Strategic Talent Acquisition Partner

McAdams, a Raleigh, NC onsite firm, seeks a Strategic Talent Acquisition Partner to lead proactive recruitment for key hires and senior technical leaders. The role centers on building robust talent pipelines to fuel growth, delivering top candidates, and elevating the candidate experience and employer brand.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic, proactive recruiting for key hire roles and other hard-to-fill positions aligned to business growth needs.
• Develop targeted search plans that prioritize passive candidate outreach, relationship recruiting, and market mapping for priority geographies and disciplines.
• Present high-quality candidate options and maintain a strong pipeline for priority roles through consistent outreach and follow-up.
• Engage, guide, and evaluate external recruiting partners to extend sourcing reach for specialized roles while upholding candidate experience standards.
• Partner with hiring managers and HR to define role needs, selection criteria, and a clear recruiting plan.
• Conduct structured intake conversations to align on must-have qualifications, success outcomes, and sourcing channels.
• Coach stakeholders on candidate evaluation, interview process consistency, and decision-making practices that reduce friction and improve candidate experience.
• Partner with hiring managers to successfully navigate complex candidate decision-making processes.
• Strengthen McAdams' employer brand in partnership with Marketing and Communications partners.
• Collaborate with Communications and Marketing to develop and deploy recruitment messaging and materials that resonate with A/E/C talent pool.
• Support optimized job posting content for platforms such as LinkedIn and help align job description tone and structure for consistency and appeal.
• Build and manage talent pipelines using the ATS and consistent sourcing workflows.
• Maintain accurate candidate tracking, pipeline status, and communication cadence using our ATS and other systems.
• Evaluate sourcing channel effectiveness (e.g., direct sourcing, referrals, outreach, recruiters/agencies) and adjust strategies based on results.
• Ensure recruiting practices align with fairness, confidentiality, and applicable employment standards.
• Apply consistent, documented recruiting practices that support Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) alignment and reduce risk in selection decisions.
• Protect sensitive candidate and business information through professional discretion and confidentiality.
• Track, report, and improve recruiting performance using data and continuous improvement practices.
• Measure key recruiting metrics and provide data-driven insights to leadership.
• Identify process improvements that streamline hiring workflows, reduce delays, and strengthen candidate experience.
• Partner with hiring managers and HR to develop offers, negotiate and close a key hire search with an acceptance.
• Progressive recruiting and talent acquisition experience including experience filling senior level, difficult to fill, and/or key hire roles
• A/E/C industry experience strongly preferred
• Advanced sourcing capability across direct outreach, professional networks, industry associations, and targeted pipelines
• Previous experience with ATS and recruiting tools for pipeline management and reporting. Experience with Greenhouse a plus
• Previous experience tracking recruiting key performance indicators and presenting updates to leadership
• Consultative, service-oriented approach with the ability to influence hiring leaders and build trust quickly
• Highly organized and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining strong candidate communication
• Discreet, ethical, and confident handling sensitive information with strong attention to confidentiality and professionalism
• Strategic, creative problem-solver who adapts sourcing and closing approaches to changing conditions
• Willingness and ability to travel as business needs require (especially for recruiting efforts, market development and partnership needs)

Requirements

• Progressive recruiting and talent acquisition experience including experience filling senior level, difficult to fill, and/or key hire roles
• A/E/C industry experience strongly preferred
• Advanced sourcing capability across direct outreach, professional networks, industry associations, and targeted pipelines
• Previous experience with ATS and recruiting tools for pipeline management and reporting. Experience with Greenhouse a plus
• Previous experience tracking recruiting key performance indicators and presenting updates to leadership
• Consultative, service-oriented approach with the ability to influence hiring leaders and build trust quickly
• Highly organized and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining strong candidate communication
• Discreet, ethical, and confident handling sensitive information with strong attention to confidentiality and professionalism
• Strategic, creative problem-solver who adapts sourcing and closing approaches to changing conditions
• Willingness and ability to travel as business needs require

Technologies

• Applicant Tracking System (ATS)
• Greenhouse
• LinkedIn

Work Environment + Physical Demands

• Work will primarily be in an office setting with limited exposure to adverse environmental conditions.
• Work involves repetitive motions such as typing, pinching, and grasping, often with extensive screen time.
• Visual acuity for computer use; ability to talk, hear, and sit for extended periods.
• Ability to carry, lift, and push/pull up to 5 pounds frequently and up to 30 pounds occasionally.
• Additional physical duties may be required as necessary.