Talent Acquisition Specialist

Early Talent Pipeline (TA) Specialist
Job duration: 6+ months
Job location: North Chicago, IL, Hybrid (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) in office
Daily Work Schedule Expectations 8am-4pm

Top 3 5 Skills Needed for each role
1. HRIS & Technology Proficiency
2. Communications & Stakeholder Management
3. Project Coordination & Organization
4. Process Management & Attention to Detail

Travel Required: Y/N Yes 5% locally

Role Overview
The Early Talent Program Specialist plays a critical role in delivering a seamless, high-impact experience across the early talent lifecycle, including externs, interns, and development program participants. This role is responsible for executing core operational processes that support recruiting, onboarding, programming, performance management, and offboarding activities.
Partnering closely with Program Managers, recruiters, HRConnect, and business stakeholders, the Specialist ensures operational excellence, process integrity, and an exceptional participant experience at scalesupporting a population of over 250 early talent participants annually.

Key Responsibilities
Program Operations & Coordination
Manage the Early Talent Pipeline (ETP) shared mailbox and coordinate daily communications, ensuring timely and professional responses to candidates, participants, and stakeholders
Schedule and coordinate intern and development program activities, including onboarding sessions, training, and programming across multiple calendars
Support large-scale program execution by coordinating logistics for cohorts of ~230 interns and ~40 development program participants [FW: Unable...s Attached | Outlook]

Onboarding & Offboarding Execution
Execute onboarding and offboarding processes through HRConnect, including generating onboarding lists, tracking completion, and partnering with HR operations
Develop and deliver participant communications using standardized templates, ensuring clarity, consistency, and timeliness
Facilitate onboarding readiness by coordinating timelines, stakeholder inputs, and required documentation

Systems & Data Management
Create and maintain talent pools and distribution lists within Workday to ensure accurate tracking of interns and development program members
Administer new hire and program surveys (extern, intern, and DP) using MS Forms and monitor response rates
Maintain data integrity across systems and generate reports to support tracking and decision-making [FW: Unable...s Attached | Outlook]

Performance Management Support
Support the execution of early talent performance management processes by configuring Workday forms and tracking completion of manager assessments and participant feedback
Monitor progress and follow up with stakeholders to ensure adherence to timelines and program milestones
Partner with program managers to support performance tracking and reporting cycles [FW: Unable...s Attached | Outlook]

Program Logistics & Experience Delivery
Manage the collection, organization, and tracking of intern and development program flipbooks and related materials
Coordinate logistics for recruitment and program events, including catering and vendor management
Oversee relocation program initiation (e.g., UrbanBound) and facilitate participant transition support sessions
Support end-to-end program events and participant experiences, ensuring a high-quality, consistent delivery

Financial & Administrative Management
Manage program-related expenses through Concur, ensuring timely submission and accurate budget tracking
Maintain expense reconciliation trackers and support budget visibility for program leadership

Qualifications Required
Bachelors degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field
2+ years of experience supporting HR, recruiting, or program operations (early talent experience preferred)
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
Proven attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy and process consistency
Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally across all levels

Preferred
Experience with Workday, HRConnect, SmartRecruiters (or similar applicant tracking systems), and MS SharePoint
Proficiency in Client Office Suite, including advanced Excel and PowerPoint capabilities
Exposure to early talent programs, campus recruiting, or high-volume program coordination
Experience with data tracking, reporting, and process improvement initiatives

Core Capabilities
Operational Excellence: Delivers consistent, accurate, and timely execution across all program activities
Prioritization & Timely Execution: Manages competing priorities effectively while maintaining pace and responsiveness
Collaboration: Works cross-functionally to support program success and stakeholder alignment
Continuous Improvement: Identifies opportunities to streamline processes and enhance the participant experience