Talent Acquisition Specialist

Job Description

Who are we?

The Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) is an agency of the State of Texas and member of The Texas A&M University System. For 75 years, TTI has addressed complex transportation challenges and opportunities with innovation, objectivity, and unmatched technical expertise. Our staff delivers excellence, value and thought leadership to ensure our research sponsors achieve their goals.

Our Mission and Vision

Our Vision - TTI leads in the creation of knowledge that transforms transportation for the benefit of society.

Our Mission - TTI delivers practical, innovative and sustainable solutions to improve the movement of people, data and goods through research, education and technology transfer.

Our Work Environment

Entrepreneurial culture

Affiliation with Texas A&M University students and faculty

Ability to work with nationally recognized experts

Ability to help train the next generation of transportation professionals

Premier office and research facilities and equipment

Accredited laboratories and safety proving ground

Outstanding research support services

Hybrid work environment/telecommuting

Flexible work hours

Family friendly

High staff retention rates

Leadership development and wellness programs

Data allowance and home office equipment reimbursements

Relocation assistance (if eligible)

Tuition reimbursement program (if eligible)

Our Employee Benefits

TTI employees can choose from several health coverage options offered by The Texas A&M University System for themselves and their families, as well as numerous other benefit programs.

you need to know

• This position has the flexibility of a hybrid remote option with a minimum of three days in the TTI Headquarters building at RELLIS campus in Bryan, TX. This can be discussed further during the interview process.

• The starting salary for this position is $60K. Final salary will be determined based on the applicant's qualifications and experience.

Job Summary

We’re looking for a strategic and collaborative Talent Acquisition Partner to join our HR team and help shape the future of our research-focused institute. This role is all about building strong relationships with hiring managers, designing thoughtful recruitment strategies, and ensuring our hiring practices are fair and legally sound. If you’re passionate about connecting great talent with meaningful work and enjoy working in a mission-driven environment, we’d love to meet you.

You’ll be part of a collaborative team that’s passionate about supporting innovation and excellence in research. We value curiosity, integrity, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Our hybrid work model offers flexibility while keeping you connected to the people and work that matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner closely with hiring managers to understand staffing needs and develop tailored recruitment strategies.

• Administer the processing of required memos.

• Lead full-cycle recruiting efforts for a wide range of roles, including research, technical, and administrative positions.

• Conduct initial screening of applicants to identify a strong pool of qualified candidates for hiring managers to interview.

• Serve as an interview expert by consulting with hiring managers on interview structure, question development, and candidate evaluation best practices.

• Ensure all recruitment activities comply with federal and state employment laws, internal compensation guidelines, and equity practices.

• Track and analyze recruitment metrics to identify trends and improve processes.

• Represent the institute at career fairs, networking events, and other outreach opportunities.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to departments on market trends, candidate experience, and hiring best practices.

• Serve as backup for budgeted employee hiring and onboarding.

• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business, or a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• 2 years of experience in talent acquisition or recruiting, ideally in a complex or research-oriented environment.

• Strong understanding of employment law, compensation practices, and recruiting strategies.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. The incumbent in this role should be comfortable working with people at all levels.

• Experience with applicant tracking systems (ATS) and HRIS platforms.

Preferred Skills

• 5+ years of experience in talent acquisition or recruiting, ideally in a complex or research-oriented environment.

• Prior experience in research, academic, or corporate.

• HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR) is a plus.

• Familiarity with workforce planning and talent pipeline development.

• Prior experience and familiarity with recruiting in Workday HCM