Talent Acquisition Specialist

The Human Resources Department is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Talent Acquisition Specialist to join our team. The incumbent will play a key role in developing and executing effective recruiting strategies to attract, engage, and retain top talent across a variety of departments. This position requires strong knowledge of full-cycle recruitment, applicant sourcing, compliance with employment laws, and the ability to partner effectively with hiring managers and HR colleagues. This position will recruit for faculty and staff positions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the full recruitment life cycle, including job postings, candidate sourcing, screening, interviewing, selection, and onboarding for both staff and faculty.
• Partner with hiring managers to assess workforce needs, develop proactive sourcing strategies, and establish effective recruitment strategies.
• Utilize various sourcing methods such as job boards, social media, professional networks, and community partnerships to identify qualified candidates.
• Maintain applicant tracking systems and ensure accurate and timely documentation throughout the recruitment process.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to build strong relationships with hiring managers and cross-functional teams.
• Participate in community outreach and networking events to promote the organization as an employer of choice.
• Track recruitment metrics and provide regular reports on hiring activity, time-to-fill, and candidate pipeline progress.
• Assist with onboarding and orientation of new employees to ensure a positive transition experience.
• Support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in recruitment and outreach efforts.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Three or more years of experience in recruitment, staffing, or human resources.
• Knowledge of federal and state employment laws, hiring practices, and best practices in talent acquisition.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with applicant tracking systems, Workday, and other HRIS platforms.
• Demonstrated commitment to providing exceptional customer service to candidates and internal stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience recruiting in the higher education and public sector.
• Professional certification such as SHRM-CP, PHR, or AIRS.

Work Environment:
This position operates in a clinic/office environment requiring accuracy under tight deadlines. The Talent Acquisition Specialist interacts frequently with managers, faculty, and staff across departments and must demonstrate discretion, integrity, and a commitment to excellent customer service.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

At USC, we take pride in creating the best employee experience — because when our people thrive, so does our mission.

You’ll enjoy:

• Comprehensive benefits that support you and your family’s well-being
• Work-life balance through supportive programs and resources
• A collaborative, inclusive culture where every voice matters
• The chance to be part of a tradition of excellence that dates back more than a century

Learn more about our benefits at benefits.usc.edu

At USC, we celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion — because innovation thrives when everyone feels welcome. Join the Trojan Family, where great minds come together to make a global impact.

Will you be one of them? FIGHT ON!

The Salary range for this position is $82,000 - $85,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.