Jobs and Careers

Executive Recruiter (Contract)

The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey

New York City, United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 22 Jan 2026

💰 $146,000/yr($100,000/yr – $146,000/yr)

About the role

The Executive Recruiter (Contract) is a long-term contract role lasting between 6 – 12 months, and will lead our executive recruitment search process. The position will manage the end-to-end executive recruitment including managing third-party retained search firms for key agency and senior leadership positions. The ideal candidate will have proven experience with direct executive candidate sourcing and track record of full life cycle support of senior level hiring, from candidate identification and selection to onboarding and executive integration. Responsibilities

Lead intake and kick-off meetings with Port Authority executive leadership; provide strategic guidance on industry talent landscapes and market trends
Serve as the primary liaison to third-party retained search firms; oversee search engagements and evaluate firms on the consistent delivery of high-caliber talent
Partner with executive stakeholders to develop and refine job descriptions that clearly articulate scope, leadership expectations, competencies, and success profiles
Develop and execute multi-channel sourcing strategies aligned to client profiles; build and maintain talent pipelines for current and future executive searches
Identify and cultivate candidate sources; design and implement robust search strategies to attract top-tier executive talent
Conduct comprehensive screening and assessment of executive candidates, evaluating leadership capability, cultural alignment, and long-term organizational fit
Provide strategic counsel on candidate selection; prepare and present formal selection recommendations to executive stakeholders
Lead client update meetings for active searches; prepare comprehensive search status reports for client partners and the CHRO
Manage executive-level compensation discussions; lead salary negotiations and facilitate conversations regarding total rewards packages
Design and monitor key processes that drive a compelling candidate experience and measure the effectiveness of executive onboarding and integration efforts

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required with 8 + years of progressive related experience with demonstrated knowledge of technical and legal aspects of HR
Experience in full life-cycle recruiting, developing recruitment strategies and client/candidate management
Experience directing/leading executive third-party retained search engagements
Subject matter expert around candidate sourcing methodologies and recruitment process effectiveness

Desired Qualifications

Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to deal credibly, effectively and influence senior leadership and multiple stakeholders
Proactive problem-solving skills and a deep knowledge of consultative executive partnership, demonstrating the ability to anticipate client needs
A track record as a trusted advisor, negotiator and exceptional closer working across talent and clients
Ability to influence and advise senior executives and manage senior-level relationships

Selection ProcessThe application Process varies by position but typically includes an initial phone interview for qualified candidates, followed by a more in-depth interview(s) and/or assessment(s). Selected candidates who are made a conditional job offer will be asked to undergo a background check. Compensation & On-Site Collaboration Requirements: The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey anticipates that the actual salary offered to a successful candidate will depend on aspects such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and internal factors. This is a contract position with an expected hourly range between $50 - $73 per hour. In accordance with Port Authority policy, this position permits employees to work remotely a maximum of one day per week. In person collaboration is essential to how the Port Authority conducts business, and regular in-office days or team collaboration days may be required on business need.