Director, Talent Solutions - job 1 of 2

As the Director, Talent Solutions at Per Scholas, you will be primarily responsible for developing a comprehensive business development strategy aimed at engaging prospective employers. This involves networking with decision-makers, identifying their technology hiring needs, and presenting solutions that connect them with our talented graduates. You'll manage relationships to ensure client satisfaction and oversee the successful placement of our graduates into relevant IT roles, all while analyzing market trends to keep our strategies competitive.

To qualify for the Director, Talent Solutions role at Per Scholas, applicants should have at least five years of relevant experience in sales, business development, or recruiting within the tech industry. A proven track record of closing deals, along with exceptional relationship management skills, is essential. Candidates should also demonstrate a strong understanding of the IT workforce landscape and possess the ability to foster a consultative relationship with employers.

The Director, Talent Solutions contributes significantly to the success of Per Scholas graduates by securing employment opportunities with major employers. By developing strategic employer relationships and offering bespoke solutions to hiring challenges, you'll facilitate connections that allow graduates to find roles matching their skills. Not only does this ensure a smooth transition into their careers, but it also increases job placements, which is a key measure of success for the organization.

The work environment for the Director, Talent Solutions at Per Scholas is dynamic and collaborative. You'll be part of a passionate team dedicated to promoting equity in the tech sector and uplifting community talent. The role is ideally suited for someone who thrives in a fast-paced setting, where innovative ideas and collaborative efforts drive success. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are crucial, as you'll be engaging with various stakeholders including employers, colleagues, and community leaders.

As Director, Talent Solutions at Per Scholas, your impact on the community is profound. By connecting underrepresented talent with job opportunities in technology, you will actively contribute to closing the skills gap and fostering economic mobility. Your work not only enhances the career trajectories of our graduates but also serves employers’ needs for skilled talent, thus promoting a more equitable and inclusive tech workforce.

When answering this question, focus on your specific strategies for developing new partnerships and engaging employers. Highlight any successful campaigns you've executed that resulted in job placements or revenue generation. Use metrics where possible to quantify your success, demonstrating a data-driven approach.

Discuss your approach to relationship management, emphasizing communication, understanding employer needs, and delivering value. Share examples of how you’ve adapted your engagement strategies based on feedback from employers, and how this flexibility has led to successful partnerships.

Outline a comprehensive strategy that includes regular communication with employers to understand their needs, ongoing assessments of graduate job readiness, and close collaboration with internal teams to ensure a strong match between graduates and job opportunities. Stress the importance of gathering and analyzing data to continually refine these strategies.

Stay informed about current IT trends, such as increased demand in cybersecurity and cloud computing. Discuss how these trends affect hiring practices and how you can leverage this information to better align Per Scholas’ offerings with market needs.

Explain your organizational methods, such as using CRM tools to track engagement and deadlines. Discuss your ability to assess the potential value of each account and how you allocate your resources to ensure all accounts receive the attention they need.

Choose a relevant example that showcases your negotiation skills. Explain the challenge, your approach to understanding the employer's needs, and how you reached a solution that benefited both parties. Highlight your ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.

Emphasize your use of data analytics to guide decisions, improve processes, and measure results. Discuss specific metrics that are critical to your strategy, such as placement rates, employer satisfaction scores, and hiring trends within specific sectors.

Talk about the importance of regular communication with employers about their expectations and how you use this information to tailor training programs accordingly. Mention how you facilitate feedback loops between employers and training staff to align skills development with market needs.

Share specifics about the CRM tools you’re familiar with and how you've used them to track interactions, manage follow-ups, and nurture relationships. Describe how these tools help you in maintaining organized records that inform your strategy moving forward.

Convey your passion for promoting equity in the tech industry and how Per Scholas’ mission resonates with you personally. Discuss your desire to help individuals find fulfilling careers and your belief in the value of diverse talent in technology.