<Back to Search
Talent Acquisition Specialist
Irvine, CAApril 6th, 2026
Talent Acquisition SpecialistThe Talent Acquisition Specialist is responsible for executing full-cycle recruiting strategies to attract, engage, and hire high-quality talent across academic and administrative functions at Stanbridge University. This role places a strong emphasis on identifying and securing high-profile, leadership, and hard-to-fill candidates in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
This position partners closely with hiring managers and senior leadership to deliver a consultative, high-touch recruiting experience. The ideal candidate is a proactive talent advisor who leverages modern recruiting tools, including AI-enabled technologies, and uses data-driven insights to manage performance, optimize pipelines, and drive hiring outcomes.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities:Full-Cycle Recruiting (Including Leadership Roles)
Manage end-to-end recruitment processes for a range of roles, including leadership, faculty, and specialized positions
Partner with hiring managers and senior leaders to define success profiles, hiring criteria, and interview strategies
Lead intake discussions with a consultative approach, particularly for high-impact and executive-level searches
Drive timely movement of candidates through the hiring funnel while maintaining high quality standards
Executive & High-Profile Candidate Search
Proactively identify and engage passive, high-caliber candidates for leadership and niche roles
Develop targeted sourcing strategies for executive and senior-level talent using advanced sourcing techniques and AI-supported tools
Manage sensitive and confidential searches with professionalism and discretion
Deliver a white-glove candidate experience for leadership candidates and key hires
Sourcing & Pipeline Development
Build and maintain pipelines for critical, high-priority, and hard-to-fill roles
Leverage LinkedIn, professional networks, industry associations, and AI-enabled sourcing tools to identify top talent
Continuously map talent markets to support proactive hiring and workforce planning
Maintain consistent outreach activity to ensure a steady pipeline in a fast-paced hiring environment
Candidate Evaluation & Experience
Conduct structured phone and Zoom screenings to assess qualifications, leadership competencies, and cultural alignment
Ensure a high-touch, responsive, and professional candidate experience from initial contact through offer
Prepare candidates for interviews and provide timely communication and feedback
Uphold consistent evaluation standards aligned with institutional hiring practices
Process & Systems Management
Utilize and optimize ATS workflows (e.g., Workable, iCIMS, ADP) and AI-enabled tools to improve efficiency and accuracy
Maintain documentation aligned with accreditation, regulatory, and internal hiring standards
Track and manage recruiting metrics including time-to-fill, pipeline conversion rates, and candidate quality indicators
Use data to identify bottlenecks, diagnose pipeline gaps, and adjust recruiting strategies in real time
Stakeholder Collaboration & Advisory
Act as a strategic partner to hiring managers and leadership, providing insight on market conditions, talent availability, and compensation expectations
Influence hiring decisions through structured evaluation, candidate calibration, and data-driven insights
Hold accountability for recruiting outcomes by aligning expectations on timelines, pipeline health, and candidate quality
Support workforce planning initiatives, particularly for leadership and program-critical roles
Qualifications:Education & Experience
Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field preferred
35 years of full-cycle recruiting experience required
Demonstrated experience recruiting leadership, executive, or highly specialized roles required
Experience in higher education, healthcare, or regulated environments strongly preferred
Skills & Competencies
Strong executive sourcing and candidate engagement capability
Ability to assess leadership competencies and organizational fit
High level of professionalism, discretion, and judgment in handling confidential searches
Advanced stakeholder management and consultative communication skills
Experience leveraging AI-driven sourcing and recruiting tools to improve efficiency and pipeline quality
Strong accountability for recruiting performance, including time-to-fill, pipeline conversion rates, and quality-of-hire indicators
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience recruiting faculty, academic leadership, or clinical leadership roles
Familiarity with accreditation-driven hiring requirements
Experience supporting or partnering on executive search processes
Proven ability to build pipelines for high-profile or hard-to-fill roles
Experience influencing hiring decisions through structured evaluation or market insights
Data-driven mindset with ability to translate recruiting metrics into actionable insights
$60,000-$80,000/yr. Compensation is commensurate with education, experience, and internal equity considerations
Conditions of Employment:A job-related assessment may be required during the interview process
Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and be physically present in the office (unless otherwise noted)
Employment verification will be conducted to validate work experience per accreditation standards
Offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check
Official transcripts are required prior to hire
Degrees earned outside the United States must be evaluated by a recognized credential evaluation service to determine U.S. degree equivalency and applicable subject-area coursework
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and must maintain work authorization throughout employment. Stanbridge University does not provide employment visa sponsorship for this position
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions
Work Environment:Standard office/classroom/lab or clinical setting
Duties are typically performed while sitting at a desk or computer workstation
May include time spent in skills labs or bedside environments as required by the program
Subject to frequent interruptions, noise from talking or office equipment, and demanding timelines typical of a fast-paced recruiting environment
Physical Demands:Regularly sits for extended periods
Physical ability to perform program- or department-related duties
Proficient in using electronic keyboards and office equipment
Effective verbal communication via phone and in person
Ability to read fine print, operate computers, and understand voices clearly
Able to lift, carry, and/or move objects weighing 1025 pounds as needed
Employee Benefits:Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
Retirement Plan (401k)
Exciting university events
Seasonal motivational health and wellness challenges
Work/Life Balance initiatives
Onsite wellness program / Staff Chiropractor
Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
Institutional Values:Diversity and Inclusion: Stanbridge University's motto, "Strength through Diversity," reflects our deep commitment to honoring the diverse backgrounds of our students, faculty, staff, and surrounding communities. We strive to build an inclusive learning environment and uphold anti-discrimination practices in all aspects of university life
Innovation and Technology: We embrace cutting-edge technology to enhance student learning through interactive, hands-on experiences, including virtual reality and simulation labsensuring students are prepared for the demands of modern healthcare practice
Community Engagement: Through initiatives such as Stanbridge outREACH, students are empowered to give back to local and global communities, cultivating compassion, civic responsibility, and social awareness