Executive Recruiter, Talent Acquisition

Executive Recruiter, Talent Acquisition George Mason University, Virginia's largest R1 public research institution, invites experienced executive recruitment professionals to join our expanding Talent Acquisition team in a pivotal new role. George Mason is nationally recognized for its innovative spirit, commitment to excellence, and mission to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students, the community, and the region we serve. This role offers mission-driven professionals the opportunity to directly influence leadership decisions that shape the future of a major research university. As a public institution, George Mason offers industry-leading benefits, including comprehensive healthcare options, state retirement programs, tuition benefits, and unmatched stability in a dynamic higher education landscape. This position presents an exceptional opportunity to align your executive recruitment expertise with meaningful work that directly supports the leaders shaping George Mason University's future. This role is part of an inaugural Executive Recruitment program, representing the university's first dedicated function focused on executive and senior leadership hiring. The Executive Recruiter will play a foundational role in building and advancing this new initiativeworking closely with the Director of Talent Acquisition and the CHRO to design, implement, and grow a strategic, concierge-level search service. The Executive Recruiter will be responsible for internal client engagement, cultivating strong relationships with executives, deans, and senior leaders across the university to anticipate leadership needs and provide proactive, consultative recruitment support. The role also includes projecting recruitment initiatives and engaging in business initiation, ensuring departments are prepared for upcoming searches and have access to tailored, concierge-level support from kickoff through hire. This position will help set the standard for executive hiring strategies at George Mason and contribute to building a sustainable, scalable model for future expansion. Ideal candidates will bring proven experience managing executive-level searchespreferably supporting higher education or a similarly complex, mission-driven environment, either internally or through an executive search firmwith exceptional customer service, communication, and relationship-building skills. They must demonstrate confidence in managing competing priorities, navigating sensitive leadership engagements, and delivering white-glove service throughout the search lifecycle. Candidates coming from external executive search firms will find a compelling opportunity for stability, long-term client partnership, and the ability to build a signature program for the region's premier public university without the portfolio churn and fee-driven pressures common in agency environments. This role will begin on-site, with potential for hybrid flexibility after the first year depending on performance and operational outcomes. Responsibilities: Search Strategy & Intake Lead strategic discovery with executives and committees to clarify priorities, success profiles, and inclusive selection criteria; and Advise on position descriptions, evaluation rubrics, interview design, and reference/credentialing approaches. Market Mapping & Sourcing Build and maintain talent maps across higher education, public sector, and relevant industries; and Proactively source passive talent through research, networking, associations, referrals, and appropriate tools (e.g., LinkedIn Recruiter, CRM/ATS pipelines). Candidate Assessment & Shortlist Management Assess candidates against role outcomes and leadership competencies; deliver curated shortlists (recommended candidate groups) with clear strengths and risks; and Conduct structured references and due diligence in partnership with HR and hiring authorities. Search Committee & Stakeholder Enablement Guide committees on equitable, compliant selection practices and interview discipline; coordinate briefings, debriefs, and consensus-building; and Collaborate with Faculty Affairs/Provost on academic leadership searches to align governance and timelines. End-to-End Search Management Manage the complete search lifecycle: kickoff, sourcing, evaluation, interviews, finalist management, offer negotiation support, and onboarding transition; and Track key metrics such as time-to-shortlist, time-to-offer, candidate experience outcomes, and recommended pool diversity. Internal Capability Building Design and refine George Mason University's in-house executive search playbook, templates, and training (intake guides, structured interview kits, committee education); and Coach HR and TA colleagues and HR liaisons to ensure consistency, speed, and quality. Brand & Talent Community Represent George Mason University authentically and credibly within the executive talent market; and Cultivate ongoing pipelines and communities for future leadership needs while protecting confidentiality. Continuous Improvement Recommend enhancements to reduce cycle time, strengthen assessment quality, and improve candidate and stakeholder experience; and Maintain meticulous records in the ATS and ensure compliance. Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in related field or the equivalent combination of education and experience; Significant professional recruiting experience (typically seven or more years), with considerable experience (typically three or more years) focused on director-level and above (or academic leadership equivalents); Demonstrated success delivering complex, confidential searches with multiple stakeholders and committees; Strong consulting skills: facilitating intake, aligning diverse viewpoints, and influencing decisions with data and judgment; Expertise in advanced sourcing (market mapping, passive outreach, research) and building/finalizing candidate shortlists; Proficiency with modern ATS/CRM systems (PageUp experience a plus) and recruiting research tools; Knowledge of federal/state EEO requirements and inclusive selection practices; and Exceptional writing, presentation, and interpersonal skills; impeccable discretion. Preferred Qualifications: Professional certifications (e.g., SHRM-SCP, SPHR, AESC-related training) welcomed; Executive search firm background or higher-education executive recruiting experience; large public sector or complex, matrixed organization experience strongly valued; Experience building or scaling an in-house executive recruiting function; Experience partnering with compensation on senior-level offers and employment agreements; and Familiarity with academic leadership structures, shared governance, and faculty affairs processes. Instructions to Applicants: For full consideration, applicants must apply for Executive Recruiter, Talent Acquisition at Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a Cover Letter and Resume for review.