Talent Acquisition Specialist

About our company

BUILD, Inc. (Broader Urban Involvement and Leadership Development) is presently seeking a committed, self-motivated, and innovative individual to join our team. BUILD is a nationally respected gang intervention, violence prevention, and youth development organization based on Chicago’s West Side. Since 1969, BUILD has worked to save lives and mentor young people who live in the city’s most challenged neighborhoods. We set the bar high and lead by example, putting our values of respect, collaboration, and open communication into everything we do. When you work at BUILD you make an important difference to the thousands of youth and families we serve.

Our core Values: Empathy, Passion, Persistence and Innovation.

About the department

The Human Resources (HR) Department at BUILD, Inc., plays a vital role in supporting our mission by fostering a positive workplace culture, attracting and retaining top talent, and ensuring compliance with labor laws and regulations. We are dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion while providing comprehensive support for our staff.

Job Summary:

The Talent Acquisition Specialist will play a crucial role in attracting, recruiting, and retaining top talent to support our mission. This position partners closely with hiring managers and HR leadership to understand workforce needs, develop effective recruitment strategies, and ensure a smooth, compliant, and candidate-centered hiring process. The role also provides cross-functional HR back-up support as needed to maintain continuity of HR operations.

Sourcing and Attracting Candidates:

• Developing strategies for acquiring new talent.
• Analyzing the company’s hiring needs and anticipating future requirements.
• Collaborate with internal departments and hiring managers to determine recruitment requirements and candidate profiles.
• Using various channels (such as job boards, social media, and referrals) to source potential candidates.
• Representing the organization at job fairs and recruiting events.

Screening and Selection:

• Manage the end-to-end candidate screening process, including resume review, initial phone screens, and coordination of interviews.
• Conduct candidate screening calls and email outreach to assess qualifications, interest, and cultural alignment.
• Assist with compiling interview questions and facilitating structured, compliant interview processes.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with applicants, candidates, and former employees.
• Ensure all recruitment and selection activities comply with applicable employment laws, regulations, and internal policies.
• Coordinate and monitor background checks and reference verifications, tracking completion and escalating issues as necessary.
• Managing hiring processes via electronic Applicant Tracking Systems.
• Facilitate pre-interview assessments as applicable.

Metrics and Reporting:

• Track recruitment activity and key hiring metrics, including time-to-fill, candidate pipeline status, and source effectiveness.
• Prepare and provide regular reports and updates on hiring progress and recruitment trends to leadership.

Cross-Functional HR Support

• Provide administrative and operational back-up support to the HR Generalist, HRIS Specialist, and HR Director as needed.
• Assist with HR processes related to employee lifecycle activities, system updates, documentation, and compliance support during peak periods or staff absences.
• Collaborate with HR team members to ensure consistent service delivery and accurate information across HR functions.