Talent Management Program Manager

Department: Office of Human Resources
Salary/Grade: EXS/11

Job Summary

The Talent Management Program Manager is responsible for leading the design, execution, and assessment of talent management initiatives at Northwestern University. This role will drive performance management, effectiveness.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Leads the performance management program, including the design (or re-design) and implementation of performance review processes, goal setting, and feedback mechanisms, and managing a community of administrators across Northwestern.
• Manages the functionality of performance management within the myHR Learn LMS, including system configuration, updates, user support, and integration of performance management tools.
• Develops and executes employee engagement and retention strategies to enhance job satisfaction and reduce turnover.
• Manages and continuously improves the onboarding program, in collaboration with HR stakeholders and Talent Acquisition, to provide an engaging, seamless orientation experience for new hires, integrating organizational values and expectations.
• Oversee the development and management of recognition programs that celebrate and reinforce exemplary employee contributions across the university.
• Partners with HR, leadership, and cross-functional teams to integrate talent management practices into the larger employee lifecycle.
• Creates communication and training resources for employees and managers to ensure clarity and effectiveness of talent management processes.
• Monitors and measures the effectiveness of all talent management initiatives, using metrics and feedback to inform program evolution and continuous improvement.
• Drives engagement initiatives through the Culture Amp listening tool, managing the process, analyzing results, and collaborating with the Director of Inclusion, Talent Acquisition, HR Business Partners, and school/unit leadership to guide and support the implementation of targeted engagement strategies across the organization.

*Will perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum 6 years of experience in talent management, including the design, implementation, and management of performance management programs, employee engagement, and retention strategies. Proven track record in leading talent management initiatives that drive employee development, satisfaction, and organizational effectiveness
• Skills:
  • Deep knowledge of talent management practices, including performance management, employee engagement, retention strategies, and recognition programs.
  • Proficiency in implementing and managing performance management tools and systems.
  • Strong project management skills, with the ability to oversee multiple talent management initiatives and ensure successful execution.
  • Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Master's degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience: 8+ years of experience in talent management, particularly in designing and implementing performance management systems, employee engagement initiatives, and talent recognition programs.
  Experience in developing and managing succession planning, talent portfolios, and career development initiatives. Experience leading large-scale change management initiatives within a complex organization.
• Skills:
  • Expertise in performance management, onboarding, employee recognition, engagement surveys, and succession planning.
  • Familiarity with talent management platforms and tools (e.g., Cornerstone, Culture Amp) and their integration into talent development processes.
  • Ability to guide and support schools/units in developing their own talent management practices and promoting internal mobility.
  • Strong analytical skills, with experience using data to inform decisions and drive improvements in talent management programs.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $105,000 - $115,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.