Overview

As a University Talent Acquisition Sourcing Recruiter, you will be a strategic ambassador of Microsoft’s early-in-profession hiring strategy, focused on attracting top-tier student talent across AI, Research, Data & Applied Science, and Software Engineering disciplines. You’ll serve as a connector between Microsoft’s technical hiring teams and leading academic institutions & labs cultivating relationships with faculty, alumni, student organizations, and career centers to build a robust pipeline of future innovators.

This role demands a blend of strategic sourcing expertise, relationship-building finesse, and operational excellence. You will identify and assess high-potential academic ecosystems, including top universities, research programs and labs to inform and shape Microsoft’s EiP (Early in Profession) strategy. You will lead targeted outreach campaigns, manage specialized campus events, and collaborate with internal stakeholders to deliver data-driven recruiting experiences that reflect Microsoft’s mission and values.

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

Responsibilities

Candidate Attraction.

Drive university sourcing strategies across a portfolio of top-tier programs/institutions, research labs, and technical conferences, with a focus on identifying and engaging high-potential talent in AI, technical research, and engineering.

Elicit interest from both passive and active candidates by effectively communicating Microsoft’s business story and contributing to the development of new narratives that resonate with emerging talent.

Generate awareness and excitement for future hiring needs through strategic networking and targeted community outreach events, both on campus and at industry conferences.

Cultivate lasting relationships with academic leaders, student organizations, and alumni networks to elevate Microsoft’s brand presence and visibility within the university ecosystem.

Stakeholder/Client Engagement

Partner with hiring managers, peer recruiters, and technical teams to understand evolving talent needs and translate them into effective sourcing and engagement plans that support Microsoft’s university recruiting strategy.

Serve as a strategic advisor to stakeholders, providing insights on talent market trends and recommending innovative approaches to attract and engage top university talent.

Foster collaborative relationships with academic and business stakeholders to ensure alignment on hiring priorities and maximize the impact of recruiting initiatives.

Other

Embody our culture and values

Qualifications

Required/minimum qualifications

Bachelor's Degree AND 4+ years talent acquisition experience (e.g., recruiting, sourcing), HR experience, or industry experience related to role
- OR equivalent experience.
1+ year(s) talent acquisition experience (recruiting or sourcing) supporting technical or engineering roles.
1+ year(s) of experience in university relations, campus recruiting, or early-career talent acquisition, including direct engagement with academic institutions or student programs

Additional or preferred qualifications

Bachelor's Degree AND 8+ years talent acquisition experience (e.g., recruiting, sourcing), HR experience, or industry experience related to role
- OR Master's Degree AND 6+ years talent acquisition experience (e.g., recruiting, sourcing), HR experience, or industry experience related to role
- OR equivalent experience.
Experience in program management for campus recruiting initiatives, including event strategy, coordination across multiple stakeholders, and management of budgets and detailed logistics.
Proven experience using talent market trends and data-driven insights to shape hiring strategies and optimize outcomes
Demonstrated ability engaging with stakeholders at all levels, including students, faculty and senior technical leaders, acting as a bridge between academia and industry.
Solid understanding of AI technologies, software engineering, and data & applied research talent profiles
Interpersonal skills with a natural ability to build rapport, foster trust, and connect people across diverse backgrounds and disciplines.
Skilled in crafting authentic stories that highlight business vision and attract top talent.
Relationship-building and both verbal & written communication skills.
Willingness to travel at least ~20% annually includes heavier travel during peak recruiting windows.

Talent Acquisition IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $85,100 - $169,800 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $112,000 - $185,300 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay

Microsoft will accept applications and processes offers for these roles on an ongoing basis.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request via the Accommodation request form.

Benefits/perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Microsoft and the country where you work.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay

This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.