SE Talent Acquisition Specialist

Gensler • Washington, DC

10d • $80,000 - $105,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Your Role Gensler’s Southeast Region is seeking a creative and strategic Talent Acquisition Specialist to join our regional HR team, reporting to the Regional HR Director and Talent Acquisition Manager. In this role, you will partner closely with hiring teams to deliver full‑cycle recruitment support, from initial hiring need through onboarding, while ensuring clear communication, timely coordination, and an exceptional candidate and internal-client experience. This position offers the opportunity to design and lead forward‑thinking recruiting initiatives that align with business goals, strengthen our culture of engagement and inclusion, and support successful hiring outcomes in a dynamic, client‑focused environment. Our people-centered, “People First” culture and “One Firm-Firm” motto promotes integrated teams that unite to shape the future of cities. Gensler’s vision is to “Create a Better World through the Power of Design,” and we do that by our deep commitment to our clients and by fostering a collaborative, diverse, and inclusive environment that enables our people to create impactful solutions together. This role is not remote; we look forward to working with our new Talent Acquisition Specialist in our Charlotte, Baltimore, or Washington, D.C. offices.

Requirements

• 5–10 years of full‑cycle recruiting experience, with a track record of delivering strong hiring outcomes across varied role types and levels.
• Proficient in leveraging Applicant Tracking Systems—with Workday or Avature highly preferred—and skilled in using LinkedIn Recruiter to convert prospects and applicants into successful hires.
• Demonstrated ability to work proactively and collaboratively within a team, contributing to shared goals and supporting business objectives.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, Construction) industry or other professional services environments is highly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Human Resources, or a related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Represent Gensler as a Brand Ambassador, marketing our firm through LinkedIn, job postings, and presence at Architecture & Design industry organizations (NOMA, IIDA, AIA, etc.).
• Provide insight and advice to stakeholders on market trends, competitor information, market challenges and talent acquisition strategies.
• Champion Gensler’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Guide and coach hiring teams on best‑in‑class practices for evaluating resumes and portfolios, conducting effective interviews, and assessing candidate fit to drive informed and equitable hiring decisions.
• Manage the full recruiting life‑cycle with an organized yet adaptable approach, ensuring a seamless and positive experience for candidates and internal stakeholders—from research and sourcing through interviews, offer development, and acceptance.
• Cultivate strong relationships with active and passive candidates across early‑career through senior‑level roles, maintaining clear, consistent communication to keep talent engaged throughout the process.
• Source candidates through pro-active networking, partnering closely with team members, professional associations, and leveraging LinkedIn to build diverse and well‑aligned talent pipelines.
• Develop innovative and effective candidate engagement strategies to build networks of potential candidates via active sourcing and employer branding activities both externally and within Gensler.
• Provide organized, timely reporting and metrics, translating data into clear updates that communicate progress, challenges, and timelines for assigned searches.
• Apply sound compensation practices to align candidate expectations with defined ranges, partnering closely with HR and office leadership to deliver equitable, competitive, and well‑communicated offers.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Architecture and Interior Design program leaders at partnered universities to support early‑career talent pipelines.
• Coordinate registration and logistics for university career fairs, ensuring smooth planning and timely execution.
• Support team members attending career fairs by providing training, preparing booth materials, and managing follow‑up with high-potential students.
• Manage key recruiting activities, including posting job openings, reviewing applicants, prescreening candidates, coordinating interviews, and preparing offer letters.
• Serve as a strategic talent advisor, leveraging relationships, research, and recruitment marketing to identify and attract top talent.
• Effectively manage time and prioritize competing or shifting demands, while maintaining clear, consistent communication with internal clients and colleagues.
• Proactively engage with leadership to develop strategies and delivery methods that address urgent and evolving hiring needs.
• Build and maintain positive, productive working relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Deliver an exceptional experience to both internal clients and candidates, ensuring professionalism and responsiveness at every stage of the process.
• Handle sensitive information with discretion, maintaining confidentiality at all times.
• Demonstrate responsiveness, initiative, and strong customer‑service orientation, asking thoughtful questions to gain clarity and ensure smooth next steps.
• Navigate ambiguity with confidence, adapting to evolving priorities and fast-paced environments while remaining organized and solution‑focused.

Benefits

• comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off
• 401k
• profit sharing
• employee stock ownership
• twice annual bonus opportunities
• reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees
• reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level