Talent Specialist

OUR COMPANY

Kokua’s mission is to empower students by matching schools with passionate guest educators who maximize substitute teaching time. By the end of high school, teacher absences result in an average of 1+ years of lost learning time, particularly in underserved communities. We solve this problem by placing dedicated substitutes (or Guest Teachers) into classrooms across the United States. We believe that proximity is power, and that one role model can change a student’s life forever. We are a driven team looking to make a lasting impact for future generations. As the world adjusts to new ways of life, inspiring role models are as important as ever, and we’re looking for a new team member to drive this mission forward.

Kokua began in Chicago in 2011 and has since grown across the country. We were recognized by Forbes in 2016 as an up-and-coming organization making an impact in the field of education. We have exciting growth plans ahead, and this is where you come in.

YOUR ROLE

Kokua’s Talent Specialists are the gatekeepers of the organization by determining which teachers have potential to be successful for our students. They are student-centered, personable, and relentless in achieving goals. They are thorough, diligent, and have the ability to make a quick read on people. They are charismatic, energetic, and have the ability to easily establish rapport with teacher candidates from a variety of different backgrounds. Last, talent specialists are persistent and will not stop until they find a solution. Does this sound like you?

The Talent Specialist role is responsible for sourcing and hiring high-caliber teachers to fill 100% of vacancies for our school partners. You source, interview, and hire candidates at a high volume who will be a positive presence in our students’ lives. You manage teacher recruitment channels and support our Operations Team by maintaining relationships with the Guest Teachers you’ve hired and helping to ensure longevity through multiple assignments. Talent Specialists are critical for building and cultivating a pool of high-caliber Guest Teachers that schools love.

The salary range for this role is $55k-60k. While this role is remote, we’re currently looking for candidates located in the Texas area, given the local context required to succeed in this role.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Hire incredible teachers efficiently and effectively

Your main role is to recruit, interview, hire, and onboard top-caliber Guest Teacher candidates at the speed and volume required. This requires ingenuity, efficiency, and the ability to stay focused on the end outcome despite many moving parts. The goal is for these teachers to be successful with our students, and our school leaders to be pleased with the quality and quantity of teachers available to them. You will invest candidates in the Kokua mission, our students, and the opportunity to forever impact young lives.

2. Source Candidates

You will use various channels, both digital and non-digital, to generate the applications necessary to hit your hiring goals. You understand recruitment channels and strategies, and you are creative and innovative in establishing partnerships. You are charismatic and compelling and have the ability to network and bring others into our mission.

3. Leverage Data to Improve Regional Hiring Performance

You are data driven and use results to improve performance. You decipher reports and graphs that enable you to develop innovative solutions to improve Guest Teacher hiring. You rely on data to find opportunities for optimization and increased efficiency in our recruitment channels and candidate experience.

4. Ensure Alignment Across Teams and Functions

You are directly responsible for organizational success by working closely with our Regional and Operations Teams to ensure we are matching the right talent to the right classrooms. You are professional, solutions-oriented, and follow through on deadlines. You bring a positive energy to the team and inspire those around you through your work and dedication.

WHO YOU ARE

• A nose for talent, making good hiring decisions based on a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience and judgment.
• Dedicated to excellent Customer service
• Able to work across functions and teams within the organization with an understanding of the business operations as a whole. 
• Strong communicator, able to clearly articulate value propositions.
• Self-driven, determined with a passion for meeting your goals.
• A great relationship builder who’s savvy in navigating social situations and relates to all kinds of people.

QUALIFICATIONS

• K-12 classroom experience is a huge plus. 
• 2+ years of recruitment or related experience is preferred.
• Bachelor’s or equivalent work experience
• Proficiency with Excel, Google Suite
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Preference given to candidates in the Texas area

Everything we do is driven by the belief that every child, given the proper learning environment, has a unique and powerful gift to share with the world.  We believe that exposing children to positive adult influences exponentially increases the likelihood of this outcome.  If you’re looking for impact, and hungry to grow within a rapidly growing organization, we encourage you to apply!