Contract Recruiter

New York Genome Center•New York, NY

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The New York Genome Center (NYGC) is seeking an experienced, independent Contract Recruiter to support full-lifecycle recruitment across scientific, technical, and operational teams. Reporting to the Vice President of Human Resources, the recruiter will partner with hiring managers to develop recruitment strategies, attract and assess qualified candidates, and guide searches from job description development through offer and acceptance. This hands-on role is in a high-touch, collaborative environment and requires sound judgment, strong relationship-building skills, and the ability to independently manage multiple searches while providing a thoughtful, inclusive candidate experience. The initial contract term is anticipated to be six months, with the possibility of extension depending on recruitment needs. The role is based at NYGC’s Lower Manhattan location. The contractor is expected to work onsite four days per week, with the remaining work arrangement agreed upon with the supervisor. The hourly rate is $60–$90, depending on relevant experience, skills, and qualifications. This contract engagement is not eligible for employee benefits. NYGC is an independent, nonprofit academic research organization dedicated to advancing genomic research. Its scientists and staff develop approaches to diagnosing and treating neurological diseases and cancer, using capabilities that include whole-genome sequencing, RNA sequencing, analytics, and genomic tools. NYGC focuses on disease-based research and collaborates with leading academic medical centers and research universities in the New York region. NYGC is committed to a welcoming and fair workplace, equal opportunity, and affirmative action in support of hiring and advancing protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Requirements

At least 10 years of professional recruitment experience, including substantial experience independently managing full-lifecycle recruitment.
Ability to manage multiple concurrent searches, prioritize competing demands, and deliver results in a dynamic environment.
Experience partnering directly with hiring managers to develop recruitment strategies, clarify role requirements, assess candidates, and make hiring decisions.
Strong candidate sourcing, interviewing, assessment, and relationship-building skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop clear, engaging job descriptions and communicate effectively with candidates and stakeholders at all levels.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, including the ability to independently manage scheduling, documentation, and recruitment administration.
Demonstrated commitment to inclusive recruitment practices and a positive, respectful candidate experience.
Sound judgment, discretion, and ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
Proficiency with applicant tracking systems and standard recruitment tools.

Nice To Haves

Experience recruiting for technical, scientific, research, or other specialized professional roles.
Experience working in an academic, scientific, biotechnology, life sciences, or genomics environment.
Experience recruiting for roles requiring specialized or hard-to-find technical expertise.
Experience working in a lean HR or recruiting team where the recruiter owns both strategic partnership and day-to-day execution.

Responsibilities

Manage the full recruitment lifecycle for assigned positions, from intake and job posting through sourcing, scheduling, screening, interviewing, reference checks, offer development, and acceptance.
Partner with hiring managers to understand role requirements, team needs, and recruitment priorities, and establish search plans, timelines, and selection criteria.
Advise hiring managers on recruitment strategy, sourcing approaches, market conditions, candidate availability, and ways to strengthen applicant pools.
Draft and refine job descriptions with hiring managers to ensure responsibilities, qualifications, and expectations are clear, accurate, and compelling.
Post and promote openings through appropriate job boards, professional networks, and other recruitment channels.
Identify and engage potential candidates through direct sourcing, networking, referrals, and other appropriate methods.
Conduct initial candidate prescreens and, as appropriate, participate in or lead interviews.
Coordinate interviews, including scheduling, candidate communications, interview preparation, and timely follow-up.
Gather and synthesize interview feedback, facilitate timely hiring decisions, and keep candidates and hiring managers informed.
Conduct reference checks and coordinate offer development, approvals, and communications with HR and hiring managers.
Maintain accurate and timely recruitment records, candidate information, and applicant tracking system data.
Build productive relationships with hiring managers and provide practical guidance throughout recruitment.
Provide a high-touch candidate experience through clear communication, thoughtful preparation, timely follow-up, and respectful treatment.
Help hiring managers assess candidates consistently against role requirements and structured, job-related criteria.
Promote inclusive recruitment practices and help identify and address barriers to attracting, assessing, and hiring candidates from a broad range of backgrounds.
Proactively communicate recruitment progress, challenges, and recommendations to support informed decisions and maintain momentum.
Handle sensitive candidate and recruitment information with discretion and professionalism.
Independently manage recruitment administration, including scheduling, applicant tracking, documentation, and process coordination.
Maintain visibility into open searches, recruitment activity, and anticipated hiring needs, and provide regular updates to HR and hiring managers.
Collaborate with the HR team to coordinate recruitment priorities, share information, and maintain consistent processes and candidate communications.
Identify opportunities to improve recruitment processes, tools, and practices while balancing efficiency with personal service.
Support additional recruitment-related projects and activities as organizational needs evolve.