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

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 faculty and staff through sponsorship and visa processes.
• Recruitment Operations
  • Manage and mentor a team of recruiters and recruitment specialists responsible for staff and faculty hiring.
  • Oversee full-cycle recruitment processes, including sourcing, screening, interviewing, and selection.
  • Ensure consistency and fairness in hiring practices and search committee procedures across campus.
  • Optimize use of recruitment technology, including the applicant tracking system (ATS), and recommend improvements to enhance efficiency and reporting.
  • Oversee the extension of fixed-term appointments. 
• Compliance & Reporting
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies.
  • Prepare and maintain documentation for internal audits
  • Monitor and report key hiring metrics. 

Shift

Business Hours with weekends or evenings occasionally required

Travel

Driving

Driving a personal vehicle for non-passenger use

Starting Salary/Rate

Expected hiring range: $135,000 - $160,000

Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

Application instructions

Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.

If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Total Compensation and Benefits Information

Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).