Human Resources Specialist (Special Hiring Programs Manager).

Build the workforce that powers the Northwest. The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) is at the center of the Pacific Northwest's energy landscape, and our people are the source of that power. We are seeking a senior, strategic leader to be the architect of our talent acquisition programs.

About the role

This is not a typical HR role. You will be the primary expert and program manager responsible for designing and leading innovative strategies to attract, recruit, and hire the diverse, high-performing talent needed to fulfill our vital public service mission.

Responsibilities

• Be the Strategic Architect: Serve as BPA's lead Subject Matter Expert for all special hiring initiatives, including programs for veterans, students, and individuals with disabilities. Analyze, design, and advise the entire organization on short- and long-term recruitment strategies to maximize program success.
• Shape the Future of Talent Acquisition: Act as a senior advisor for BPA's overall talent strategy. Conduct rigorous analyses of our recruitment and branding efforts to identify trends, pinpoint areas for improvement, and cultivate pipelines of exceptional candidates.
• Design and Lead Targeted Outreach: Develop and execute creative sourcing strategies focused on building a diverse and inclusive workforce. Create BPA's annual recruitment and outreach plan, directing efforts to connect with the best talent.
• Build Bridges in the Community: Seek out and maintain strategic partnerships with colleges, universities, professional associations, and community organizations. Be the face of BPA, building networks that strengthen our brand and expand our talent pools.
• Direct Our Employment Brand: Lead strategic use of social media and paid advertising to tell BPA's story. Coordinate with communications teams to educate audiences on what makes BPA an employer of choice, building a strong employment brand that attracts top-tier candidates.
• Provide Authoritative Guidance: Act as the lead consultant and technical expert for hiring managers, supervisors, and HR staff across BPA. Provide clear oversight and guidance on all regulatory and eligibility requirements related to these specialized hiring programs.
• Manage High-Impact HR Projects: Take charge of critical talent acquisition projects, including those related to strategic workforce planning. Manage the entire project lifecycle, from setting objectives and timelines to delivering high-quality results.
• Champion New Ideas and Continuous Improvement: Constantly evaluate the effectiveness of programs, tracking key metrics to drive continuous improvement. Be empowered to propose and implement new ideas to enhance and modernize hiring initiatives.

Requirements

• You must be a United States Citizen.
• This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
• Males must abide by Selective Service registration requirements.
• You will be required to report in person to the official duty location.
• This position has been designated as requiring a PUBLIC TRUST background. A preliminary background check must be completed before a new employee can begin work. Current Federal employees or other individuals with an existing completed background investigation may not be required to undergo another background check.
• Delegated Examining Unit certification is required to perform duties related to Pathways program oversight.
• A motor vehicle driving license is required to operate government vehicles for purposes of attending and transporting supplies to career fairs and other outreach events.
• Travel is required 25% - 35% on a regular basis to attend career fairs and other outreach events.

In accordance with Executive Order 14170, applicants are encouraged to respond to four short, free-response, essay questions in the questionnaire. Answers to these questions are not scored or rated but will be reviewed by the hiring manager and agency leadership if referred for selection consideration.

Qualifications

Specialized Experience Requirements: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-12) in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as:

• Providing strategic consultation to management on recruitment and talent acquisition initiatives.
• Developing recruitment strategies, workforce pipelines, and special hiring program initiatives (e.g., Pathways, Veterans, Schedule A, or similar programs).
• Analyzing recruitment data to improve hiring outcomes and utilizing talent acquisition technology, such as an Agency Talent Portal or similar system.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps) as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Time-in-Grade: Current Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement to receive consideration. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements to be considered "well qualified."

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent.

BPA strives to ensure a safe and positive work environment. We understand the importance of work/life balance and offer a variety of programs and policies designed to create more flexible, responsive work environments supportive of commitments to community, home, and family members. BPA also supports employees' overall wellness through its Be Well program, which helps employees adopt healthier lifestyles and feel better about their work/life balance. The program supports five key areas of life: career, community, financial, physical, and social.