JOB SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of the HR Manager, the Talent Acquisition Specialist is responsible for performing a wide range of complex professional human resource duties as they relate to recruitment and hiring. Serves as an expert in a subset of human resource functions, including but not limited to, the coordination of all Department of Dining Services non-state and state hiring.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Screen, interview, refer and recommend candidates for all non-state and state employment within the Department of Dining Services.
• Works directly with the VP's office to keep a running tally of all open state positions, prepares justifications, and coordinates all necessary documents for approval.
• Keeps Unit Managers, Associate/Assistant Director, and Executive Director apprised of the status of open positions in a timely and efficient manner.
• Responsible for coordinating and implementing job advertisements and working with vendors to ensure ads are placed timely.
• Develops materials for special recruitment programs. Conducts and/or attends job fairs as necessary.
• Supervises and participates in the orientation and promotion process.
• Tracks internal job postings and processes union work transfer requests according to the CBA and DDS policies.
• Tracks employees who have recall eligibility.
• Manages temporary employment offers.
• Performs job audits, salary equity reviews and makes compensation recommendations for all employees, including new hires.
• Ensures proper organizational structure, use of the classification system and implementation of the compensation plan.
• Maintains databases, records, and reports as they relate to hiring, employee databases, orientations, schedules, overtime and EEO statistics for state and non-state employees.
• Provides open position reports and quarterly position comparison reports.
• Initiates payroll changes for new hires, transfers, promotions, demotions, resignations, terminations, and the like in a timely fashion for all state and non-state employees.
• Creates and updates all DDS job descriptions, including but not limited to: union positions, internal state positions and non-state positions.
• Coordinates and conducts exit interviews.
• Analyzes problem situations and takes or recommends appropriate action.
• Provides guidance and direction on personnel and payroll matters to ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreements, state regulations, federal laws and University policies and procedures.
• Works within all university and departmental guidelines and communicates on occasion with other University offices/outside agencies to request or provide information or to clarify procedures.
• As needed or assigned, may be responsible for special projects or operations which may be on-going or short-term and which require planning, coordination and supervision, and which are necessary to the work of the unit.
• Works collaboratively to plan the employee annual workshop.
• Performs office management duties; directs the workflow and supervises the processing of administrative and personnel paperwork. May supervise clerical staff as necessary.
• Implements and may assist in developing training programs.
• Cross-trained and may fill in as the backup for the HR Specialist - Benefits.
• Performs other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management, Business or a closely related field.
• Three to five years’ experience working in a Human Resource classification in a mid-sized to large organization.
• Experience with recruiting and interviewing.
• Knowledge of Human Resources principles, policies and practices.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws, statutes and regulations.
• Ability to evaluate and research alternatives, gather and report data.
• Ability to analyze complex problems quickly and determine effective solutions.
• Ability to work independently.
• Good organizational skills, including attention to detail and the ability to multitask.
• Excellent interpersonal and oral and written communication skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• At least one year of recent human resources office experience in a higher education or government setting.
• Experience working with employee unions and collective bargaining agreements.
• Previous experience working in food service human resources.SHRM-CP or PHR Certification.
• Excellent computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office.
• Knowledge of payroll systems and HRIS.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

The salary range for this position is $65,000 to $80,000, commensurate with education and experience. 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Faculty and Staff Positions, Search #499199 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references. Submissions that do not contain all the required information may not be considered. 

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on October 7, 2025. 

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.