HR Manager, Talent Acquisition

Cato Institute

. Own the entire talent acquisition process from scoping the role through a signed offer letter .

Posted 10/23/2026full-timeUnited StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $80,000 - $95,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in talent acquisition processes, including designing structured interviews, managing applicant tracking systems, and utilizing hiring metrics to enhance recruitment strategies. Strong ability to coach hiring managers and improve candidate experience while aligning with organizational mission and principles.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Talent Acquisition Process ManagementStructured Interview DesignApplicant Tracking System ImplementationHiring Metrics AnalysisCoaching Hiring Managers

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Talent AcquisitionHiring Process ImprovementCandidate AssessmentRecruitment Strategy DevelopmentBenefits AdministrationOnboardingEmployee RelationsData AnalysisNegotiation StrategiesJob Description Design

Soft Skills

Positive DemeanorProfessional PresenceConfidence in AdvisingCollaborationCoaching

Tools & Technologies

Applicant Tracking SystemGreenhouseAshbyLeverICIMS

Industry Keywords

Talent PipelinesEmployer BrandingHiring MetricsCandidate ExperienceRecruitment Strategies

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own the entire talent acquisition process from scoping the role through a signed offer letter
Develop offer strategies and guide negotiations
Evaluate and improve Cato's talent acquisition process
Improve support for hiring managers, time to fill, interviewing effectiveness, and candidate experience
Establish and report on key hiring metrics
Collaborate with hiring managers to design roles, job descriptions, recruitment strategies, and selection approaches
Coach managers at every level to make confident, well-informed hiring decisions
Design structured interview processes and evaluation criteria
Train interviewers across the Institute to use structured processes effectively
Implement and manage Cato's applicant tracking system
Shape employer branding through job postings, careers content, and candidate touchpoints
Partner with the Educational Programs team to develop talent pipelines and alumni engagement
Build talent pools from past applicants and aligned individuals
Back up other HR team members occasionally when necessary
Report to the Director of Human Resources

Requirements

What you’ll need

4+ years of experience in talent acquisition, either on an internal HR team or as an external recruiter
Experience managing hiring across a wide range of roles and seniority levels
Deep alignment with Cato's mission and principles
Track record of building, improving, and rebuilding hiring processes
Experience getting hiring managers and leadership to adopt new processes
Comfort using hiring data and metrics to spot problems, measure progress, and make the case for change
Sound judgment in assessing candidates against clear, consistent criteria
Confidence advising hiring managers at every level
Positive, outgoing demeanor and polished professional presence
Working knowledge of benefits administration, onboarding, and employee relations
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis
This position does not offer visa sponsorship
Experience implementing and using advanced ATS systems such as Greenhouse, Ashby, Lever, or iCIMS is preferred
Resume and cover letter demonstrating interest in Cato’s mission required for application

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Employer contribution to a Health Savings Account (HSA)
Generous vacation and sick leave
Paid parental leave
Employer-provided life and disability insurance
401(k) with employer match
Transit/Parking benefits
Pet discount plan