Senior Talent Strategy & Optimization Specialist

Teachers Retirement System of Illinois • Springfield, IL

9d • $98,760 - $154,065

About The Position

The Senior Talent Optimization Specialist is a strategic human resources leader responsible for advancing the organization’s workforce effectiveness through integrated talent optimization and oversight of talent acquisition. The role is responsible for ensuring that workforce investments translate into measurable business performance. This role partners closely with HR Business Partners, business leaders, Learning & Development, and Communications to design, implement, and sustain data-driven talent strategies that attract, develop, and retain high-performing talent. In addition, this position provides leadership and direction for recruitment and selection activities to ensure a consistent, equitable, and future-focused hiring approach. This position operates at the intersection of workforce analytics, organizational design, and change enablement – translating data and strategy into scalable, high-impact talent initiatives.

Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to think beyond individual roles or programs to understand how talent, structure, processes, and culture interact across the organization.
• Ability to anticipate long-term workforce needs, evaluates downstream impacts of talent decisions, and design integrated solutions that support organizational goals rather than isolated fixes.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data to identify trends, diagnose challenges, and inform strategic decisions.
• Ability to build strong, trust-based relationships with leaders, HR business partners, and cross-functional stakeholders to effectively influence decisions and drive organizational change.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and shift priorities with confidence and adaptability.
• Ability to communicate concepts in a clear, concise, and audience-appropriate manner.
• Listens actively, asks thoughtful questions, and tailors messages to support understanding, alignment, and informed decision-making across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Proven ability to lead complex initiatives in dynamic, change-driven environments.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Business Administration, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 6–8 years of progressive experience in talent management, workforce planning, or organizational development, with demonstrated involvement in talent acquisition or recruitment.
• Experience overseeing or leading recruitment functions or enterprise hiring initiatives.
• Professional certifications (e.g., SHRM-CP/SCP, PHR/SPHR, or related credentials).
• Experience working in fast-paced, complex environments.

Responsibilities

• Drive integrated talent optimization by connecting workforce planning, skills and role design, talent acquisition, learning and development, succession planning, and performance and retention.
• Identify gaps, inefficiencies, and risks across the talent lifecycle hiring, development, performance, engagement, and retention) and translate insights into targeted interventions.
• Analyze workforce and talent data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities; translate insights into actionable strategies and recommendations.
• Contribute to organizational change initiatives by assessing talent impacts and supporting readiness, capability building, and adoption.
• Provide strategic oversight for talent acquisition and recruitment activities, ensuring alignment with organizational values, diversity objectives, and workforce priorities.
• Establish and maintain recruitment standards, processes, and metrics to promote consistency, efficiency, and a high-quality candidate experience.
• Partner with hiring leaders to support effective workforce planning, position scoping, and selection strategies.
• Monitor recruitment outcomes and labor market trends to continuously refine sourcing and hiring approaches.
• Provide daily operations and leadership oversight to the TRS recruiting team.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on recruitment best practices, employment branding, and selection methodologies.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Communications, Learning & Development, and Change Management to support integrated talent initiatives.
• Partner with Learning & Development to develop and deliver HR training that strengthens skills, drives consistency, and supports organizational performance.
• Develop tools, resources, dashboards, and guidance to support leaders in making informed talent decisions.
• Communicate complex talent insights in a clear, compelling manner to diverse stakeholders, including senior leadership.
• Ensure compliance with applicable employment laws, policies, and internal standards across all talent programs.
• Continuously assess and refine approaches based on outcomes, feedback, and evolving business needs.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned.

Benefits

• TRS is an agency of the State of Illinois. As such, full and part-time employees are eligible for the State of Illinois comprehensive benefits program which includes medical, dental and vision coverage.
• All employees participate in the TRS retirement pension plan and have the option to contribute to additional State of Illinois deferred compensation plans.
• The TRS pension plan is a reciprocal system to other state and local pension plans (SERS, SURS, IMRF, etc.)

What This Job Offers

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