Talent Programs Specialist

Summary of Functions

The Talent Programs Specialist manages signature talent programming and supports Talent Development and Inclusive Strategies priorities. This position provides primary management of the DSM Intern Connection program and Young Professionals Connection (YPC) and supports implementation of additional talent initiatives including the national talent campaign, The Legacy Project:
Career Ready Collective and other talent initiatives. Through strong program leadership and partnership engagement, this role strengthens the region’s talent ecosystem and supports long-term workforce success.

• Provides end-to-end leadership of DSM Intern Connection, including program planning, recruitment, execution and deliverables.
• Leads intern engagement experiences, including professional development, networking and community engagement.
• Collects and leverages data and feedback from employers and participants to continuously improve program design and outcomes.
• Builds relationships with internship program administrators and career development professionals throughout the region and serves as a subject-matter expert for Investors and Regional Chamber Members.
• Team lead of Young Professionals Connection (YPC) with the goal of increasing membership and delivering professional development opportunities for young professionals in Greater Des Moines.
• Assists Senior Vice President of Talent Development and Inclusive Strategies with the management of memberships, financials and governance and the YPC Board with elections, meetings and communications.
• Supports The Legacy Project:
  Career Ready Collective program and operations.
• Manages talent attraction programming and supports talent campaign implementation including coordinating with internal teams and contributes to data collection, reporting and storytelling on talent campaign outcomes.
• Identifies and leads regional representation activities, including campus engagement and career-related events, to advance program goals and regional talent priorities.
• Coordinates partner and employer participation in talent development initiatives, serving as a connector and facilitator across systems and programs.
• Owns planning, execution, and project management for assigned talent initiatives, ensuring alignment with regional strategy and organizational priorities. Develops and maintains project plans, timelines, budgets, and deliverables, across multiple concurrent initiatives.
• Attends Talent Development and Inclusive Strategies board and council meetings and provides updates as requested.
• Assists with execution of Talent Development and Inclusive Strategies priorities as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to interact confidently and professionally with a wide range of stakeholders, including Partnership Investors, Regional Chamber Members, students, partners and prospective talent.
• Very strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously while leading programs from start to finish.
• Must be detail oriented, self-starter and be able to multi-task.
• Highly adaptable and have the ability to work well with others and within a team, both internally and externally.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive or proprietary information.
• Willingness and ability to travel.

• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, business, human resources, or a related field.
• Project coordination or human resources and workforce development experience preferred.