Title: Senior Talent Acquisition Consultant

Executive Area: Human Resources

College/School/MBU: Human Resources

Department: Office of Human Resources

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Job Summary

The Senior Talent Acquisition Consultant works collaboratively to implement innovative recruitment strategies and search processes that help the University attract and retain exceptional talent. Leads recruitment efforts for assigned client areas, senior level positions, and hard-to-fill roles. Maintains exceptional communication and provides customer support throughout the search and hiring process. Liaises with external search firms and vendor partners including LinkedIn, TrueScreen, PageUp and other recruitment-related service providers as needed.

Essential Functions

Manages full-cycle recruitment for assigned client areas. Oversees the recruitment of senior-level and specialized, hard-to-fill roles. Provides consultative guidance to departments on sourcing, interviewing, and hiring strategies.

Collaborates with hiring managers and departmental leadership to define position requirements, market considerations, and recruitment timelines. Develops and implements targeted outreach plans, leveraging multiple channels to attract diverse talent pools.

Develops and sustains talent pipelines through strategic sourcing, professional networking, and ongoing engagement with high-potential candidates. Cultivates relationships with silver medalist candidates and other prospective talent to ensure a ready pipeline for current and future University openings.

Serves as a resource and mentor to other Talent Acquisition Consultants, offering guidance on complex searches, sourcing techniques, and best practices.

Facilitates recruitment for executive level positions. Partners with departments to identify and select appropriate search firms, working with Unified Procurement Services Team to establish vendor agreements as needed. Serves as the primary liaison with selected firms by providing position profiles, coordinating interview logistics, and supporting the onboarding process for successful hires.

Provides strategic input to help design, evaluate, and refine recruitment programs and sourcing strategies that strengthen organizational hiring outcomes and support long-term workforce goals.

Reviews search documentation and recruitment actions to confirm compliance with university policy, state and federal regulations, and audit requirements.

Collaborates with systemwide HR colleagues to align recruitment practices, share resources, and coordinate cross-campus initiatives.

Assist walk-in applicants, new staff, and student/regular employees with general human resource inquiries, such as applying to university positions and completing hiring paperwork.

Other Functions

Develops and delivers presentations, workshops, and slide decks on talent acquisition best practices, interview techniques, and compliance topics.

Prepares for and attends recruiting events such as career fairs and networking events both on and off campus premises.

Participates in special projects as needed.

Perform other related duties as assigned by Administration & Finance HR Director(s).

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and more than five (5) years of full cycle recruiting experience.

Executive presence and excellent overall business acumen. Superior verbal and written communication skills and the ability to maintain confidentiality.

Demonstrated ability to advise senior leaders and manage multiple high-profile searches simultaneously.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and applicant tracking systems.

Preferred Qualifications

Familiarity with OFCCP recruiting requirements.

Experience in higher education or public-sector recruitment.

Experience with medical, engineering, or faculty searches and search procedures.

Proficiency with LinkedIn Recruiter and other sourcing tools.

SHRM-CP/SCP or PHR/SPHR certification.

Bilingual in Mandarin, Vietnamese, and/or Spanish.

Additional Details

This position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday through Friday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM.

This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee’s work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position is non-unit, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees Non-Unit (Professional/or Classified) Employee Personnel Policy.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 28

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Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.