Talent Acquisition Program Manager

Job Description

The Talent Acquisition Program Manager supports Southwest’s early career talent strategy by managing programs that attract, develop, and prepare future talent for success across the Company. They will lead the planning, execution, and continuous improvement of internship, co‑op, and rotational programs while partnering with business leaders and stakeholders to ensure programs align with workforce and business needs. They manage complex initiatives from inception through delivery, providing expertise in program strategy, process improvement, and stakeholder engagement. The role leverages strong program management, analytical, and relationship‑building skills to create impactful talent experiences and drive long‑term workforce success.

Additional Details

This role is based at Southwest Airlines’ corporate campus in Dallas, TX and requires working on‑site during business hours. U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the United States is required; no sponsorship is available.

Responsibilities

• Anticipate large‑scale, complex challenges within the domain, including risk, dependencies, timelines, and scope.
• Collaborate with assigned client groups to support people initiatives by understanding organizational objectives, issues, needs, and key success factors.
• Communicate with key stakeholders to determine project requirements and objectives.
• Develop deep understanding of customer priorities, value drivers, and challenges; use this knowledge to translate customer needs.
• Manage customer expectations effectively and help drive innovation in customer areas.
• Monitor project milestones and deliverables.
• Partner with customers to create and maintain a capability roadmap for the next 3‑10 years.
• Partner with senior leadership across the company to lead activities required for the ongoing development and delivery of strategic initiatives.
• Mentor peers by providing guidance and subject‑matter expertise.
• Perform other job duties as directed by leadership.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and measurement of training effects.
• Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations, negotiation, and personnel information systems.
• Ability to apply information to contribute to the organization’s strategic plan.
• Logical reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches.
• Ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce sensible answers.
• Creativity in generating unusual or clever ideas and developing innovative solutions.
• Ability to influence and shape perspectives across multiple stakeholder levels.

Education and Experience

• Required: High School Diploma or GED.
• Advanced‑level experience with seasoned and specialized knowledge in training, guiding, consulting, leading, and applying project management skills to implement HR strategies and programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing and scaling early‑career programs, including internships, co‑ops, rotational, and graduate initiatives.
• Experience developing talent pipeline strategies that improve attraction, conversion, and retention.
• Ability to influence and partner with leaders, HR, Talent Acquisition, universities, vendors, and talent communities.
• Data‑driven approach with the ability to turn insights into strategic recommendations and program improvements.
• Knowledge of early‑career recruiting, campus engagement, candidate experience, and conversion strategies.
• Ability to manage program strategy, governance, budgets, vendors, technology, and communications.
• Experience using Workday, Phenom, Qualtrics, Alteryx, and Microsoft 365 to administer programs and analyze data.

Physical Abilities

• Ability to perform work duties from a limited‑space workstation/desk/office area for extended periods.
• Ability to communicate and interact in English to meet job demands.
• Ability to use a computer and office productivity tools with sufficient speed and accuracy.

Other Qualifications

• Must maintain a well‑groomed appearance per company appearance standards.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or have authorization to work in the United States as defined by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be able to comply with company attendance standards.

Pay

Competitive market salary ranging from $98,650 to $109,600 per year, depending on qualifications and experience. Eligible leadership and individual contributor roles may receive additional discretionary bonuses.

Benefits

• Free flight privileges on any open seat on Southwest flights for you and eligible dependents.
• Company contributions to the Retirement Savings Plan up to 9.3% of eligible earnings.
• Potential annual profit‑sharing contributions in the Southwest Retirement Savings Plan.
• Competitive health insurance for you and eligible dependents (including pets), with coverage options effective from day one of employment.
• Additional benefits details: Southwest Benefits Overview.