Talent Acquisition Specialist

Early Talent Pipeline (TA) SpecialistJob duration: 6+ monthsJob location: North Chicago, IL, Hybrid (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) in officeDaily Work Schedule Expectations 8am-4pmTop 3 – 5 Skills Needed for each role:HRIS & Technology ProficiencyCommunications & Stakeholder ManagementProject Coordination & OrganizationProcess Management & Attention to DetailTravel Required: Yes 5% locallyRole OverviewThe 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 scale—supporting a population of over 250 early talent participants annually.Key ResponsibilitiesProgram Operations & CoordinationManage the Early Talent Pipeline (ETP) shared mailbox and coordinate daily communications, ensuring timely and professional responses to candidates, participants, and stakeholdersSchedule and coordinate intern and development program activities, including onboarding sessions, training, and programming across multiple calendarsSupport large-scale program execution by coordinating logistics for cohorts of ~230 interns and ~40 development program participantsOnboarding & Offboarding ExecutionExecute onboarding and offboarding processes through HRConnect, including generating onboarding lists, tracking completion, and partnering with HR operationsDevelop and deliver participant communications using standardized templates, ensuring clarity, consistency, and timelinessFacilitate onboarding readiness by coordinating timelines, stakeholder inputs, and required documentationSystems & Data ManagementCreate and maintain talent pools and distribution lists within Workday to ensure accurate tracking of interns and development program membersAdminister new hire and program surveys (extern, intern, and DP) using MS Forms and monitor response ratesMaintain data integrity across systems and generate reports to support tracking and decision-makingPerformance Management SupportSupport the execution of early talent performance management processes by configuring Workday forms and tracking completion of manager assessments and participant feedbackMonitor progress and follow up with stakeholders to ensure adherence to timelines and program milestonesPartner with program managers to support performance tracking and reporting cyclesProgram Logistics & Experience DeliveryManage the collection, organization, and tracking of intern and development program "flipbooks" and related materialsCoordinate logistics for recruitment and program events, including catering and vendor managementOversee relocation program initiation (e.g., UrbanBound) and facilitate participant transition support sessionsSupport end-to-end program events and participant experiences, ensuring a high-quality, consistent deliveryFinancial & Administrative ManagementManage program-related expenses through Concur, ensuring timely submission and accurate budget trackingMaintain expense reconciliation trackers and support budget visibility for program leadershipQualifications Required• Bachelor's 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 levelsPreferred• 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 initiativesCore 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