Talent Operations Specialist at Colorado State University — Fort Collins, CO

Job Description

Position Summary

WCNR is hiring a Talent Operations Specialist to join the Human Resources team supporting the Warner College of Natural Resources. The team reports to the WCNR HR Business Partner.

Full consideration date is July 22, 2026, 11:59pm (MST).

The Talent Operations Specialist coordinates and administers search and hiring processes across assigned units, supporting activities from position development through hire. This role ensures compliance with university policies, promotes consistent practices, and supports the efficient coordination of multiple concurrent searches, including high-volume hiring environments.

Working with hiring managers, search committees, and HR, the Specialist provides guidance on search procedures, facilitates requisitions and postings, and maintains accurate search documentation. The role serves as a key liaison among stakeholders, supports clear communication, and monitors search progress to help ensure timely and well-coordinated hiring activities.

This position exercises independent judgment in administering established processes and advising stakeholders, while escalating complex or non-standard issues to HR leadership.

Essential Job Duties

Position Development

• Assist managers with drafting and updating position descriptions including ensuring classification and posting requirements are met.
• Coordinate required reviews and approvals.

Search Administration

• Manage posting processes in accordance with established procedures.
• Track and report on search progress across multiple active searches.

Process Consultation

• Advise hiring managers and search committees on established best practices, procedures and requirements.
• Coordinate required trainings for search committee members.

Communication & Coordination

• Serve as liaison among HR, hiring managers, search committees, and candidates.
• Monitor timelines and follow up to support timely progression of searches including identifying and elevating delays or process issues impacting search progress.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervision

Will supervise 1 full-time position.

Conditions of Employment

Pre-employment background check required for all new hires.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of professional experience in human resources, talent operations, or administrative process coordination.
• Experience supporting multiple concurrent processes, projects, or workflows in a complex or high-volume environment.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply policies and procedures consistently.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with a variety of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently within established guidelines.
• College cannot sponsor a visa and requires U.S. work authorization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting search, hiring, or onboarding processes within a higher education, public sector, or similarly complex environment.
• Familiarity with applicant tracking systems (ATS) and HRIS platforms (e.g., Workday or similar systems).
• Experience coordinating or supporting high-volume or concurrent processes with multiple stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to provide guidance or training on established processes or procedures.
• Experience working with search committees, hiring panels, or group-based decision-making processes.
• Ability to identify process inefficiencies and recommend practical improvements within established frameworks.
• Customer service mindset with experience supporting a diverse set of stakeholders.

Salary Range

$70,000 - 75,000

Required Application Documents

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Cover Letter, Resume/CV

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

• Review our detailed benefits information here.
• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.
• Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.