Executive Search Coordinator and New Hire Specialist
About The Position
This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated and proactive team player who values organization, customer service, professionalism, and high-quality work. Team members will enjoy a collaborative, people-centered environment with opportunities to work with visionary leadership, faculty, and staff across Virginia Tech—supporting the university’s mission of Ut Prosim (That I May Serve). The Executive Search Coordinator and New Hire Specialist serves as the central point of contact for executive recruiters, clients, and candidates, ensuring a seamless, polished experience at every stage of the executive search process. The role provides high-level logistical and operational support throughout the search lifecycle, emphasizing communication, coordination, relationship-building, and the ability to anticipate needs and solve problems proactively. In addition to executive search responsibilities, this position plays a critical role in shaping the early experience of new hires, with a particular focus on: Strengthening Senior Management Area (SMA) onboarding practices through intentional outreach and partnership with HR teams, hiring managers, and departmental leaders. Connecting automated onboarding workflows with local departmental activities to ensure new employees experience a consistent, well-orchestrated first-year journey—from initial acceptance through their first 12 months. Supporting storytelling and narrative-building efforts that highlight milestones, celebrate progress, and reinforce a sense of belonging and purpose for new hires. Designing and coordinating meaningful engagement touchpoints, including welcome events, networking opportunities, first-year milestones, and experiences tailored to the culture and needs of each unit. This position works closely with the Talent Acquisition team and stakeholders across the university to deliver a cohesive, people-centered onboarding program. The workflow ranges from routine tasks to complex projects, all requiring exceptional organization, attention to detail, and the ability to meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Communication, Human Resources, or a related field; or equivalent relevant experience.
- Demonstrated experience in higher education, healthcare, and/or professional service organizations.
- Proven ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
- Demonstrated ability to work with confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
- High level of maturity and sound judgment, with experience planning, prioritizing, and organizing a diversified workload.
- Proven ability to anticipate challenges in the search process and proactively identify solutions.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to create positive, inclusive experiences for candidates, new hires, and internal partners.
Nice To Haves
- Previous experience in executive search, agency, or in-house recruiting teams.
- Experience building or supporting new-hire onboarding programs or department-specific onboarding coordination.
- Experience planning and facilitating employee engagement activities such as welcome events, lunch-and-learns, networking programs, or similar initiatives.
- Experience using onboarding systems or HR workflow tools (ATS/HRIS experience helpful but not required).
- Experience with storytelling, communications, or content creation that supports culture-building and enhances the first-year employee experience.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Number of Employees
5,001-10,000 employees
