Talent Acquisition Specialist I

Position Title:

Talent Acquisition Specialist I

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree

Job Description:

Summary:

Iowa State University Human Resources (UHR) is excited to offer a dynamic opportunity within our Talent Acquisition team. We’re seeking a Staff Recruiting Specialist who will play a key role in recruiting top talent for a wide range of staff positions across campus in collaboration with campus leaders. The SRS reports to the Assistant Director of Talent Acquisition.

What You’ll Do

As a Staff Recruiting Specialist, you’ll be a trusted partner to hiring managers and UHR colleagues, helping to shape the future of our workforce. Your responsibilities will include:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for managers to meet their staffing needs.
• Create job posting descriptions and maintain accurate records in the applicant tracking system.
• Guide hiring managers through the recruitment and selection process, ensuring compliance with process and policy.
• Support recruitment initiatives by developing outreach-focused sourcing and engagement strategies to attract prospective candidates and strengthen talent pipelines. 
• Communicate often via email, with hiring managers, UHR colleagues, candidates, etc.
• Attend and actively participate in team and department meetings and trainings.

Who We’re Looking For

A proactive, innovative team player to help advance talent acquisition at Iowa State. This role demands strong communication, collaboration, adaptability, creative problem-solving, decision-making, and the ability to meet deadlines. It is imperative that the person in this role possess a high attention to detail with the ability to maintain accurate records and handle sensitive or confidential information professionally. 

Additional Details

This is a 1-year, fixed-term position from the hire date. This position offers a flexible hybrid schedule requiring a minimum of one-day in-office located in Ames, IA. ​However, through the training and orientation period, more frequent in-office work may be required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 1–2 years of experience in recruiting, human resources, customer service, administration, or a related professional environment 
• Experience using applicant tracking systems, scheduling tools, Microsoft Office, or other recruiting and HR systems.

Iowa State University’s Talent Acquisition team plays a central role in identifying, attracting, and hiring highly qualified candidates who support the university’s mission and operational needs. The team partners closely with and leads hiring managers through the recruitment and selection process to develop effective job postings, conduct candidate screening and facilitate offer development and negotiation. Throughout every stage of the hiring process, Talent Acquisition provides strategic guidance to ensure a positive and consistent candidate experience while maintaining full compliance with employment laws, university policies, and best‑practice hiring standards.

For more information about University Human Resources, please click the following link: contact - University Human Resources

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Why Choose Iowa State University?

Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program
• Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Appointment Type:

Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

July 19, 2027

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

PS807

Original Posting Date:

June 19, 2026

Posting Close Date:

June 28, 2026

Job Requisition Number:

R19437

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.

 

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.