Director, Talent Acquisition

Who we are

Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry, disciplined practice, and hands-on application. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI. Explore the RPI Forward plan. ↗︎

Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world. 

With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth. 

Job Summary

The Director of Talent Acquisition leads the strategy, operations, and execution of all talent acquisition initiatives across the Institute. The Director is responsible for building a diverse and high-performing workforce by designing and implementing innovative, inclusive, and data-driven recruiting practices. The Director partners with leadership across academic and administrative units to attract top talent while enhancing the institution’s employer brand and ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations.

In addition to leading the recruitment function, the Director oversees the institution’s employment-based immigration processes, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and supporting international faculty and staff throughout the visa and sponsorship lifecycle.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Higher Education Administration, Business, or related field.

• Seven (7) or more years pf progressively responsible experience in talent acquisition or a related HR function, including three (3) or more years in a leadership role.

• Experience managing employment-based immigration matters within higher education, healthcare, or other regulated environments is required.

Relevant combinations of education, training and experience may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

Familiarity with faculty recruitment and academic hiring practices strongly preferred. 

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Expertise in employment-based immigrant and non-immigrant case management and employment sponsorship processes.
• Strong knowledge of federal employment and immigration regulations (e.g., Department of State, USCIS, DOL)
• Ability to work with external service and software vendors, such as immigration counsel, applicant tracking companies
• Deep understanding of best practices and compliance matters in hiring (e.g. background checks, form I9, pre-employment physicals and the various laws and regulations surrounding them)
• Proven ability to lead inclusive hiring initiatives and manage complex recruitment processes.
• Experience with ATS and HRIS platforms (e.g., PageUp, Ellucian/Banner) and integrations among platforms
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Ability to lead and inspire direct reports

Representative Job Duties

• Strategic Talent Acquisition
  • Develop and lead a comprehensive, data-informed recruitment strategy that aligns with institutional workforce planning goals.
  • Partner with academic and administrative leaders to forecast hiring needs and build proactive talent pipelines.
  • Establish hiring practices that support the institution’s commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive community.
  • Oversee pre-employment due diligence processes, including but not limited to background checks, references, work authorization, and pre-employment physicals. - 
• Immigration Oversight
  • Provide leadership and oversight for employment-based immigration services, including H-1B, O-1, TN, and lawful permanent residency cases, such as PERM, EB1b, NIW and others.
  • Partner with Office of International Students and Scholars Services for work authorizations that are student based (J1, F1, OPT)
  • Serve as the primary liaison with internal general counsel, external legal counsel, and government agencies on employment-related immigration matters.
  • Ensure compliance with all federal immigration regulations (e.g., USCIS, DOL, ICE) and maintain accurate documentation and records.
  • Develop and implement internal policies and guidance to support international