Director, Talent Acquisition

Hawke was founded on the idea that every modern business needs a CMO-level expert to lead digital marketing efforts. We customize data-driven, performance-focused solutions to help launch, scale, and invigorate businesses of all sizes, industries, and revenue models. We’re shifting the agency paradigm by putting client success ahead of our own. We’ve been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, INC, Business Insider, and CNN, and we can boast clients such as Red Bull, Verizon, Evite (and many, many more). We work hard and collaborate to create our dynamic culture. 

The Director of Talent is responsible for owning Hawke's end-to-end talent strategy and execution. This is a highly visible, hands-on role that serves as the company's recruiting leader while partnering closely with People Operations and business leaders to shape workforce planning, talent development, employer branding, and employee growth. As the sole leader of the Talent function, you'll personally drive recruiting across the organization while designing scalable talent programs that support Hawke's continued growth. This role requires someone who enjoys balancing strategic thinking with day-to-day execution.

Key Responsibilities

Talent Acquisition

• Own the full-cycle recruiting process across all business functions, from workforce planning through offer acceptance.
• Partner with hiring managers to develop recruiting strategies aligned with business priorities.
• Source, recruit, interview, and close top talent across technical, corporate, creative, and leadership roles.
• Build and maintain diverse talent pipelines for current and future hiring needs.
• Manage the applicant tracking system, recruiting metrics, interview process, and candidate communications.
• Continuously improve hiring processes, interview practices, and the overall candidate experience.
• Train and coach hiring managers on interviewing best practices and selection decisions.
• Manage external recruiting agencies, job boards, and talent partners as needed.

Talent Strategy

• Partner with executive leadership on workforce planning and organizational growth.
• Develop talent dashboards and recruiting analytics that provide actionable business insights.
• Build employer branding initiatives that position Hawke as an employer of choice.
• Evaluate recruiting technology, processes, and tools to improve efficiency and hiring outcomes.

Talent Development

• Collaborate with People Operations to design career pathing and internal mobility programs.
• Support leadership development initiatives and succession planning.
• Help identify high-potential talent and create opportunities for employee growth.
• Partner with managers to strengthen onboarding and new hire integration.

Employee Experience

• Collaborate with People Operations on engagement and retention initiatives.
• Analyze employee feedback and recruiting insights to improve the employee experience.
• Support initiatives that reinforce Hawke's culture, values, and leadership expectations.
• Partner on recognition and development programs that encourage employee growth and engagement.

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Serve as a trusted advisor to leaders on hiring, talent planning, organizational structure, and workforce needs.
• Collaborate closely with People Operations to ensure alignment across recruiting, onboarding, performance, and talent initiatives.
• Develop scalable talent processes that support business growth while maintaining an exceptional employee experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, Organizational Development, or related field. (Can be substituted for experience)
• 5+ years of progressive experience in Talent Acquisition, Talent Management, or Human Resources.
• Experience independently owning recruiting for a growing organization.
• Demonstrated success recruiting across multiple functions and levels, including leadership positions.
• Experience partnering with executive leadership on workforce planning and organizational growth.
• Strong understanding of talent acquisition strategy, employer branding, and recruiting operations.
• Experience building talent programs, processes, and scalable recruiting infrastructure.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and influencing skills.
• Comfortable balancing strategic initiatives with hands-on execution.

Technical Skills

• ATS administration (Paycom and LinkedIn Recruiter preferred)
• HR analytics and recruiting dashboards
• Microsoft Office and Google Workspace
• Interview design and assessment methodologies

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a high-growth company or agency environment.
• Knowledge of employment law and recruiting best practices.
• Experience implementing or optimizing ATS and recruiting technology, including AI
• Experience with organizational design, career development, or succession planning.

30 Days: Learn & Assess

• Build relationships with leadership and hiring managers to understand business priorities and talent needs.
• Evaluate current recruiting processes, hiring metrics, and candidate experience.
• Take ownership of active searches and address immediate hiring priorities.
• Identify quick wins and present recommendations for improving the Talent function.

60 Days: Optimize & Execute

• Implement improvements to recruiting processes, interview practices, and hiring manager workflows.
• Build proactive talent pipelines for key and recurring roles.
• Launch recruiting dashboards and establish regular talent reporting.
• Partner with People Operations on employer branding, onboarding, and talent development initiatives.

90 Days: Scale & Influence

• Establish Talent as a strategic partner through workforce planning and talent insights.
• Deliver measurable improvements in recruiting metrics, candidate experience, and hiring manager satisfaction.
• Present a 12-month Talent strategy and roadmap aligned with business goals.
• Build a scalable foundation for recruiting and talent programs that support Hawke's continued growth.

Visa Sponsorship: Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and throughout employment, without employer-sponsored visa support, as this role is not eligible for sponsorship.

Perks and Benefits

Health and Wellness

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Financial Benefits

• Competitive Base Salary
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Life and Disability Insurance

Time Off

• Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Paternal/Maternal Leave

Growth and Development

• Ongoing Training and Learning Opportunities
• Career Path Progression