Talent Acquisition Specialist

Department: Human Resources

Reports to: Sr. Director, Talent Acquisition – Affiliate Impact Advisor & Employee Belonging Steward

FLSA Status: Exempt

The anticipated salary for this position starts at $57,800+. The final pay will be determined based on several factors, including qualifications, experience, education, and years within the job or industry, with a strong emphasis on maintaining internal equity. 

Who we are and what we’re about:

KU Endowment is an independent, nonprofit organization and the official fundraising foundation for the University of Kansas. We partner with donors in providing philanthropic support to build a greater KU.

As an employee of KU Endowment, you’ll witness firsthand the power of our donors’ generosity. You will join a talented and fun group of people who are inspired to help KU through the support of loyal alumni and friends. This support fuels excellence, enabling students and faculty to develop innovative programs and research that distinguish the university. We connect the philanthropic passions of donors with the needs of students, faculty and programs – and everyone benefits.

People are engaged. Purpose is ignited. Lives are changed.

What we are looking for:

The Talent Acquisition Specialist is an outcome-accountable recruiting professional responsible for leading the full recruitment lifecycle for an assigned portfolio of roles. This position delivers consultative, high-quality recruiting support through effective sourcing, structured talent assessment, workflow coordination, and trusted partnership with hiring leaders.

This role operates within established recruiting processes while exercising professional judgment in candidate evaluation, sourcing strategy, and hiring recommendations. The Talent Acquisition Partner owns requisition outcomes and ensures equitable, compliant, and high-quality hiring practices.

The individual in this position is expected to embrace KU Endowment’s stated core values – collaboration, curiosity, empowerment, and excellence – and demonstrate support for them through professional interactions and activities. 

Hybrid Work Environment:

Following the initial training period, this position offers a hybrid work schedule, with the flexibility to work remotely for part of the week. However, the role requires multiple days per week on-site at our Lawrence, KS office to ensure effective collaboration, team engagement, and alignment with organizational goals. 

What’s a typical day look like?

• Lead the full recruitment lifecycle for assigned roles, from intake consultation through offer and onboarding.
• Conduct structured intake meetings to clarify role expectations, competencies, and selection criteria.
• Source, screen, and assess candidates using consistent, equitable evaluation methods.
• Develop targeted sourcing strategies aligned with workforce needs and talent market conditions.
• Build and sustain short- and long-term talent pipelines.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to hiring managers and search committees.
• Provide informed recommendations on candidate quality, selection risk, and hiring decisions.
• Apply talent market insights and recruiting data to guide strategy.
• Manage offer development, extension, and negotiation in alignment with organizational guidelines.
• Ensure compliant, equitable, and consistent hiring practices across assigned searches.
• Accurately manage applicant tracking system (ATS) workflows, requisitions, postings, and candidate records.
• Coordinate interview scheduling and recruiting logistics for assigned searches and shared team processes.
• Support onboarding coordination and pre-hire documentation in partnership with HR and hiring managers.
• Analyze recruiting metrics including time-to-fill, offer acceptance rates, and pipeline health.
• Apply recruiting analytics and market intelligence to improve hiring outcomes.
• Identify workflow efficiencies and contribute to process improvements.
• Contribute operationally to employee engagement and belonging initiatives, including employee resource groups and workforce enrichment programs.
• Serve as a cultural ambassador throughout the candidate and onboarding experience.
• Regular and reliable attendance is essential for this position.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

What’s required to be considered:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field preferred
• Professional recruiting experience managing full-cycle searches
• Experience supporting multiple stakeholders and concurrent requisitions
• Demonstrated ability to assess talent using structured methods
• Strong communication, organizational, and relationship management skills
• Experience using an applicant tracking system (ATS)

What separates the best from the rest?

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent searches with competing priorities
• Strong consultative and influencing skills with the ability to build trust across levels
• Ability to evaluate talent objectively using structured, competency-based methods
• Analytical skills to interpret recruiting data and translate insights into action
• Effective negotiation and offer management skills
• High level of organization, attention to detail, and workflow discipline
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and adjust sourcing strategies in dynamic labor markets
• Sound judgment in assessing candidate risk and cultural alignment
• Commitment to equitable hiring practices and inclusive candidate experiences
• Proficiency with applicant tracking systems (ATS) and recruiting technologies
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion

Physical Requirements:

• A valid driver’s license. 
• Must have access to reliable transportation to travel between multiple locations for training, donor meetings, networking, events and/or work-related activities.
• Must be able to respond quickly and effectively to directions and safety hazards.
• This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office productivity machinery such as computers, keyboards and a mouse, laptops, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. 
• This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required. This would require the ability to move files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary.
• The ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
• The person in this position frequently communicates with donors, colleagues, students, and general public. Must be able to communicate with others effectively.
• Physical effort/lifting, medium-up to 50 pounds.
• Occasional travel requirements can include the following, evenings, weekends, and out-of-town overnights as a regular part of the job. 

KU Endowment is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals to enable them to perform the essential functions of the job as regulated by ADA. If you require accommodation for any part of the application process or during employment, please contact humanresources@kuendowment.org to discuss your needs.

We’ve got you covered:

KU Endowment offers a competitive salary with an excellent benefit package including: 

• 100% employer-paid pension plan
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) and Roth 401(k) matching program
• Section 125 flexible benefits 
• Generous paid leave including holidays, personal and sick leave
• Volunteer and community engagement opportunities
• Paid Parental Leave
• Life, AD&D, short- and long-term disability insurance
• Legal & ID Theft protection
• Critical Illness
• Accident and Hospital Indemnity insurance 
• KU education assistance 
• Free parking

Sounds good, right? What’s next?

Please include your resume and cover letter when applying for this position on our website at https://www.kuendowment.org/careers.

Questions regarding this vacancy may be addressed to:

Human Resources

KU Endowment

PO Box 928

Lawrence, KS 66044-0928

Email: humanresources@kuendowment.org

Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the position is filled. Because of the sensitive nature of KU Endowment business and the importance of our reputation with donors, KU Endowment conducts a comprehensive review of applicants. By submitting your application, you authorize us to conduct reference checks and a review of available public information. Employment is contingent upon background and reference checks that KU Endowment finds acceptable.