Strategic Talent Acquisition Specialist

The Strategic Talent Acquisition Specialist partners with campus departments to deliver full-cycle recruitment and proactive, strategic talent acquisition for the University of Arkansas. This onsite role in Fayetteville, AR supports hiring through candidate sourcing, assessment, planning, and recruitment-related Workday HCM transactions.

Role Overview

The position supports recruitment outcomes by managing job postings, identifying and evaluating candidates, consulting with hiring managers, and completing Workday HCM recruitment transactions. The role also focuses on building future talent pipelines, promoting the university as an employer, and ensuring hiring processes align with employment laws and university policies.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage job postings, source and assess candidates, consult with hiring managers, and execute recruitment-related Workday HCM transactions.
• Identify and engage candidates through job boards, social media, networking, and referrals.
• Screen and evaluate candidates using established job qualifications, relevant experience, position requirements, and other selection criteria.
• Collaborate with hiring managers and HR Partners to develop recruitment plans aligned with university objectives.
• Promote the University of Arkansas to strengthen employment reputation and attract top talent.
• Build and maintain a candidate pipeline for future opportunities.
• Track and report recruitment metrics, including pool size, time to fill, and turnover.
• Provide a positive, professional candidate experience from initial contact through onboarding.
• Ensure recruitment processes comply with employment laws and university policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Maintain regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance and develop collegial, harmonious working relationships.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher learning.
• Applicable equivalencies may be considered for the education and qualification requirements.
• At least two years of talent acquisition or other recruiting experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Human Resources or recruiting experience in higher education.
• At least four years of talent acquisition or other recruiting experience.
• Experience with Workday HCM.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of full-cycle recruiting practices, strategies, and methodologies.
• Understanding of employment branding principles.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to develop recruitment plans based on unit needs, candidate availability, and market conditions.
• Ability to manage multiple searches and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to partner strategically with HR Partners, hiring managers, and leadership as a trusted advisor.
• Ability to build and maintain strong hiring manager relationships.

Technology and Tools

• Workday HCM
• Workday
• MyApps.Microsoft.com

Department, Location, and Position Details

• Department: Recruitment and Workforce Management
• Institution: University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
• Location: Fayetteville, AR (onsite)
• Position Type: Talent Acquisition
• Job Type: Regular
• Work Shift: Day Shift (United States of America)
• Work Study Position: No
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• Sponsorship Available: No

Compensation

Salary information: Commensurate with education and experience.

Required Documents to Apply

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• List of three Professional References (name, email, business title)
• Resume

Optional Document

• Proof of Veteran Status

Application Instructions and Recruitment Contact

Recruitment contact: Crystal Ellis. Strategic Talent Acquisition Specialist.

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site: https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS. Please do not send materials to the recruitment contact.

Application Deadline

Closing date: 11/16/2026

Pre-Employment Screening

• Criminal Background Check
• Sex Offender Registry

Benefits

• University contributions to health, dental, life, and disability insurance
• Tuition waivers for employees and their families
• 12 official holidays
• Immediate leave accrual
• Choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary

Workday Application Instructions

• Current University of Arkansas System employees (including student employees and graduate assistants): log in to Workday via MyApps.Microsoft.com, then use the Workday search bar to access Find Jobs and apply for open positions.
• Students at all University of Arkansas institutions: view open positions and apply in Workday by searching for “Find Jobs for Students.”
• University of Arkansas, Fayetteville students: view open positions and apply in Workday by searching for “Find Student Jobs at UAF.”

Position Title and Department Classification

• Employment area: Talent Acquisition