Talent Acquisition Specialist

Talent Acquisition Specialist Industry: Higher Education Location (City, State): Washington, DC Assignment Type: Contract-to-Hire | 3-6 Month Contract Pay: $25-$28/hour (depending on experience) Work Schedule: Full-time | 40 hours per week | Onsite Monday-Friday Benefits: This position is eligible for medical, dental, vision, and 401(k). About Our Client: Addison Group is partnering with a respected higher education organization seeking a Talent Acquisition Specialist to support and enhance recruiting operations. Our client is looking for a professional who is passionate about creating a positive candidate experience while helping attract top talent across a variety of departments. This individual will play an integral role in supporting hiring initiatives, strengthening recruitment processes, and partnering closely with hiring managers throughout the hiring lifecycle. Job Description: The Talent Acquisition Specialist will oversee full-cycle recruitment activities for assigned openings while serving as a trusted partner to hiring managers and candidates. This role will focus on sourcing qualified talent, coordinating interviews, managing applicant tracking activities, and supporting onboarding efforts. The ideal candidate is organized, personable, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple requisitions in a fast-paced environment. Key Responsibilities: Manage the recruitment process from intake meeting through offer stage for a variety of positions Partner with hiring managers to understand staffing needs, required qualifications, and recruiting priorities Develop and post engaging job advertisements across recruiting platforms and job boards Source and screen candidates to identify individuals aligned with position requirements and organizational culture Coordinate interviews and maintain communication with candidates throughout the hiring process Prepare offer documentation and assist with pre-employment and onboarding activities Maintain accurate candidate records, recruiting data, and hiring metrics within the applicant tracking system Ensure recruiting activities remain compliant with internal policies and hiring procedures Support process improvement initiatives and recruitment-related projects Build strong working relationships with internal stakeholders and provide consistent hiring updates Assist with additional HR and administrative projects as needed Qualifications: Bachelor's degree required Minimum of 2 years of full-cycle recruiting experience required Experience supporting multiple hiring managers and managing several open requisitions simultaneously Prior experience in higher education is preferred but not required Proficiency with applicant tracking systems such as iCIMS or similar platforms Strong skills in Microsoft Excel and Google Workspace Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills Professional and welcoming demeanor with the ability to provide a positive candidate experience Additional Details: Compensation target upon conversion: $65,000-$75,000 annually Opportunity for overtime with supervisor approval One-step onsite interview process anticipated Targeted start date in June Contractors are expected onsite five days per week, with potential remote flexibility upon permanent conversion Perks: Comprehensive benefits package upon conversion Tuition assistance opportunities for employees and dependents Generous holiday schedule including summer Fridays Collaborative and supportive team environment Opportunity to grow within a mission-driven organization Addison Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Addison Group provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Addison Group complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.