HR Recruiting Specialist

Tennessee State University Office of Human Resources invites applicants for the role of HR Recruiting Specialist. This position supports the University’s talent acquisition efforts by managing the tactical and operational aspects of the recruitment and hiring process, ensuring a positive candidate experience.

About the Role

The HR Recruiting Specialist reports directly to the Talent Acquisition and Onboarding Manager and focuses on sourcing, screening, coordination, and compliance activities required to fill open positions efficiently. This role partners closely with the Talent Acquisition and Onboarding Manager, hiring departments, and other Human Resources staff to administer the University’s employment system, coordinate interviews, and maintain accurate employment and recruiting records in compliance with federal, state, and institutional requirements.

Responsibilities

• Manage ATS Operations: Oversee and administer the university’s applicant tracking system. Execute job requisitions, postings, hiring proposals, and other internal user requests quickly and accurately. Monitor applicant and posting workflows, track applicant data flows, and resolve system bottlenecks proactively.
• Train internal and external users on system procedures and provide technical troubleshooting. Maintain system accessibility and deliver technical assistance to ensure constant ATS availability for all users.
• Update brand communications: Author and edit system-wide communications to maintain accurate, current university branding.
• Support the recruitment process by sourcing, screening, and coordinating candidates for open staff and faculty employment positions. Assist in identifying qualified candidates using job boards, professional networks, and university recruitment platforms, especially for hard-to-fill positions.
• Conduct preliminary applicant screenings and assist with applicant evaluations as requested. Coordinate interview schedules and logistics between candidates and hiring departments.
• Manage candidate communications to ensure a professional and positive recruitment experience.
• Prepare offer letters and employment agreements for selected candidates in coordination with the Talent Acquisition and Onboarding Manager.
• Maintain accurate recruitment and employment records. Assist with the collection, preparation, and analysis of recruiting data, metrics, and hiring reports to support HR leadership with workforce planning as requested.
• Assist with the creation and maintenance of the job description library. Support the development of competency profiles and interview questions.
• Aid in the support of recruitment marketing initiatives, including job postings and outreach activities.
• Assist with onboarding documentation and pre-employment processes as assigned or as needed, including:
  • Conducting employment background checks in accordance with university policies and applicable laws.
  • Completing employment eligibility verification (Form I-9) and ensuring compliance with federal regulations.
• Assist with the coordination of New Hire Orientation.
• Ensure recruitment and hiring processes comply with Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Affirmative Action, ADA, and applicable state and federal employment laws.
• Provide support to the Talent Acquisition Manager and Human Resources team on recruitment initiatives and special projects.
• Participate in HR events, career fairs, and recruitment outreach activities as needed.
• Perform additional job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned or as appropriate.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in employee recruitment and talent acquisition, which includes at least one year of experience coordinating recruitment processes and supporting hiring operations.
• Demonstrated effective communication and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with applicant tracking systems.
• Bachelor’s degree in human resources or a related field.
• Experience working in higher education or public sector human resources.
• Experience coordinating interviews and managing recruitment workflows.
• Knowledge of federal and state employment laws and hiring compliance requirements.

Work Environment

This position operates in a professional office environment within the Human Resources department and requires regular interaction with university faculty, staff, administrators, and job candidates.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods while working on a computer.
• Ability to use standard office equipment.
• Occasional lifting of materials up to 15 pounds.

Pay

Advertised salary: $43,888 - $53,188 per year, paid monthly.

Schedule

• Full-Time
• 37.5 hours per week
• Days to be worked: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
• 12 months per year (fiscal year)

Benefits

Tennessee State University offers eligible employees a competitive benefits package that includes:

• Annual leave (vacation)
• Sick leave
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plans
• Flexible benefits plans

Employment is contingent upon successfully completing a criminal background check as mandated by Tennessee State University. Official transcripts for positions which require a post-secondary undergraduate degree, advanced degree, and/or certification must be presented upon hire.