Talent Acquisition and Onboarding Specialist

Position Summary Our new Talent Acquisition and Onboarding Specialist serves as a strategic bridge between sourcing top external talent and supporting the engagement of Western’s current employees. Job Description: Western Colorado University seeks strategic-thinking, people-focused, and highly detail-oriented applicants for the full-time position of Talent Acquisition and Onboarding Specialist. This in-person position (located on the Gunnison, Colorado campus) reports to the Director of Human Resources and works closely with our HR Team. This position serves as a bridge between sourcing top external talent and supporting the engagement of Western’s current employees. Responsibilities The Talent Acquisition and Onboarding Specialist oversees full-cycle recruitment and hiring processes for all non-student positions. Through candidate outreach, prospect management, and pipeline development, this position will partner with University stakeholders to creatively and proactively source job candidates. This position will also work closely with hiring managers and search committees to manage job postings and advertisements, coordinate search processes, ensure legal/regulatory compliance in hiring practices, and generate offer letters. As a welcoming resource for new employees, this position will coordinate all administrative aspects of onboarding. This work includes communicating requirements, tracking completion of onboarding documentation and mandatory training, facilitating system access, and serving as a point of contact for inquiries. To strengthen the new hire experience, this position will develop and implement orientation programming that covers University mission, policies, and values. The Talent Acquisition and Onboarding Specialist will also participate in exciting institutional initiatives centered around employee support and belonging and inclusive campus culture. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a closely related field; or Bachelor’s degree in any field and three (3) years of work experience in Human Resources. Three (3) years of relevant experience in Human Resources or a closely related administrative role. Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage and execute highly detailed work accurately; Proficiency with databases and office software, including Microsoft Office and HRIS platforms; Excellent interpersonal and written/verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with a wide range of individuals; Ability to stay organized while managing multiple projects simultaneously and receiving large volumes of information; Ability to prioritize competing tasks and meet strict deadlines. Preferred Qualifications Experience in higher education, governmental, or public sector Human Resources; Experience administering the Workday Human Resources Information System (HRIS). Knowledge of FLSA, Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, and other applicable federal and state employment laws and regulations; Familiarity with the Workday Human Resources Information System (HRIS), including Recruiting and HCM modules. Compensation Compensation: $60,000 - $65,000 annual base salary; position is FLSA exempt and non-classified. Benefits Western offers an excellent benefits package including shared premiums for a comprehensive health insurance plan, dental insurance, retirement plan, life insurance, and other insurance options. After one year of employment, Western provides free tuition for dependents enrolled full time in undergraduate programs for up to four years. Application deadline August 30, 2026 (at 11:59 pm). Additional Information on Western and Gunnison/Crested Butte Western Colorado University is a public institution with an enrollment of ~3,700 students. 47% of students are undergraduates, 33% are graduate students, and 80% receive some form of financial aid. Western students represent 17 countries, 50 states, and almost every county in Colorado. With an average class size of 17, Western’s faculty and staff share a strong commitment to personalized, rigorous, and immersive education. Visit to learn more about the university. Western Colorado University is located in Gunnison, Colorado, about 200 miles southwest of Denver amidst over 2 million acres of public land and a vibrant ranching community. The Gunnison valley provides robust cultural programming and exceptional outdoor recreation. A network of dedicated community organizations enrich the lives of many in the tight‑knit community. Living in the valley, one appreciates a vibrant culture of festivals, exhibitions, performances, wellness activities, and more. In the winter, many enjoy in skiing at Crested Butte Mountain Resort and along dozens of miles of cross‑country trails. In the summer, bikers, hikers, and runners explore 750-plus miles of singletrack trails, while others delight in fishing, boating, and paddleboarding at Blue Mesa Reservoir or on the Gunnison River and its tributaries. Pre‑K‑12 students are served by the highly‑ranked Gunnison Watershed School District. WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER INCLUDING DISABILITY/VETERANS. It is the ongoing policy and practice of Western Colorado University to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants. No person shall be discriminated against in any condition of employment because of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, marital status, or any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local law. ADAAA ACCOMMODATIONS: Western Colorado University is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Western will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to the Office of Human Resources at View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io. At Western Colorado University our faculty members and staff share a strong commitment to an inclusive and personalized education and take pride in following a set of values that form our vision as a university. Our shared values of courage, growth, inclusivity, integrity and stewardship provide the foundation for our culture and our work. Our faculty and staff are student-oriented, collegial, enthusiastic, and engaged in the campus and community. With the Rocky Mountains as our laboratory, Western is a premier public provider of rigorous, immersive education for our undergraduate and graduate students. The curriculum provides professional flexibility where experiential learning and interdisciplinary approaches are valued. Employees have chosen Western because of the quality of life combined with rewarding careers. #J-18808-Ljbffr Western Colorado University