Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) recruitment strategies to ensure the organization attracts talent from diverse backgrounds.
• Seamlessly transition selected candidates from the interview stage into the onboarding pipeline, initiating background checks and reference verifications.
• Supports the onboarding process and partners with the HR team to conduct new hire orientation, ensuring selected candidates seamlessly transition into their new roles.
• Works collaboratively with the HR department to evaluate, coordinate, and develop new and engaging onboarding materials for associates.
• Special projects as needed and performs other related duties as required and assigned. 

COMPETENCIES:

• Human Resources Capacity
• Customer / Client Focus (Candidate Experience)
• Problem Solving / Analysis
• Communication Proficiency

• Adaptability and Eagerness to Learn
• Time Management and Organization
• Ethical Conduct and Confidentiality

SUPERVISORTY RESPONSIBILITY:

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and virtual communication tools.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. This is a largely sedentary role requiring prolonged sitting or standing at a workstation and utilizing a computer for extended periods.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES:

Knowledge:

• Basic understanding of principles and procedures for recruiting, employee onboarding, and human resources.
• Excellent organizational skills; ability to prioritize and manage time effectively in a high volume, fast-paced environment.

Communication:

• Vibrant, welcoming, and clear communication style, as this role represents the company brand to hundreds of applicants.
• Giving full attention to what other people are saying and taking the time to understand points being made.

Critical Thinking/Logic:

• Organizes work to complete assignments, maintains accuracy, and pays close attention to detail. 
• Using logic and reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions.

Judgment and Decision Making:

• Evidence of the practice of a high level of confidentiality.
• Able to understand and follow instructions to complete assignments correctly and on time.

Physical Exertion:

• Visual ability, corrected to perform job functions.
• Operating standard office equipment.
• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs. with or without reasonable accommodation.

Problem Identification & Solution: 

• Ability to tell when something is wrong or likely to go wrong.

Computer Skills:

• Hands-on experience with or ability to quickly learn ADP Workforce Now or other HR/Payroll Systems and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
• Able to effectively use the Office suite of products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Meet, Google Chat, Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, Google Forms) and internal software.
• Familiarity with or willingness to learn AI applications (e.g. Gemini, Notebook LM, etc.) and AI-powered sourcing, screening, and automation tools.

EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK:

Some flexibility in hours is allowed, but the employee must be available during standard business hours, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Must work a minimum of 40 hours each week.

TRAVEL:

Some local or regional travel may be required to represent the company at job fairs, university career fairs and networking events. Less than 10 days per year.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

A bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, communications, psychology, or a related field. 0 to 2 years of experience in talent acquisition, human resources, administrative support, or high-volume customer service/retail. Previous internship experience in HR or recruiting is highly preferred.