Director, Early Talent Programs

Job Summary

The Director of Early Talent Programs plays a critical role in shaping the future workforce of Acuity’s global organization. This leader drives the strategy to attract, develop, and retain early-career talent across key regions—initially focused on the U.S., Mexico, and Ireland, with expansion to additional global locations over time.

In this role, you will oversee early-career pipelines including university partnerships, internship and co-op programs, and rotational leadership development programs. You will work closely with business leaders, HR teams, and academic partners to position the company as an employer of choice for emerging talent around the world.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

• Develop and execute a global early talent strategy aligned with long-term workforce needs, collaborating with senior business leaders and HR partners across regions.
• Develop and expand early-career programs for undergraduate and advanced-degree candidates, including internships, co-ops, and leadership rotations, to support business objectives.
• Monitor and improve talent pipeline effectiveness, ensuring high-quality candidate and employee experiences from recruitment through conversion.
• Establish and maintain strategic relationships with universities, colleges, professional associations, and student groups in key areas.
• Represent the company at academic events, advisory boards, and recruitment summits.'
• Lead global campus recruiting strategies that strengthen our employer brand and increase visibility across targeted institutions.
• Partner with Marketing/Communications teams to develop engaging campus marketing campaigns, social media outreach, and digital content that reflect our global employer brand and associate value proposition.
• Oversee the planning and execution of campus events, on-site experiences, competitions, and other engagement activities.
• Enable and influence business leaders globally to engage with early talent initiatives and support program success.
• Implement performance management, mentorship, training sessions, and development experiences for interns and early-career leadership hires.
• Drive conversion strategies that help transition top interns and program participants into full-time roles across global business units.

Skills and Minimum Experience Required

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, Education, or related field. Master’s degree in HR, Organizational Development, Business, or related field preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive career experience, with strong preference for prior experience in global talent acquisition, university relations, or early-career program leadership within a multinational organization.
• Proven ability to design, scale, and manage early-talent and leadership development programs across multiple regions.
• Experience working with HR technologies, ATS platforms, and campus recruiting tools.
• Proven ability to build strong relationships with universities and external partners.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills, including influencing across cultures and time zones.
•  Willingness and ability to travel for campus events and global partnership. 

Competencies

• Strategic thinking & global workforce planning
• Relationship building & stakeholder influence
• Program design & operational excellence
• Employer branding & marketing insight
•  Data-driven decision making
• Leadership & talent development
• Matrixed organization navigation