Talent Acquisition Specialist

Summary/Objective:

The Talent Acquisition Specialist serves as a strategic partner in workforce planning and recruitment. This role exercises independent judgment in developing sourcing strategies, evaluating candidates, and managing external relationships that impact staffing success. The Specialist leads recruiting initiatives across multiple talent pipelines, including high school partnerships, co‑op and internship programs, college recruitment, and community outreach, to support organizational growth and operational goals. The role works with a high level of autonomy and requires discretion in candidate assessment, program development, and outreach decisions.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Strategic Recruitment & Talent Acquisition

• Design and execute recruiting strategies tailored to each department’s workforce needs, applying independent judgment in sourcing decisions, talent evaluation, and outreach methods.
• Lead full‑cycle recruitment for hourly, professional, and technical roles, using discretion in screening, interview recommendations, and candidate selection workflows.
• Serve as a talent advisor to hiring managers by interpreting talent market trends, advising on candidate competitiveness, and recommending adjustments to hiring strategies.
• Maintain and enhance the applicant tracking system by identifying process improvements that strengthen compliance and efficiency.

Community & School Outreach

• Develop and manage partnerships with high schools, vocational programs, career‑readiness groups, and community workforce organizations.
• Exercise autonomy in determining which programs best support long‑term talent pipeline development, representing the company as a strategic partner.
• Lead recruitment for co‑op programs, internships, student placements, and early‑talent initiatives, including program design, communication, and candidate evaluation.

College Recruitment & Job Fairs

• Create and manage annual campus recruitment strategies, including selecting schools, programs, and events based on organizational hiring projections.
• Represent the company at job fairs, career events, and classroom engagements, using discretion to determine priorities, positioning, and candidate engagement tactics.
• Build and maintain professional relationships with faculty, career offices, and industry groups that influence recruitment outcomes.

New Hire Experience & Onboarding

• Lead the first‑day onboarding experience, ensuring a professional and consistent process that supports retention and employer brand.
• Recommend improvements to onboarding workflows, orientation content, and communication methods to enhance new‑hire engagement.

HR Department Support

• Provide strategic input on hiring challenges, workforce development opportunities, and talent market conditions.
• Participate in HR initiatives that align organizational goals, such as employee experience enhancements and employer branding projects.
• Other responsibilities may be assigned that align with HR operations and broader company needs such as helping to support Reception.

Requirements / Qualifications

• Experience in talent acquisition, HR, recruiting strategy, or related roles.
• Knowledge of sourcing methodologies, talent evaluation practices, and recruiting technology.
• Ability to work independently and make strategic decisions with limited supervision.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel locally between facilities and to school and community events.

Competencies:

• Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment in recruiting, program partnerships, and candidate evaluations.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship‑building skills.
• Ability to strategically prioritize workload and make decisions that support business needs.
• High level of professionalism and discretion in handling confidential information.
• Strong organizational and project‑management abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and applicant tracking systems.

Education and Experience:

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Communications, or work experience preferred
• Previous experience in talent acquisition, campus recruiting, or community engagement.
• Experience with internship or co‑op program coordination.
   
   

Environment & Physical Demands:

• Must be able to work the occasional weekends or evenings to attend recruitment events.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods during events or interviews.
• Local travel required for recruitment activities.
• Occasional lifting promotional materials or event supplies (up to 25 lbs).

AAP/EEO Statement 
Flower City Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, military status, status as a veteran or disabled veteran, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or family status, genetic information, medical condition, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation.