Vice Director People, Education and Culture at ICFO, Barcelona | SPIE@ICFO Chair for Diversity in Photonic Sciences | Catalonia Quantum Academy…
ICFO is a leading research center in the field of photonics, dedicated to advancing the science and technology of light and its applications. Located in the Mediterranean Technology Park in the metropolitan area of Barcelona, ICFO is at the forefront of groundbreaking research and innovation in areas such as quantum technologies, biophotonics, clean tech, and photonic integrated circuits. ICFO employs 500 people, including researchers, PhD students and staff personnel. In its area of specialization and category, the institute is consistently ranked among the highest-quality research institutions worldwide. Our mission is to contribute to scientific knowledge, foster technology transfer, educate graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, and promote the responsible engagement of science in society.
This senior leadership position plays a crucial role to ensure that ICFO recruits the best possible staff, students and researchers across all areas of operation.
POSITION OVERVIEW
ICFO is seeking a highly motivated and experienced leader for the role of Head of Talent Attraction.
Reporting to the Vice-Director of People, Education and Culture, the Head of Talent Attraction will lead a dedicated team responsible to ensure that ICFO recruits the best possible staff, students and researchers across all areas of operation.
A competitive salary within ICFO’s management salary scales will be offered, depending on the seniority of the applicant.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
* Develop and continuously improve ICFO’s Talent Acquisition Strategy, in collaboration with ICFO’s research Group Leaders and relevant units within ICFO.
* Grow and maintain Recruitment Pipelines, including dissemination channels, institutional connections to master’s & undergraduate programs, including tracking potential candidates.
* Coordinate Advertising Campaigns and Material in collaboration with the Communications team.
* Implement efficient and effective Recruitment & Selection Procedures to ensure that top candidates may be hired with minimum overhead in compliance with relevant regulations and in collaboration with ICFO’s research groups and relevant units.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
* 5+ years of experience in a talent attraction or recruitment role in a research-driven organization.
* Proven experience in designing and implementing strategic recruitment initiatives tailored to attracting top researchers, scientists, and professionals in a competitive market.
* Expertise in developing and promoting the employer brand to enhance visibility and attractiveness among global talent pools.
* Ability to collaborate with senior leadership, including research group leaders, to align recruitment strategies with institutional goals.
* Experience working with universities, research institutions, and international organizations to attract top talent from diverse backgrounds.
* Strong ability to leverage data and insights to improve recruitment processes, optimize hiring timelines, and forecast talent needs.
* Commitment to fostering inclusive hiring practices and ensuring diverse talent pipelines.
We will also value demonstrable experience in:
* Experience with public sector recruiting in the regional, national and/or European context, and familiarity with employment regulations, visa sponsorship, and mobility policies affecting international researchers.
* Understanding of research funding requirements and hiring constraints related to grants and public funding.
* Experience leading and mentoring talent acquisition teams in a research or academic environment, including strategic planning and reporting.
* Proficiency in using applicant tracking systems (ATS), AI-driven sourcing tools, and social media platforms for recruitment.
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS & SKILLS
* Strong leadership, relationship-building, and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to inspire trust, credibility and collaboration.
* Ability to anticipate future talent needs, align recruitment with institutional goals, and innovate in talent attraction strategies.
* Ability to work in a diverse, international environment, understanding different cultural perspectives and adapting strategies accordingly.
* Capacity to navigate challenges in recruitment, from talent shortages to legal complexities, while maintaining a proactive and solution-oriented mindset.
* Ability to interpret recruitment metrics and trends to make informed decisions and continuously optimize talent attraction strategies.
* Exceptional communication skills, both oral and written.
* Fluency in English; additional languages (especially Spanish and Catalan) are a plus.
WHY JOIN ICFO
At ICFO, you will have the opportunity to lead innovation and engagement at a globally renowned research institution.
This role offers a platform to make a meaningful impact by recruiting outstanding students, researchers, and staff to fulfill ICFO’s triple mission of performing groundbreaking research, educating the next generation of research leaders, and transforming research into solutions that benefit society.
ICFO provides an intellectually stimulating and inclusive environment, dedicated to fostering professional growth and advancing the frontiers of science and technology.
CONDITIONS
This is a full-time permanent position. The contract offered will be interim if the Oferta Pública d’Aprovació is not approved at the time of incorporation.
A competitive salary within ICFO’s salary scales will be offered, commensurate with the seniority of the applicant.
ICFO is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
To apply, please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your experience and vision for the role, and contact information for three professional references. Applications should be submitted by March 18, 2025.
Selection will include a pre-screening of applicants based on eligibility and experience, followed by an interview with a short-list of candidates.
Candidates will be notified of the outcome within 15 days of the interview.
For updated information about ICFO, please visit http://www.icfo.eu.
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